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Mittal Institute Climate Grants

Mittal Institute Faculty Climate Research Grants 2024-25

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Overview

The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute (the Mittal Institute) at Harvard University invites Harvard University faculty members to apply for the Mittal Institute Climate Grants for the 2024-2025 academic year. These grants are designed to foster deeper scholarly engagement on climate change, catalyze the creation of new knowledge, and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions across South Asia. 

Applications should propose impactful climate research projects or interdisciplinary collaboration through workshops that address the critical challenges of climate change in the region, with a focus on either energy transition, food systems, or law and policy for building a resilient and sustainable future for South Asia, where the effects of climate change are already being felt acutely.

Priority will be given to projects with a clear pathway to practical application, as well as innovative proposals with the potential to be transformative over time. Recipients of the grant are expected to present their work at the end of the academic year, at key year-end university-wide events, hosted by the Mittal Institute or the Harvard Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability.

Grant Objectives and Categories

A) Support research that addresses key climate-related issues in South Asia and promotes the development of scalable and sustainable solutions to climate challenges, with a particular focus on:

Energy Transition and Energy Policy:

  • Research on the measurement and evaluation of the current energy systems, with a focus on identifying the potential for a transition to renewable energy sources. Studies may include assessments of energy consumption patterns, technologies, efficiencies of current policies, and the feasibility of integrating solar, wind, and other renewables into the regional energy mix.
  • Exploration of policy reforms necessary to facilitate a sustainable energy transition, including incentives for renewable energy adoption and mechanisms for phasing out fossil fuels.

Food Systems, Agriculture and Land Use:

  • Studies measuring the impacts of the changing climate on crop cycles, agricultural productivity, food security, and land use patterns in South Asian regions.
  • Research could range from modeling the effects of climate variability on crop yields to deploying innovative, sustainable land management techniques – all situated within the social, economic and political context of South Asia, with realistic pathways to change.

Law and Policy for Climate Transition and Adaptation:

  • Analysis of existing legal frameworks and their effectiveness in addressing climate change, with a focus on enhancing laws that protect the most vulnerable communities and promote sustainable environmental practices.
  • Development of new policies that center climate adaptation efforts, across short and long-term horizons.

B) Support for interdisciplinary projects that involve collaboration between Harvard faculty and experts in South Asia.

Funding

  • Maximum award: $25,000
    Note: While the grant cap is set at $25,000, we recognize that some comprehensive scientific projects may require extended timelines and additional resources. Proposals for projects that span more than one year and demonstrate a robust need for extended funding will be considered for an award exceeding the cap based on the merits of the project and its potential impact.
  • Duration: Up to 1 year, with the possibility of a no-cost extension for an additional year.
  • The Mittal Institute funding for recipients of the climate research projects will be transferred to and managed by the PI’s department/center.

Eligibility

  • Open to all Harvard University faculty members (full-time assistants, associates, or full professors from any Harvard School).
  • Projects must have a direct connection to South Asia.
    Note: South Asia encompasses Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.
  • Cross-school collaboration (not required but encouraged) and a statement on how these funds will help leverage future funding.

Application Process

All proposals must be completed and submitted using the Application Form, which should include the following components:

  1. Abstract: Limited to 2 paragraphs.
  2. Proposal Narrative: Limited to 2-4 pages, describing the proposed research project, including research question(s), methodology, impact, proposed outcome (e.g. a journal article, workshop, etc.), project timeline, and any collaboration across Harvard and collaboration with researchers in the region.
  3. References Cited and Related Bibliography: Up to 1 page of additional materials (citations, images, bibliography).
  4. Brief Bios of the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators: Please limit team bios to 2 pages.
  5. Detailed Budget: Budget by expense categories. Funding requests involving travel must adhere to Harvard University’s travel policies and guidelines.
  6. Budget Justification: Should briefly explain each budget line item.
  7. IRB Approval and other Clearances, where applicable: Proposals involving human subjects will require institutional review board approval. The Principal Investigator(s) is solely responsible for securing IRB approval and other research clearances before the commencement of the project. Proof of IRB approval and other clearances must be submitted to the Mittal Institute prior to fund disbursement. Please indicate in your application the status of your IRB and other research clearance requests.
  8. Proposal Deadline: Proposals must be submitted by October 15, 2024

Application Evaluation Criteria

  • Relevance: Alignment with the goals of the Mittal Institute Climate Platform and the focus on climate issues in South Asia.
  • Innovation: The novelty of the approach and potential to advance knowledge in the field.
  • Collaboration: The strength of interdisciplinary and regional partnerships.
  • Feasibility: The practicality of the research design, timeline, and budget.
  • Impact: The potential for the project to generate significant outcomes and solutions.

Grant Participation and Reporting Requirements

  • Grant recipients will participate in relevant activities of the Mittal Institute Climate Platform and will be requested to present their work at the Salata Institute at Harvard and/or during the Mittal Institute’s Symposium at the end of the academic year.
  • Grantees are required to submit annual progress reports and a final report at the conclusion of the grant period.
  • Reports should detail research findings, publications, and any other outcomes resulting from the project

Climate Grants 2024-25 Timeline

  • Grant announcement: September 3, 2024
  • Application deadline: October 15, 2024
  • Grant awardees notified of selection decisions: November 15, 2024
  • Fund disbursement begins: November 22, 2024
    Note: Funding will be disbursed following the completion of any necessary administrative processes.

Contact Information

For more information or assistance with the application process, please contact Mirela Vaso, Director of Business Operations and Finance, Mittal Institute, Harvard University, mirela_vaso@fas.harvard.edu.