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The Association of Commonwealth Universities | ACU
Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort

 2021 pilot programme

In 2021, The ACU and the British Council partnered to establish the Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort, supporting 26 early career researchers to bring local knowledge to a global stage. 

The diverse cohort worked on building international connections, and engaging with experts, to influence climate and environment related issues in their communities and beyond.    

The cohort convened researchers that possessed expertise in a range of disciplines and a deep understanding of communities disproportionately impacted by climate change. 
 
Reflecting the diversity of the Commonwealth, cohort members were from 25 ACU member universities, from 16 countries. 
 
During the programme, the 26 researchers attended a series of expert-led workshops, designed and delivered a series of peer-led research-to-action projects, benefitted from mentoring relationships with senior researchers and experts in the sector, and engaged with the COP26 and COP27 processes. 

By supporting the development and retention of research leaders, the ACU-British Council partnership hopes to build a more equitable research landscape, ensuring that university research continues to thrive, inspire action, and play an essential role in delivering impactful climate solutions across the Commonwealth.  

2021 Climate Cohort Fellows

Meet the Fellows
2021 mentors

Meet the mentors
Research-to-action projects

The 26 stars of the Climate Research Cohort came together to design and deliver collaborative research-to-action projects, transforming multidisciplinary knowledge into climate action.

Read about previous projects
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Stories from the first Climate Research Cohort

Read stories written by the multidisciplinary researchers and mentors of the first Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort.

Each of them made their own distinguished journey in climate research and advocacy and worked to make a difference in different corners of the world. Their stories sit at the intersection between research and action, and touch upon topics ranging from research impact, and political engagement, to personal inspirations, successes and challenges.

Entries are grouped under topical themes, drawing attention to the multidimensional impact of climate change on society, politics, the economy, and the natural world. 

 

Themes for the first Climate Research Cohort

Read case studies

Climate justice

By applying a human rights lens to the climate crisis, we can work towards climate solutions which reduce inequalities between men and women, rich and poor, and older and younger generations.
Collaborating for humanity's future

Collaboration has played a vital role in humanity's progression. To secure the planet and humanity's future, we must utilise extensive partnerships, research and knowledge sharing.
Life on land

Every day, environmental researchers studying terrestrial life in all corners of the world help us better understand - and protect - the wonders of our natural world.
Safeguarding our oceans

The oceans underpin nearly all processes of life on Earth, but the dual threats of climate change and pollution are wreaking havoc on fragile ecosystems.
Sustainable human habitats

Sustainable homes are the building blocks of sustainable cities. Green urban development unlocks urgently needed climate solutions - and the journey begins with research and community engagement.

The Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort programme is part of the British Council's Going Global Partnerships, which aims to builds stronger, more inclusive, internationally connected higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems.