Apply now for the Research Challenge: Climate Change XX: Women’s Health in Focus

The nations most vulnerable to the effects of climate change are also the ones where women and girls are most at risk. Dr. Natalia Kanem, the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), warns that without immediate action, progress towards gender equality will be reversed.

UNFPA is proud to back young female researchers studying how climate change impacts women’s health. This is crucial to ensure that the needs of women and girls are considered in climate strategies in the most susceptible countries and that women have a stronger voice in decisions related to climate change.

The UNFPA, in partnership with academic institutions, is launching the Research Challenge: Climate Change XX: Women’s Health in Focus. This initiative will provide support to young female researchers investigating the effects of climate change on the health of women and girls, with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender equality and inclusion in climate solutions design.

Eligibility requirements: Research Challenge: Climate Change XX: Women’s Health in Focus

1. We are seeking submissions from research teams and organizations led by researchers under 35 years old or by female researchers, with a preference for women-led research.
2. Applicants must be willing to participate in a bi-weekly support program from August to November and be ready to present the results of their research study or share new discoveries within a four-month timeframe.
3. While the final results of the research are not expected to be completed during the timeline and scope of this initiative, applicants must be able to demonstrate how the grants received have progressed the research by November 2024.
4. Individuals and teams must reside in and be from UNFPA Programme Countries and show a connection to the community benefiting from their solution.
5. Applicants must have a defined research scope and key research questions in place.
6. Organizations can be for-profit, nonprofit, or hybrid models.
7. Team members are required to possess a proficient understanding of the English language in order to take part in the support program. Only one entry per team is allowed, and all entries must be submitted exclusively in English.

Format of the Competition: Research Challenge: Climate Change XX: Women’s Health in Focus

UNFPA, in partnership with academic institutions, initiates the Research Competition to select a maximum of six winning proposals. Each successful proposal will be granted funding of up to $15,000 to assist the researcher or research team. The winning teams will enter into a 4-month agreement during which they will:

1. Progress their research in recognizing and comprehending the effects of climate change on the health of women and girls.
2. Improve the integration of gender-transformative methods in the planning of their research, concentrating on the fair involvement of women in the data collection process at all phases of the research.
3. Reinforce inclusivity and responsiveness to the distinct requirements of women and girls.

Schedule of the Research Challenge: Climate Change XX: Women’s Health in Focus

1. Opening of Submissions: 18 June 2024
2. Submission Deadline: 7 July 2024
3. Evaluation Period: 8 July – 26 July 2024
4. Announcement of Winners (Award Signing + Fund Distribution): August 2024
5. Research Support Program: August – November 2024
6. Conclusion of the Research Competition: December 2024

Application for the Research Challenge: Climate Change XX: Women’s Health in Focus

1. For details visit the Official Website of the UNFPA Research Competition.
2. Deadline: 7 July 2024