Press Release: Launching of DREAM 4 Health Call for Proposal 2026

Press Release

January 27, 2026

SEAMEO launches SEA DREAM – a regionally-led $52m research funding programme in partnership with the UK – and opens its first call for proposals to tackle Southeast Asia's most urgent health challenges and strengthen regional research talent.

BANGKOK, 27 January 2026 - The Developing Research Excellence and Mentorship in Southeast Asia (SEA DREAM) programme has launched the DREAM 4 Health Call for Proposals 2026 at the Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) 2026. Supporting Southeast Asia–led, multi-country research consortia, the programme will address the region’s most pressing and emerging health priorities while cultivating the next generation of research leaders.

With a joint investment of USD 52 million, delivered through a strategic partnership with the Wellcome and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and implemented by the SEAMEO Secretariat alongside regional support, the programme will support at least eight regional research consortia over five years, focusing on discovery and translational research designed to inform policies, solutions, and interventions across Southeast Asia and globally.

This investment responds to a rapidly evolving health landscape in Southeast Asia, where complex environmental, social, and systemic pressures continue to affect the well-being of millions of people across the region. Rising climate-related health impacts, continued burden of infectious and non-communicable disease, growing mental health needs, and uneven access to quality care, together with entrenched health inequities, are placing increasing strain on already fragile communities.

The DREAM 4 Health Call for Proposals 2026 will open on 30 January 2026 and will prioritise four thematic areas: infectious diseases; impact of climate change on health; mental health; and health systems and access to care.

Commenting on the launch, Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat, said:

“Through SEA DREAM, and with the trust given to us by our partners, we see a significant opportunity to contribute to a broad, deep, and sustained health research ecosystem in Southeast Asia. As we open the DREAM 4 Health applications today, we invite eligible researchers to be part of this endeavour, recognising that their expertise, vision, and the diversity of Southeast Asia are the engines that will power this initiative.”

Highlighting the importance of research excellence and regional leadership, Jimmy Volmink, Executive Director for Equity at Wellcome, said:

“Health research in Southeast Asia addresses unique, complex issues, including the impacts of a changing climate on health, a high burden of infectious disease, increased demands for mental health support, and the urgent need to strengthen health systems and access to care."

"We are very proud to support SEA DREAM in partnership with SEAMEO and the UK FCDO. Led by scientists in the region, this collaboration will provide a crucial platform to support high-quality, high-impact research that tackles these global health problems and make a meaningful difference to communities where the need is greatest.”

Speaking on the UK’s commitment to improving health outcomes in the region, UK Ambassador to ASEAN Helen Fazey said:

“From health security to climate resilience, the challenges we face cross borders. SEA DREAM backs the researchers closest to those challenges with the connections and support they need to turn evidence into action. It reflects the UK’s commitment to long-term partnerships that advance shared prosperity and health security, and is exactly the kind of practical partnership the UK champions with SEAMEO and Wellcome. We look forward to working with regional institutions as they lead this effort.”

Full programme information, guidelines and FAQs—covering eligibility, selection and evaluation criteria, and application stages—are available at https://www.sea-dream.org/. Prospective applicants can read the DREAM 4 Health Overview, Grant guidelines and policies, and FAQ on the website and subscribe for updates.

Note to Editors:

About SEA DREAM
SEA DREAM is implemented by the SEAMEO Secretariat in partnership with Wellcome and the UK FCDO. The programme funds equitable, multi-country partnerships that develop Southeast Asia’s next generation of research leaders and address regional and global health and climate challenges.

About British Embassy Bangkok

The British Embassy Bangkok serves as the United Kingdom’s diplomatic mission to Thailand, working to strengthen and advance the vital relationship between our two countries. We address a broad spectrum of political, commercial, security, and economic issues that are of mutual interest to both the UK and Thailand.

About UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is the UK government department responsible for leading the country’s international development and foreign policy efforts. It oversees diplomatic, development, and consular work around the world, promoting the UK’s global interests and values.

About Wellcome
Wellcome's vision is a healthier future for everyone. We support discovery research into life, health and wellbeing, and we’re taking on three urgent health challenges: mental health, infectious disease, and climate and health.

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