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 for the next generation. Applicants from Cambridge apply jointly with applicants from universities/ 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 postgraduate 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. 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 Research Institution or University on the African continent.

Any enquiries about the scheme can be directed to cresusrf@cambridge-africa.cam.ac.uk

BENEFIT:

In this round, applications can be made for a Research Catalyst Grant for up to £20,000 or a workshop Grant for up to £50,000. It is anticipated that many awardees will be able to use the preliminary results from their research catalyst grant to apply for and win significant funding from other funding bodies.