News Update

UC offering $80 million in research grants to fight climate change

The University of California is awarding $80 million in research grants across California to combat climate change.

State lawmakers have set aside for the university system $185 million to support climate change research.

Researchers from California institutions of higher education can apply for the awards, with the goal of creating real-world solutions to tackle the existential threat of climate change, according to the university.

“This is an all-hands-on-deck moment,” said University President Michael V. Drake. “The climate crisis is the preeminent challenge of our time, and as such it requires bold, innovative and scalable solutions to meet the challenge. I want to thank the governor and the Legislature for placing their trust in us with these funds, and for helping our researchers continue to lead the way in the fight against climate change. For California’s researchers and community partners, this is our moment.”

Requests for proposal have been issued in two funding categories: Climate Action Seed Grants, with awards of between $500,000 and $2 million, and Climate Action Matching Grants, which will fund projects of between $2 million and $10 million. Letters of intent are due Jan. 17.

Both grant programs will provide up to two years of funding. Seed grants will support smaller, more targeted projects while matching grants will support large projects.

Applicants can apply using the University of California Office of the President Research Grants Program Office SmartSimple grants management system. For more information on the climate action funding, go here.