As we enter the final days of COP26, at this pivotal moment in the fight against climate change, we are delighted to announce the opening of the Commonwealth Climate Resilience Challenge Grants. Available exclusively to staff at ACU member universities, the grants can be used to support collaborative work addressing climate resilience.

Grants of up to GBP 2,500 each are available to fund climate action and environmental projects that promote the aims and priorities of our Commonwealth Climate Resilience Network (CCRN).

Deadline: 7 January at 16:00 UTC

For emerging academics, taking part in conferences can have a profound impact on their teaching and research. Up to 40 Early Career Conference Grants are available for ACU member university staff to attend both virtual (online) and in-person conferences. 

'I gathered great exposure on social media and I definitely feel that this conference was a great stepping stone for my future career and meeting potential new collaborators, as well as being recognised as an expert in my field.'

Dr Davina Derous from the University of Aberdeen attended a conference with an Early Career Conference Grant.

Deadline: 30 November at 16:00 UTC 

You can now watch a recording of our live conversation with Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort members - Astrid Werkmeister and Chukwueloka Okeke - as they talk and reflect on the COP26 conference in Glasgow and their climate research.

Established by the ACU and the British Council, the Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort supports 26 rising-star researchers to build international collaborations and engage with experts to influence issues related to climate and environment in their communities and beyond.   

Join us for a webinar on 30 November at 13:00-14:30 UTC to discover findings from a Wellcome-commissioned study on language-based equity in African health science research. Hosted by the ACU and supported by the International Association of Universities (IAU), the webinar is particularly of interest to those specialising in health sciences and research management.

Deadline to register: 26 November at 12.00 UTC 

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer a unique opportunity to study a two-year Master’s degree in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country.

Aimed at students who are committed to creating change in their communities, the scholarships are a life-changing opportunity to experience a new country and culture, broaden horizons, and build a global network that will last a lifetime.

Applications will open next week – keep an eye on the ACU website for further information.

Climate Research Cohort members from Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and Fiji describe how they are unearthing new knowledge about the wonders of our natural world – and drawing deep insights from traditional wisdoms – to help us better understand how to responsibly steward our planet for generations to come.

Days before the global COP26 climate talks began in Glasgow, HRH The Prince of Wales met with key Commonwealth partners, including the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Secretary General Dr Joanna Newman, for a high-level discussion at Clarence House, to call attention to the crucial importance of sustainable urbanisation in tackling climate change.

The growing focus on climate justice brings hope: by applying a human rights lens to the climate crisis, we can work towards climate solutions which reduces inequalities between men and women, rich and poor, and older and younger generations. 

In this series of blogs, five members of the Climate Research Cohort bring their unique perspectives on climate justice from five countries and fields of expertise.