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The UCL SDGs Initiative supports funding for activity at UCL which addresses the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Purpose of the funding scheme
The SDGs: Pathways to Achievement funding scheme is a collaboration between UCL SDGs Initiative UCL Global Engagement and UCL Grand Challenges to stimulate activity at UCL that is addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 17 SDGs are the core of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Adopted by all Member States in 2015, they provide a framework for the world’s ongoing economic growth, while protecting the environment and addressing social inequalities. The Goals cover topics ranging from ‘Decent Work & Economic Growth’ and ‘Good Health & Well-being’ to ‘Climate Action’ and ‘Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure’. The Goals are broken down into 169 individual Targets.
Applications should address the SDGs through one or more of the following ways:
• Cross-disciplinary research collaborations (i.e. from two or more faculties)
• Cross-border collaborations (i.e. with a global partner)
• Cross-‘type’ activity at UCL (i.e. that which combines research, teaching, operational and/or student extra-curricular activities)
• Cross-boundary collaborations (i.e. between UCL-based researchers and staff of non-academic civil society organisations such as community groups, non-governmental organisations or independent think tanks)
Grants of up to £10,000 are available. The deadline for applications is Monday 3 October 2022, 9am. Activities need to take place in UCL financial year 2022–23. All funding must be spent and invoiced by 31 July 2023.
It is one of several funding schemes for the UCL community offered by UCL Research, Innovation & Global Engagement (RIGE). Read about other UCL RIGE funding calls.
Who can apply?
UCL staff and students can apply for grants of up to £10,000 in partnership with colleagues across the UCL community and external stakeholders. At least one of the co-applicants needs to be a member of UCL staff (academic or Professional Services).
Previous grants
Activities previously funded by the scheme include:
• a collaborative analysis by Professor Jane Holder (UCL Laws) and John Dubber (Students' Union UCL) of UCL students’ sustainability awareness and behaviours to help lay foundations for embedding student participation in the formation and implementation of sustainability policies;
• a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style competition by UCL Mechanical Engineering to promote healthcare innovation; and
• research by UCL Geography and UCL Institute for Risk & Disaster Reduction to advance and sustain progress towards SDGs in African drylands.
View all previously funded projects
How to apply
Please read the detailed guidance and complete the online application form here. If you have any further questions, please contact the UCL SDGs Initiative.