As we confront the multifaceted challenges of climate change, innovative research and collaborative initiatives are increasingly critical. To address these pressing issues, the MasterCard Foundation has joined forces with the University of Cambridge to establish the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund 2025.
This initiative supports various projects exploring and developing sustainable practices, technologies, and policies. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and communities, the fund seeks to enhance our understanding of climate resilience, ultimately helping to build a more sustainable future for all.
This initiative strives to create and nurture meaningful collaborations between researchers based in Africa and those at Cambridge University. By fostering these partnerships, we aim to combine our diverse expertise and resources, significantly enhancing our ability to confront the urgent and complex climate-related challenges affecting our communities and the planet.
We believe that through shared research, knowledge exchange, and innovative problem-solving, we can develop effective strategies that address current issues and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
Overview of the Fund
The Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund is a significant initiative of the Mastercard Foundation designed to foster innovative research projects that address the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.
This fund aims to catalyse new research initiatives by providing financial resources and support for emerging ideas and technologies.
Additionally, it seeks to strengthen and enhance existing partnerships among academic institutions, governmental organisations, and non-profit entities.
Through collaboration and shared expertise, the Mastercard Foundation aspires to develop effective strategies and solutions that will promote resilience in communities and ecosystems facing the impacts of climate change.
With a generous funding pool of £7.7 million, this fund will operate from 2025 to 2030, providing annual grants to support high-quality training activities and research projects focused on climate resilience and sustainability [1] [3].
Key Objectives
- Catalyse Collaboration: The fund seeks to establish and enhance collaborations between researchers from African universities and institutions and those at the University of Cambridge.
- Support Innovative Research: It encourages multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches and welcomes proposals from various fields, including the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts.
- Empower Early Career Researchers: A significant emphasis is placed on engaging young researchers, particularly those under 36 years old, ensuring they are integral to the research process.
Mastercard Foundation’s Available Grants
The MasterCard Foundation & University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund 2025 offers two main types of grants:
- Research Catalyst Grants: These are seed funding to stimulate new research activities. Each grant can provide up to £20,000. Applications are encouraged to build or expand new partnerships, clearly articulating how the collaboration adds value beyond individual efforts.
- Workshop Grants: Aim to support high-quality workshops delivered in Africa. These grants can provide up to £50,000. The focus is on developing skills relevant to climate resilience and sustainability research, particularly for early career researchers[2][3].
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for these grants, the MasterCard Foundation & University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund 2025 have laid down specific criteria that must be met:
- Collaborative Applications: Each application must involve a pair of researchers—one from an African institution and one from the University of Cambridge—who will co-create the project.
- Post-doctoral Level or Equivalent Experience: Both applicants should be at a post-doctoral level or possess equivalent experience in their respective fields.
- Focus on Young People: Proposals that engage young people in Africa or benefit them will receive priority consideration.
- Formal Institutional Links: Both applicants must have formal ties to their respective institutions, ensuring they remain employed beyond the award’s end date [1] [2].
Application Process
The application process is straightforward but requires careful preparation.
- Online Application Form: The Cambridge-based Principal Investigator must complete an online application form available on the Cambridge-Africa website.
- Supporting Documents: Final submissions should include:
- A case for support
- An itemised budget
- A lay summary
- Letters of support from both institutions
- CVs for both Principal Investigators
- Deadline for Submission: Applications must be submitted by March 21, 2025, but can be submitted any time before this date [1] [3].
Why This Mastercard Foundation’s Fund Matters
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, demanding immediate and innovative action. This fund is dedicated to addressing this urgent issue by leveraging various perspectives and expertise. Our primary objective is to develop effective strategies for climate resilience.
Mastercard Foundation aims to achieve this by fostering meaningful collaborations between African researchers, who possess invaluable local knowledge and insights, and their counterparts at Cambridge University, known for its academic excellence and research capabilities.
Through these partnerships, Mastercard Foundation hopes to generate groundbreaking solutions that address the impacts of climate change and empower communities to adapt and thrive in the face of environmental challenges.
By prioritising young researchers, we invest in innovative solutions to today’s challenges and nurture the next generation of leaders. This approach ensures that we are equipping these emerging scholars with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry forward this important work into the future.
Mastercard Foundation supports their development and creates a sustainable talent pipeline that can tackle evolving issues and drive progress in various fields.
Specific Requirements for Justifying the Relevance of Research to Climate Resilience and Sustainability
To justify the relevance of research to climate resilience and sustainability for the MasterCard Foundation & University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund 2025, applicants must meet several specific requirements:
- Broad Interpretation: The relevance of the research can be interpreted broadly, encompassing various disciplines beyond just environmental science. This allows a wide range of innovative and interdisciplinary projects to be considered.
- Clear Articulation: Applicants must articulate how their research addresses specific climate resilience and sustainability challenges. This includes defining the problems being addressed and how the proposed solutions will enhance resilience or sustainability within affected communities or ecosystems.
- Interdisciplinary Approaches: The fund encourages multidisciplinary research and applications. Proposals integrating knowledge from different fields are welcome, as climate issues often intersect with social, economic, and technological factors.
- Engagement with Young People: Research proposals that actively engage young people (under 36) in Africa or benefit this demographic will be prioritised. Applicants should consider how their research can involve young researchers or contribute to their development.
- Collaboration Emphasis: The application should demonstrate true collaboration between the African institution and Cambridge, indicating how this partnership enhances the research’s relevance and potential impact.
- Potential for Long-term Impact: Proposals should outline how the research could lead to sustainable outcomes extending beyond the project’s duration, contributing to ongoing climate resilience and sustainability efforts.
- Skills Enhancement: Workshop proposals should focus on enhancing participants’ skills in climate resilience, particularly young people in Africa.
By thoroughly addressing each of the specified requirements outlined in the funding guidelines, applicants can significantly enhance the quality of their proposals. This attention to detail demonstrates a strong understanding of the initiative’s goals and sets the applicants apart.
Doing so can substantially improve their chances of securing the funding they seek. Applicants should carefully tailor their proposals to meet the criteria, as this alignment will reflect their commitment to the initiative and its objectives.
How does the fund define “true collaboration” between African and Cambridge researchers?
The MasterCard Foundation & University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund 2025 defines “true collaboration” between African and Cambridge researchers through several key principles:
- Equal Partnership: True collaboration requires researchers from African institutions and those from the University of Cambridge to be viewed as equal partners in the research process. This means acknowledging and respecting the expertise and contributions of each partner rather than one party dominating the relationship12.
- Shared Development of Research Questions: Collaboration should involve co-creating research questions and objectives, ensuring that both partners have a stake in the direction and goals of the research. This shared ownership fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment to the project’s success23.
- Co-Authorship and Data Ownership: Opportunities for co-authorship on publications and shared data ownership are crucial to collaboration. This approach ensures that both researchers benefit from the outcomes of their work and that their contributions are recognized in academic circles2.
- Mutual Respect and Trust: MasterCard Foundation believes building trust is essential for effective collaboration. Researchers must engage in open dialogue, acknowledge each other’s strengths, and work towards mutual respect. This trust enables a more productive partnership where both parties feel valued and empowered to contribute fully14.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting cultural differences is vital in fostering a collaborative environment. Researchers should approach their partnerships with cultural sensitivity, ensuring their methods and interventions are appropriate for the communities involved14.
- Long-Term Commitment: True collaboration often requires a long-term commitment to partnership rather than short-term engagements. This means being present in the community, listening to local needs, and building relationships over time12.
- Joint Strategies for Impact: Collaborators should develop strategies to address specific climate resilience challenges. This involves aligning their goals and methodologies to create a cohesive approach to tackling these issues8.
By actively following these principles, researchers can foster meaningful, impactful, and beneficial collaborations for everyone involved in the process.
Such partnerships facilitate the sharing of diverse perspectives, resources, and expertise, leading to the development of innovative approaches to address complex challenges. In doing so, these collaborations are crucial in enhancing our collective ability to devise practical solutions that tackle the pressing issues of climate resilience and sustainability.
Ultimately, this holistic approach ensures that the outcomes of their efforts are far-reaching and positively influence both the environment and society.
Conclusion
The MasterCard Foundation & University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund present a unique opportunity for researchers committed to addressing climate challenges.
As we move into an era of essential collaboration across borders, we encourage eligible researchers to consider applying for these grants. Together, we can make significant strides towards a more sustainable future.
For more information about the fund and application details, please visit the Cambridge-Africa website or email [email protected].
This article is a comprehensive guide for potential applicants looking to engage with this vital initiative. We can contribute meaningfully to climate resilience efforts across Africa and beyond by harnessing our collective knowledge and resources.
Visit our Scholarships Page to discover more scholarship opportunities and grant resources specifically designed for international students wishing to study at universities in the UK. Whether you are enrolled or considering future studies, numerous opportunities are available to help make your academic journey more affordable.
For even more updates and insights about the latest available scholarships and financial aid, we invite you to join our vibrant Facebook group to connect with others and stay informed about new opportunities.
Citations:
[1] https://opportunitydesk.org/2025/01/14/mastercard-foundation-university-of-cambridge-climate-resilience-and-sustainability-research-fund-2025/
[2] https://opportunitydesk.org/2025/01/14/mastercard-foundation-university-of-cambridge-climate-resilience-and-sustainability-research-fund-2025/
[3] https://www.opportunitiesforafricans.com/the-mastercard-foundation-university-of-cambridge-climate-resilience-and-sustainability-research-fund-2025/
[4] https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/becoming-a-scholar/apply-to-the-scholars-program/
[5] https://www.facebook.com/ResearchinNig/photos/call-for-applicationthe-mastercard-foundationuniversity-of-cambridge-climate-res/662582126093613/
[6] https://youropportunitiesafrica.com/2025/01/14/mastercard-foundation-university-of-cambridge-climate-resilience-and-sustainability-research-fund-2025-up-to-50000-yoa/
[7] https://www.cambridge-africa.cam.ac.uk/initiatives/mastercard-foundation-and-university-of-cambridge-climate-resilience-and-sustainability-research-fund/
[8] https://opportunitydesk.org/2025/01/14/mastercard-foundation-university-of-cambridge-climate-resilience-and-sustainability-research-fund-2025/
[9] https://youthexpat.com/2025/01/13/mastercard-foundation-and-university-of-cambridge-climate-resilience-and-sustainability-research-fund/
[10] https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2025/01/13/cambridge-africa-climate-resilience-and-sustainability-research-fund-applications-now-open/
[11] https://www.cambridge-africa.cam.ac.uk/initiatives/2025-call-for-applications/
[12] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cambridge-university-mastercard-50000-research-grant-2025-ohaechesi-yngif