Application Deadline: 15th January 2026.
LOCATION: England
Applications are invited from pairs of researchers (postdoctoral level and above) from the University of Cambridge and African universities or research institutes, across all disciplines, to initiate and/or strengthen research collaborations that address key challenges in climate resilience and sustainability. In this round, they will also consider Research Catalyst applications from NIAB and Wellcome Sanger Institute.
ELIGIBILITY:
The purpose of the Mastercard Foundation and University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund (CReSus RF) is to develop innovative, integrated and interdisciplinary responses to sustainability and climate challenges, and shape the African continent’s responses to these challenges through research, innovation and skills development for the next generation. This fund is part of the Africa Climate Collaborative – a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the University of Ghana, Makerere University, University of Cape Town and University of Cambridge. Together, the partners are empowering young Africans to lead climate resilient and sustainable futures.
In CReSus RF, applicants from Cambridge apply jointly with applicants from universities/ research institutes in Africa and co-create the projects. It is important that the funding is not simply used to provide services that will be carried out at one institution on behalf of the other, and that true collaboration is demonstrated in the application. All applications must justify how the research is relevant to climate resilience and sustainability. This may be broadly interpreted. Funding is not restricted to science departments but is open to all disciplines and departments. Multi-disciplinary and inter- disciplinary applications are particularly welcomed as are innovative approaches.
Research proposals that engage with young people on the African continent (aged <36 years) and /or are of benefit to young people will be prioritised. Principal Investigators (PIs) are encouraged to consider how young people might be involved in the research team in Africa. Workshop proposals should be designed to enhance the skills of young people in Africa.
Both applicants should be at post-doctoral level or above although due consideration will be given for equivalent experience. Please contact us if one of the applicants does not have a PhD.
By completing an application, it is understood that both applicants are doing so with support from their Head of Department or equivalent. Both applicants should have a formal link to a research group/department/faculty in their home institution. It is also expected that both applicants remain employed beyond the end date of the awards. The awards are not intended to support post-graduate students, however, limited support for students (e.g. as part of a research project or internship) is encouraged.
The Cambridge- based applicant must be working at the University of Cambridge. In this round, we will also consider Research Catalyst Grant applications from NIAB. The Cambridge applicants will act as the lead applicants, for administrative purposes, as the awards will be managed by their Cambridge Departments/Faculties/Institutes. The Africa-based applicant must be in a University or Research Institution of comparable standing to a University on the African continent.
BENEFIT:
In this round, applications can only be made for a Research Catalyst Grant for up to £20,000 or a Workshop Grant for up to £50,000. We do not cover salaries of either PI, overheads, or grant administration costs. Most awards will be for a period of 12 months or less, although longer timescales may be considered if well justified. For queries on eligible costs, please contact cresusrf@cambridge-africa.cam.ac.uk
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