In partnership with the ACU, the British Council is looking for a research team or consortium to investigate the extent to which inter-institutional international collaboration contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals. This research will add to the growing portfolio of evidence around the value of higher education in a development context.

Deadline for applications: 8 March at 11:59 (UTC)

The ACU has partnered with the British Council to launch the Commonwealth Climate Research Cohort – convening a diverse group of rising-star researchers to bring multidisciplinary knowledge to a global stage, build international collaborations, and work with experts to engage with issues related to climate and environment in the lead-up to COP26.

Applications are open for senior climate-focused academics to mentor members of the Commonwealth Climate Research Cohort, with a particular focus on research leadership and engaging with non-academic audiences.

Deadline for applications: 15 March at 17:00 (UTC)

The ACU is seeking proposals from member universities to deliver virtual training workshops for the COP26 Climate Research Cohort, which will focus on research leadership, knowledge exchange and research-to-action. One team could deliver one, two, or all three workshops.

Deadlines for applications: 
Workshop 1: Research Leadership - 19 March at 9:00 (UTC)
Workshop 2: Knowledge Exchange - 2 April at 9:00 (UTC)
Workshop 3: Research-to-action - 16 April at 9:00 (UTC)

To help highlight the important work happening across the Commonwealth in the run-up to COP26, the ACU are asking our members to share examples of how their university is contributing to efforts to adapt to and tackle climate change. We are looking for recent examples of how you have influenced national, regional and global debates through research, education or partnership activity and also where international collaboration between universities has strengthened impact.

Deadline for submissions: 31 March

The ACU is supporting the COP26 Universities Network’s Climate Exp0 – its first virtual conference, taking place on 17-21 May 2021. At a critical juncture in the COP26 pre-meetings and negotiations, this free event will showcase the latest thinking and most relevant UK and international research around five key themes: Adaptation and Resilience, Finance, Green Recovery, Mitigation Solutions, and Nature-based Solutions. The deadline for the call for submissions for individual and poster presentations has been extended.

Deadline for submissions: 10 March

To celebrate International Women’s Day on Monday 8 March, the ACU is launching a social media campaign to showcase all the many ways our members universities are advancing gender equity and equality in campus and beyond. We would love to hear from you about your work.

The International Green Gown Awards, supported by UN Environment, recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities around the globe. The Awards cover all aspects of educational institutions – from their teaching and research, leadership, buildings and food to how students can benefit the quality of life in the communities around them. They provide the sector with benchmarks for excellence and are supported by the ACU, AUF and IAU.

Deadline for applications: 31 March