Applications are open now through October 15th. For more information, please contact Emma Cronin (ecronin2@uchicago.edu).
The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth (the Institute) is pleased to announce its 2026 call for proposals to support research projects focused on energy and environmental issues, broadly defined, in India. Projects in energy, environment, ecology, environment and health, pollution, transportation, climate engineering, energy technologies, policy, and related domains are encouraged.
India sits at the center of the global climate and development challenge and offers a uniquely accessible environment for policy-relevant research. The Institute can support research efforts through ICSG India, including by lowering barriers to engagement and providing strong institutional partnerships. We encourage research applications that aim to provide scalable solutions that are relevant across the Global South.
Application Details & Criteria
Awards will support research that provides a deeper understanding of energy, climate and environmental challenges and solutions in India. Awards can support a number of research activities, including the hiring of research staff, retention of consultants and contractors, purchase of data, and travel. This funding cannot be used for faculty compensation. This call will support projects ranging from pilot-scale to full research projects. Up to $200,000 in funding will be awarded under this call, with maximum project awards of $50,000 and PhD awards up to $7,500. $10,000 travel grants to scope research are also available. The research must be completed by September 30, 2028.
Selection criteria include overall quality of the research plan, applicability of the research topic to pressing Indian climate and growth challenges, and ability to produce policy-relevant research findings in a timely fashion. Projects with an Indian partner will receive strong consideration.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through the Institute’s online application. If you prefer, you may submit a three-page (maximum) application to climate@uchicago.edu that includes the following:
- A title and a clear, 150-word description of the project. We will display this on our website if your project is selected.
- One- to two-page description of the project. Proposals will be evaluated in part based on likelihood of the project’s success, so please include a description of the research strategy or other details needed to make this determination. If applicable, please include research partners and collaborations, or target organizations.
- Detailed explanation of your budget items.
- If you are submitting a related proposal to another research center at the University of Chicago, or if you have received research funding from any EPIC or Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth initiative in the past two years, please specify which one(s) and provide details.
Eligibility
All proposals must include a PI-eligible faculty member from the University of Chicago. PhD students at the University of Chicago may apply for grants for their own research, but in such cases their faculty adviser must provide a letter of support and indicate willingness to remain involved in a supervisory role throughout the lifetime of the project. Preference will be given to PhD students who have completed required coursework. Proposals of all kinds may include collaborators from outside the University of Chicago.
Terms and Conditions
- Funding will be awarded in Chicago.
- Selected researchers will be required to provide a brief two-page progress report with expenditures on an annual basis.
- Requests for no-cost extensions must be submitted at least three months before the conclusion of the grant period and approval will be contingent on the progress of the project and the probability of concrete results within the extension period. No-cost extensions are expected to be no longer than 6 months, although longer requests may be considered in extenuating circumstances.
- The Institute expects to publicize all research results. Institute policy and communications staff will work closely with researchers to disseminate research results.
- Awardees may be requested to participate in Institute activities when possible. Activities may include public events, workshops, or media events.
- Any presentations and publications intended for the public domain, including academic papers, policy briefs, press releases, blogs, and newsletters that emerge from projects should credit the Institute with the following text: “This research is funded by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth at the University of Chicago.” Wherever possible, the Institute’s official logo should be included.
Additional Resources to Support Your Research
- As you consider India-focused research opportunities, we can help connect you with other researchers, organizations, and on-the-ground partners in India.
- We can also help you find and access certain datasets.
- Please contact Gaurav Saraf for assistance in identifying partners in India and within the Institute and EPIC India staff.
- Andrew Light is also available to help make connections within the Indian government.
- Andrew is also available to provide more insight into the Indian National Action Plan on Climate Change. There are eight distinct missions that highlight a wide range of high-impact research questions. You can view a short summary of each mission and associated resources here.