Are you a researcher based in Africa looking to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change? Or perhaps you are looking for international collaboration to fund your sustainability research?
The Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund (CReSus RF) is now accepting applications for its 2026 round. Backed by a massive £7.7 million investment from the Mastercard Foundation and the University of Cambridge, this initiative is designed to empower African researchers and build a sustainable future for the continent.
If you are an academic, scientist, or researcher looking for funding up to £50,000, here is everything you need to know about this game-changing opportunity.
What is the CReSus RF?
The Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund (CReSus RF) is a 5-year initiative (2025–2030) aimed at strengthening collaborations between the University of Cambridge and African universities.
Part of the wider Africa Climate Collaborative, this fund supports integrated, interdisciplinary research that shapes African responses to climate challenges. The ultimate goal is to empower young Africans (under 36) to lead climate-resilient futures.
The fund welcomes proposals from all disciplines—sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts—provided they can clearly justify their relevance to climate resilience and sustainability.
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Available Funding Opportunities (2026 Call)
For this current round, two types of grants are available.
1. Research Catalyst Grants (Up to £20,000)
- Purpose: Seed funding to start new collaborations or significantly expand existing ones.
- Focus: Projects must demonstrate how the collaboration adds value beyond what each partner could achieve alone.
- Eligible Costs: Research-related costs (including equipment located in Africa), but excludes salaries and overheads.
2. Workshop Grants (Up to £50,000)
- Purpose: To support high-quality workshops delivered in Africa.
- Focus: These workshops must be co-created by African and Cambridge partners. The priority is capacity building for early-career researchers and young people, providing them with mentorship, skills, and networks.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
The CReSus RF uses an institutional eligibility model rather than a national one. This means researchers from any African country are eligible as long as they are based at a recognized institution.
To apply, you must form a “Research Pair” consisting of:
- The African Partner: A researcher (postdoctoral level or equivalent) based at any university or research institute on the African continent.
- The Cambridge Partner: A researcher (postdoctoral level or equivalent) based at the University of Cambridge.
- Note: For this round, applicants from NIAB are also eligible as Cambridge-side leads.
Key Requirements:
- Both partners must have a formal link to a department or faculty at their home institution.
- Projects must demonstrate genuine co-creation (not just service provision).
- Proposals that engage or benefit young people (under 36) will be prioritized.
Application Deadline and How to Apply
- Status: Call Currently Open
- Deadline: Thursday, January 15, 2026
- Submission: Online via the Cambridge-Africa website.
The application must be submitted by the Cambridge-based Principal Investigator (PI), but it requires close collaboration with the African partner.
Required Documents:
- Case for support (project proposal).
- Itemized budget.
- Letters of support from both the Cambridge and African institutions.
- 2-page CVs for both PIs.
- Contact details for two independent referees.
Why You Should Apply
This is not just a grant; it is an opportunity to join a high-level network involving prestigious institutions like the University of Ghana, Makerere University, and the University of Cape Town. With a focus on interdisciplinary innovation, this is your chance to make a tangible impact on Africa’s climate future.
Ready to Start?
For full details and to access the application portal, visit the Official CReSus RF Website Here.
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