At the Degrees Initiative, our mission is to build the capacity of the Global South to independently evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), and our climate modelling teams are at the centre of this. To support the continued development of this research, we are pleased to announce the launch of our new Expansion Grants for SRM modelling.
Since 2018, Degrees has supported pioneering SRM research across 27 developing countries. From analysing SRM’s potential impact on glacier melt in the Andes to water cycles in Central Africa, or the South Asian monsoon, our modelling teams have already made significant contributions to the global understanding of SRM.
As they continue to produce high-quality science, we’ve been listening to their feedback on what comes next. While our initial grants (up to GBP 55,000) have been vital for launching first-of-their-kind studies in new regions, we recognise that taking SRM evaluation to the next level often requires more resources to dedicate time and ensure stability.
More funding, more time, more impact
The expansion grants are designed to help established teams deepen their work and broaden their scientific ambitions. By providing larger, longer-term grants, we aim to address some of the practical challenges our scientists face. Specifically, the need for more dedicated time from principal investigators (PIs) and more stable career paths for young scientists.
- More funding: Grants of up to GBP 200,000 (approx. USD 270,000), providing the resources PIs need to spend more time on their projects.
- More time: Funding will cover 30 months, allowing for more complex, multi-year analysis.
- More leadership: prioritising the sustainability of local science by ensuring that experienced PIs have the resources to mentor the next generation of climate modellers.
Who can apply?
Unlike our previous open calls, the new Expansion Grants are a closed call specifically for our existing teams that have been active for more than 1 year. Following an independent peer review process, we will award grants to four teams that have demonstrated sustained success in their srm research and are ready to expand their scope.
As ever, researchers will be free to determine the topics they study, and we hope that these grants will enable scientists in the Global South to continue exploring the SRM climate questions most relevant to them.
Building on success
This expansion is about more than just numbers. It’s about ensuring that Global South experts aren’t just participating in the SRM conversation but leading it. By providing the resources for larger-scale studies we are supporting research teams to produce the scientific evidence needed for developing countries to play a key role in the evaluation of SRM.
