The MIT Climate CoLab organizes contests to solicit the world’s best ideas to prevent and adapt to climate change. The current contest invites projects that focus on the question “How can climate risk insurance be linked with other forms of social protection to help vulnerable communities absorb climate impacts?” The UN Climate Resilience Initiative A2R and InsuResilience will provide seed funding for the implementation of the winning proposal (€40 thousand) and mentoring, training and technical assistance (€12 thousand euros). The deadline for proposal submission is 11 February 2018. Learn more about this contest
Ilka Westermeyer
University of Bergen — PhD Course on Food Security
The Bergen Summer Research School offers parallel short courses for PhD students and young researchers on themes of urgent societal problems focusing on the transition to sustainability. One of the six courses will concentrate on the question “Can more food be obtained from the ocean in a sustainable way?”. Another course will deal with food and nutrition insecurity. Stipends to participate in the course are available for qualified individuals who are currently enrolled for studies and carrying out research in a list of eligible developing countries. The application deadline is 15 February 2018. Summer School
Swissuniversities Development and Cooperation Network — Consortia for North-South Education and Research (2nd Call)
The Swissuniversities Development and Cooperation Network (SUDAC) calls for various types of Swiss higher education institutions to partner with each other and with partners in the Global South to develop Consortia for Education and Research (COFER). COFER will aim for stronger integration of research, education, and implementation through new collaborative networks oriented towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Each COFER must address at least two SDGs; provide at least 50% matching funds; and provide funding for partners in the Global South. The application deadline for the current, 2nd call is 28 February 2018. About COFER
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden — Conservation Support Fund 2018
The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (USA) makes grants for field conservation; habitat management; conservation education; ex situ captive breeding; animal health and welfare; and other themes in wildlife research and conservation. Grants generally range from US$1 thousand to US$5 thousand. The annual application deadline is 01 June. About the Conservation Fund
U.S. Department of Commerce — Ocean Exploration Funding Opportunity 2018
NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration & Research (OER) seeks to enhance ocean exploration and scientific knowledge of the unknown or poorly known areas of the ocean. OER seeks proposals focused on three topics including: (1) Exploration of the deep marine environments; (2) Discovery and exploration of prehistorically and historically significant submerged marine heritage sites; and (3) Novel or innovative technologies and methodologies that could increase the pace and scope of ocean exploration. (Note: For themes 1 and 2 proposals outside the US EEZ and the US Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico will not be accepted.). Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education; non-profit institutions; state, local, and tribal governments; for-profit organizations; and U.S. territories. Foreign researchers may participate by submitting a subaward through collaboration with an eligible U.S. entity. The maximum support per project is US$ 750 thousand. Deadline for applications is 07 December 2017. More
Fauna & Flora International — Global Trees Campaign Research Opportunities
The Global Trees Campaign has identified a number of research opportunities which would contribute to tree species conservation and may be of interest for MSc and MRes students looking to collaborate with applied practitioners for their research projects in 2018. The campaign shares the priority research questions on their website. Interested students are invited to apply. A limited number of the research questions will have funding available (up to £1,000) to contribute to research costs. The deadline for expressions of interest is 10 December 2017. More about this opportunity
Swedish International Development Agency — Training on Climate Change in East Africa
Sida funds short-term training in selected development topics for participants from developing countries. Organisations in Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda are invited to nominate candidates for the Advanced International Training Programme ‘Climate Change – Mitigation and Adaptation’. This round of the training programme has a special focus on water resources, incl. agriculture. Candidates representing government organisations, private companies or NGOs at national, regional or local level are encouraged to apply. The training will be provided in three parts; part 1 in Kenya, part 2 in Sweden, and part 3 in Ethiopia. The closing date for applications is 20 December 2017. More about the training program
Israeli Agency for International Development — Professional Course on Agribusiness
Israel’s Agency for International Development (MASHAV) offers professional short courses in Israel in subject areas that include agriculture, energy, health, education, and social development. MASHAV offers a limited number of scholarships to cover course fees, accommodation, medical insurance, and other expenses in Israel. The course “Agribusiness: A Tool for the Empowerment of Rural Women” addresses gender equality and the empowerment of women, as well as economic and social development strategies in rural areas. The course is for policymakers and professionals of the public and private sector, involved in the implementation of agricultural and rural development projects. Additionally, MASHAV offers professional courses in Spanish and Russian languages. Deadline for applications is 28 December 2017. About this course
ETH Zurich — Seed Grants for Swiss-Asian Research Collaboration 2018
In partnership with Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), ETH Zurich promotes scientific cooperation with key institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. ETH Zurich currently calls for proposals from Swiss researchers with partners in China (incl. Hong Kong and Taiwan), Japan, South Korea, and the ASEAN region. The call is open for activities in all scientific disciplines and fields of research. The maximum grant is CHF 25 thousand. The deadline for applications is 31 December 2017. Know more
Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation — Navjot Sodhi Conservation Research Award 2017
The ATBC makes the Navjot Sodhi Conservation Research Award each year to a student from a developing country. Eligibility extends to ATBC student members who are nationals of tropical developing countries, and who are conducting research that directly contributes to biodiversity conservation within the tropics. All individuals who have been students within the previous 12 months can apply. The award is up to US$500. The deadline for submitting nominations and self-nominations is 31 December. Nominate yourself here