The World Bank is interested in how “big data” can be used to address development questions, including how climate change affects food security and forestry and watersheds. Solutions may include but are not limited to analytical methodologies, APIs, algorithms, software applications, tools, and new data set generation. Technologies may include artificial intelligence, crowd-sourcing applications, data science, dynamic visualizations, machine learning, and predictive analytics. The Challenge will award US$10 thousand to the winner in each of the following two categories: (i) food security or nutrition, and (ii) forestry or watersheds. Submissions are invited from individuals, students, entrepreneurs, start-ups, university labs, private companies, nonprofits, and public sector agencies legally established in member countries of the World Bank Group. The closing date for submissions is 09 November 2016. Link
water
World Health Organization — Research on Disease and Environment in the Asia-Pacific Region
WHO invites proposals to undertake trans-disciplinary research on health and environment that could lead to community strategies for preventing and controlling vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitos, flies, snails, etc. Proposals are invited from eligible countries in WHO’s South East Asia and Western Pacific regions. The aim is to explore ecosystem-based tools and approaches to address the challenge of vector-borne diseases, especially in areas with inadequate health infrastructure and changing environmental conditions (climate change). The program will fund two projects for two years, with a maximum annual budget of $120 thousand per project. The deadline for proposals is 15 October 2016. Link
French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sustainable Development — French Cooperation with Pacific Islands and Territories 2017
The government of France makes grants through a regional fund (Le Fonds Pacifique) for economic, social, and cultural collaboration in the Pacific region. Funding priorities include actions to address climate change and the prevention of natural disasters; food security; sanitation; and other thematic areas. Grants are up to €30 thousand per project, and up to a maximum of 50% of project costs. The Fund aims to make about 40 grants for 2017. Applications are submitted through France’s diplomatic missions in the Pacific region. The application deadline is 25 November 2016. Link
U.S. Agency for International Development — Water and Sanitation in Madagascar
USAID will fund a 5-year program in Madagascar (the “RANO WASH program”) to expand the country’s supply of potable water and improve sanitation in approximately 250 rural communes. The program will work with the Government of Madagascar, NGOs and private enterprises, academic and research institutions, and others to achieve sustainable water management for households and municipalities. USAID intends to offer one award. Eligibility for funding is open to nonprofit and for-profit organizations in any country. Funding Opportunity RFA-687-16-000007. The application deadline is 17 October 2016. Link
U.S. Agency for International Development — Water Innovation Technologies in Jordan
USAID aims to assist Jordan with water-saving technologies and practices. The measures include interventions for safe water collection and storage; improved public awareness about water conservation; incentives for financing water infrastructure; and others. The 5-year program will focus in communities most impacted by immigration, and it will also support water-conserving technologies in agriculture. Eligibility for funding is unrestricted. Funding Opportunity RFA-278-16-000013. The application deadline is 24 October 2016. Link
Masdar Institute — Graduate Studies in Environmental Sciences in the UAE
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi provides a cross-disciplinary program of study and research focused on sustainable technologies and policies. Masdar offers full financial scholarships to qualified candidates for masters and doctoral degree programs. Subject areas include water and environmental engineering, among others. For international applicants applying for 2017 admissions, the application period is 01 October 2016 through 15 November 2016. Link
UK Natural Environment Research Council — Research Workshop on Water Quality in India
NERC and the UK’s Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council invite applications from UK scientists to attend a workshop organised jointly with India’s Department of Science & Technology on the theme of improved water quality in India. The workshop will be held in Delhi (November 2016) to define the scope of a potential new interdisciplinary research programme by the two countries. The UK Government will cover reasonable travel and subsistence expenses for UK participants. The application deadline is 16 September 2016. Link
Securing Water for Food — SWFF Grants, Round 4
The Securing Water for Food Grand Challenge for Development (SWFF) is a collaborative initiative among the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Swedish International Development Agency, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Government of South Africa. The current call for proposals focuses on improving water efficiency and reusing agricultural wastewater; effective water capture and storage systems for extending temporal availability of water supply; and management of salinity in water supplies. Awardees will receive between US$100 thousand and US$2 million in funding and acceleration support to bring their innovations to scale. The deadline for applications is 10 October 2016. Link
Tata Group — Tata Social Enterprise Challenge, 5th Edition
The Tata Group, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC), seeks to identify promising social enterprises in India. Proposals are invited for social enterprises in agriculture, water and sanitation, energy, and other thematic areas. The proposed enterprises should create social impact in India, although applicants do not have to be Indian nationals. Selected social entrepreneurs are offered funding opportunities, mentorship, and an opportunity to be incubated at IIM Calcutta’s Incubation Center. The deadline for submitting impact proposals (business plans) is 11 October 2016. Link
BRICS Scientific, Technological, and Innovation Framework Programme — Pilot Call for Proposals 2016
The BRICS Scientific, Technological and Innovation Framework Programme announces a call for research proposals on priority areas which can best be addressed by a multinational approach. The multiple themes include water resources and pollution treatment; promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency; and prevention and monitoring of natural disasters. The framework program is supported by funding organizations in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Proposals should include collaborators from at least three countries. The deadline for applications is 25 August 2016. Link