Application Timeline | DREAM 4 Health

Are you ready to submit a DREAM 4 Health proposal? This guide will walk you through every step of the application process, from submission to award decision.

First of all, please sign up to the SEA DREAM Application Portal on the SEA DREAM website at www.grants.sea-dream.org.
Once registered, lead applicants can access and complete the online application form within the portal. The preliminary application opens on 30 January 2026.    

The preliminary application period runs from 30 January to 24 March 2026. During this stage, your submission will undergo eligibility checks and review. A committee will assess alignment with the thematic areas, SEA DREAM objectives,
the indicative budget, proposed milestones, and the capabilities of the project team.

If shortlisted, you will be invited to submit a comprehensive full application.

Next, submit your proposal through the SEA DREAM Application Portal. Full application submission opens on 14 May 2026 and closes on 10 July 2026.

At this stage, you will also be able to invite co-applicants to collaborate on the submission. From mid-July to mid-September 2026, applications will be peer-reviewed by independent experts in relevant fields. These reviewers will assess the
scientific quality and overall merit of the proposed research and activities.

At the same time, SEA DREAM will conduct a parallel cost review of the submitted budgets. By mid-October 2026, applicants will be invited to a panel interview conducted by independent experts. Key personnel, including the Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator, will be expected to present. Don’t worry, you will receive guidance and preparation tips in advance.

Applications will be scored on their potential to deliver:

• Generating Impactful Research,
• Nurturing Leadership and Research Talent,
• Fostering Regional Collaboration and Programme Governance,
• Strengthening Research Ecosystems, and
• Qualifications and Operational Feasibility.

SEA DREAM internal staff will conduct detailed due diligence checks on the consortia recommended by the Selection and Evaluation Interview Panel, including a review of the lead organisations’ relevant organisational, operational, and financial policies and practices related to grant management and the conduct of research, taking place between mid-October and mid-November 2026.

The final award decision will be made by the SEA DREAM Steering Committee, based on recommendations from the Evaluation Panel, due diligence findings, and considerations of equity, as well as thematic and geographical balance.

By the end of November 2026, successful applicants will receive an award letter, followed by contract signing to formalise the grant. Are you ready to apply? Please visit the SEA DREAM website for detailed guidelines, FAQs, and support. We're here to help you succeed!