If you are a passionate researcher committed to addressing the challenges of climate resilience and sustainability, the Mastercard Foundation and University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund (CReSus RF) offers a transformative opportunity. This prestigious fund supports interdisciplinary research collaborations between the University of Cambridge and institutions in Africa, empowering researchers to develop innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
Fund Summary
Host Institution: University of Cambridge
Level: Postdoctoral research collaboration
Research Focus: Sustainability and climate challenges on the African continent
Grant Type: Catalyst Grants, Workshop Grants
Value: Research Catalyst Grants; Up to £20,000. Workshop Grants; Up to £50,000
Duration: Typically 12 months (extensions possible)
Application Deadline: March 21, 2025
Eligible Applicants: Collaborative teams from the University of Cambridge and African universities/research institutions, with both applicants at postdoctoral level or higher
Programme Overview
The CReSus RF is dedicated to fostering partnerships that address sustainability and climate challenges on the African continent. Designed to encourage innovation and skill-building, the fund supports two types of grants:
1. Research Catalyst Grants:
Seed funding for new research activities, emphasizing long-term partnerships, interdisciplinary approaches, and projects relevant to climate resilience and sustainability.
2. Workshop Grants:
Funding for high-quality workshops in Africa, co-created and delivered by Cambridge and African researchers, focusing on building the skills and knowledge of early-career researchers.
The fund prioritizes proposals involving or benefiting young people in Africa and encourages multi-disciplinary approaches to ensure the broadest possible impact.
Funding Values and Coverage
The Mastercard Foundation and University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund provides the following benefits:
Funding: Up to £20,000 for Research Catalyst Grants and £50,000 for Workshop Grants.
Equipment Support: Equipment purchased must be for use in Africa and remain with the collaborating African institution.
Skill Development: Workshops focus on empowering early-career African researchers with valuable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Sustainability Focus: Projects are designed to generate long-term collaborations and innovations that directly address pressing climate challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the CReSus RF, candidates must meet the following requirements:
1. Partnership Requirements:
The lead applicant must be based at the University of Cambridge.
The collaborating applicant must be affiliated with a research institution or university in Africa.
2. Academic Level:
Both applicants must hold postdoctoral positions or equivalent.
Applicants without a PhD may be considered if they have equivalent experience.
3. Institutional Support:
Both applicants must have the endorsement of their respective departments or institutions
Remain employed throughout the award period.
4. Project Scope:
Proposals must demonstrate relevance to climate resilience and sustainability
Highlight innovative, interdisciplinary approaches.
5. Collaboration:
Proposals should reflect genuine collaboration between the Cambridge and African teams.
Application Procedure
1. Prepare Application Materials:
Case for support
Lay summary of the project
Detailed budget (template provided)
Letters of support from the respective institutions
CVs (maximum 2 pages for each applicant)
2. Register and Submit Online:
Applications must be submitted through the Cambridge-Africa online portal by March 21, 2025.
3. Referees and Review:
Provide details of two referees with no conflicts of interest. Referees may be contacted during the review process.
4. Approval and Activation:
Successful applicants will receive an award letter and collaboration agreement to formalize funding.
ℹ️ For more information and application details, contact [cresusrf@cambridge-africa.cam.ac.uk].
📂 Download the Application Guidelines PDF
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