The Cambridge University Mastercard Research Fund has launched an ambitious £7.7 million initiative aimed at fostering groundbreaking research collaborations between African and Cambridge University researchers in climate resilience and sustainability.
This prestigious grant program, running from 2025 to 2030, offers two significant funding opportunities: a Research Catalyst Grant of up to £20,000 and a Workshop Grant reaching £50,000.
The program represents a strategic partnership between the University of Cambridge and the Mastercard Foundation, designed to catalyze innovative research and strengthen existing collaborations across disciplines.
Opportunity Summary
- Grant Types: Workshop Grants (£50,000) and Research Catalyst Grants (£20,000)
- Total Investment: £7.7 million funding initiative
- Duration: Annual awards from 2025 to 2030
- Focus Areas: Climate resilience and sustainability research
- Application Deadline: March 21, 2025.
About the Opportunity
The Mastercard Foundation and University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund represents a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at fostering innovative research partnerships between African and Cambridge researchers.
This initiative supports projects addressing critical challenges in climate resilience and sustainability through a £7.7 million investment program running until 2030.
Eligibility Criteria
Principal Investigators Requirements:
- Must be at post-doctoral level or have equivalent experience.
- Cambridge-based applicant must be working at the University of Cambridge.
- Africa-based applicant must be affiliated with a Research Institution or University in Africa.
Project Requirements:
- Must demonstrate relevance to climate resilience and sustainability:
- Multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary proposals are highly encouraged
- Projects engaging young people (under 36 years) on the African continent will be prioritized:
Who Should Apply
The program is ideal for:
- Research teams seeking to build long-term Africa-Cambridge collaborations
- Early-career researchers aiming to enhance their research capabilities
- Scientists, social scientists, and humanities scholars interested in climate resilience
Benefits
Financial Support:
- Workshop Grants: Up to £50,000
- Research Catalyst Grants: Up to £20,000
- Potential pathway to secure additional funding from other bodies
Professional Development:
- Networking opportunities with leading researchers
- Enhanced research capabilities through collaborative projects
- Access to resources and expertise at both institutions
How to Apply
- Registration: Cambridge-based Principal Investigator must register on the Cambridge-Africa website
- Required Documents:
- Case for support
- Itemized budget (template provided)
- Lay summary
- Letters of support from both institutions
- CVs (maximum 2 pages) for both Principal Investigators
- Submission: Complete the online application form with all required documents by the deadline
Key Deadlines
- Applications Opening: January 7, 2025.
- Final Submission: March 21, 2025.
- Results Announcement: By end of May 2025.
Tips for Successful Application
- Research Relevance:
- Clearly demonstrate how your project addresses climate resilience
- Highlight innovative approaches and methodologies
- Show potential impact on sustainability challenges
- Collaboration Quality:
- Emphasize genuine partnership between institutions
- Detail how resources and expertise will be shared
- Demonstrate mutual benefits for both parties
- Youth Engagement:
- Include strategies for involving young researchers
- Detail capacity building components
- Show how the project will benefit next-generation researchers
Conclusion
The Cambridge University Mastercard Research Fund represents a significant opportunity for African and Cambridge researchers to collaborate on critical climate resilience and sustainability challenges.
To apply for this transformative opportunity, qualified researchers should submit their applications through the Cambridge-Africa website before March 21, 2025.
