The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is in the process of establishing a research initiative to examine how best to support the development of national and local capacities for disaster risk management. The objective of the research is to increase the effectiveness of international efforts to support the capacity building of national and local institutions which are the key to building resilience and to first-line humanitarian response. It is envisaged that this will be an operational research programme drawing on country case studies in a range of different contexts including fragile conflict- affected states, states with established National Disaster Management Authorities, and low income countries who possess little national response infrastructure. The Call for Proposals is expected to open in May 2013, with a closing date for proposals in late June 2013. This early announcement of the expected Call is to allow prospective project consortia time to initiate contact, and joint development of ideas in order to prepare for the upcoming Call.