Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort
2021 pilot programme
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.
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
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.
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.
