The Mapped Research Scholarship
Rigorous evidence synthesis shouldn't be gated by budget. Our scholarship sponsors full Mapped access for students and for researchers in low- and middle-income countries who face the steepest cost barriers — transparently, on merit and need.
Free to apply · Reviewed in quarterly cycles · Applying does not guarantee an award.
What the scholarship covers
The goal is simple: remove the cost barrier for one complete, rigorous review — and give awardees the support to do it well.
Full Mapped Project access
A sponsored Mapped Project license (normally $119/project) for one complete systematic review — the full eight-step workflow, from research-question validation through to a publication-ready manuscript. Larger teams may be considered for a Mapped Team license on a case-by-case basis.
Methodology onboarding
A guided onboarding session and access to our methodology resources, so the award translates into a stronger, more rigorous review — not just free software. PRISMA, GRADE, and risk-of-bias support are built into the workflow.
Equity-first priority
We give priority to applicants who face the steepest cost barriers: students without an institutional license, and researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (aligned with the Research4Life country list).
No application fee, ever
Applying is free. We never charge to apply, and an application is never a purchase. There is no obligation, and declining or accepting an award has no effect on your ability to use Mapped's free tier.
Who it's for
There are two priority tracks. You only need to meet the criteria for one. If you're unsure whether you qualify, apply anyway and tell us your situation — we read every application.
Student track
- Currently enrolled in a Master's-by-research or PhD program at an accredited institution
- Conducting, or starting within ~6 months, a systematic review or meta-analysis as part of your research
- Have a valid academic or institutional email address for verification
- Do not already have access through an institutional Mapped license
Global access track
- Researcher or clinician based in a low- or middle-income country (Research4Life-aligned)
- Conducting a systematic review, meta-analysis, or other evidence-synthesis project
- Able to describe a clear research question and a realistic plan to complete the review
- Limited or no access to funded systematic-review tooling at your institution
How to apply
Four steps, no fee. We've kept the materials light on purpose — enough to assess merit and need, not a grant-writing marathon.
01
Prepare your materials
A short structured proposal (research question in PICOS form, planned methods, and expected timeline), a one-paragraph impact statement, and a brief statement of need explaining the cost barrier you face. Students should include a short note of support from a supervisor.
02
Submit your application
Send everything through our contact form with the subject line "Scholarship application." Use your academic or institutional email so we can verify eligibility. Submissions are reviewed in quarterly cycles.
03
Panel review
A small review panel assesses each application against the published criteria below. We may ask for clarification or documentation to confirm eligibility. We do not share your application outside the panel.
04
Decision & onboarding
You'll hear back after the cycle closes — whether or not you're selected. Awardees receive their sponsored license and an onboarding session. If you're not selected, you're welcome to reapply in a future cycle.
How we select — fairly and transparently
A small panel reviews every application against the same four criteria. We weigh both merit and need, because the program exists to close evidence-access gaps — not only to reward the most polished proposals.
Applying does not guarantee an award.
We receive more strong applications than we can fund each cycle. Awards are limited, granted on merit and need at the panel's discretion, and depend on the funding available that cycle. Please plan your project on the assumption that an award is not guaranteed — and reapply in a future cycle if you're not selected.
Methodological soundness
Is the research question clear and answerable, and is the planned approach appropriate for a systematic review or meta-analysis?
Potential impact
Could the completed review meaningfully inform the field, clinical practice, policy, or an underserved evidence gap?
Demonstrated need
How significant is the cost barrier you face, and would the award make a material difference to your ability to complete rigorous work?
Feasibility
Is there a realistic plan and timeline to carry the review through to completion within the award period?
Non-discrimination. Decisions are made without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin.
Your data stays private. Applications are seen only by the panel, never sold, and not used to market to you. Ask us to delete yours anytime.
No fee, no catch. Applying is free and carries no obligation. An award sponsors your review — it is never a sale.
Questions applicants ask
- Does applying guarantee that I'll receive a scholarship?
- No. Submitting an application does not guarantee an award. We typically receive more strong applications than we can fund in a given cycle, so awards are limited and granted at the discretion of the review panel based on the published criteria. We encourage you to apply, but please plan your project on the assumption that an award is not guaranteed.
- How many scholarships are awarded, and how often?
- We review applications in quarterly cycles and award a limited number each cycle. The exact number depends on the funding available in that cycle, so we don't promise a fixed count. We'd rather under-promise and fund well than overstate what we can sustainably support.
- Who is eligible?
- Two groups receive priority: students enrolled in a research Master's or PhD who are conducting a systematic review, and researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (aligned with the Research4Life list). In both cases we prioritize applicants who don't already have access through an institutional license.
- What does the award actually cover?
- A sponsored Mapped Project license for one complete systematic review (the full eight-step workflow), plus a methodology onboarding session. Larger research teams may be considered for a Mapped Team license case-by-case. The award covers the review described in your application; it is not a transferable cash grant.
- Is there any cost to apply?
- No. Applying is completely free, and we never sell access to the program. There is no application fee at any stage.
- How do you handle my application data?
- Your application is seen only by the review panel and is used solely to assess eligibility and merit. We don't sell or share it, and we don't add you to marketing lists because you applied. You can ask us to delete your application data at any time. See our Privacy Policy for details.
- Is selection fair and non-discriminatory?
- Yes. Awards are made on merit and need against published criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin. If you need an accommodation to apply, let us know and we'll work with you.
- What if I already started my review, or already paid for a project?
- You can still apply if you meet the criteria — many reviews are already underway. If you recently paid for a project and are then awarded a scholarship, contact us and we'll work out a fair adjustment. We can't promise retroactive refunds, but we'll try to do right by you.
Ready to apply?
Send your materials through the contact form with the subject “Scholarship application,” using your academic or institutional email. We read every application and reply after the cycle closes — selected or not.