Climate and Health Catalyst Awards 2026: Apply for Up to USD 5,000 in Research Funding for Early Career Researchers in Africa

The Climate and Health Catalyst Awards 2026 provide catalytic research funding of up to USD 5,000 to support Early Career Researchers who are working at the intersection of climate change and health.

The programme is designed for researchers who have already collected climate-and-health data and now need support to transform that existing evidence into meaningful research, policy or practice outputs. Rather than funding the collection of new primary data, the awards focus on helping researchers analyse, interpret, write, disseminate and translate existing evidence into outputs that can influence decision-making and real-world practice.

The initiative is being implemented by the ARCH Program Consortium and Amref Health Africa, through the Pan-African Center for Research and Policy in Climate Change and Health (CPRCCH). It seeks to strengthen the next generation of African climate and health researchers by providing not only financial support, but also mentorship, technical guidance, capacity strengthening, networking and knowledge-translation support.

With a maximum individual award of USD 5,000 and a project implementation period of up to 12 months, the Climate and Health Catalyst Awards can help researchers move an existing dataset from the evidence-generation stage toward publication, policy influence and practical application.

What Are the Climate and Health Catalyst Awards 2026?

The Climate and Health Catalyst Awards are intended to bridge the gap between research evidence and real-world impact.

Many researchers already possess valuable datasets but may lack the resources required to complete secondary analysis, prepare manuscripts, develop policy briefs, disseminate findings or convert research evidence into practical recommendations.

This programme addresses that gap.

The award supports researchers who have already generated climate-and-health evidence and are ready to take the next steps, including:

• Analysing existing datasets.
• Conducting statistical work.
• Interpreting research findings.
• Preparing scientific manuscripts.
• Developing policy briefs.
• Producing evidence syntheses.
• Managing and improving data quality.
• Disseminating research findings.
• Translating evidence for policy and practice.
• Publishing research through open-access platforms.
• Participating in approved conferences.
• Supporting communication and collaboration activities.

The programme therefore focuses on moving research through the pathway of:

Research → Evidence → Policy → Practice

The central principle is that funding should help transform existing climate-and-health evidence into outputs that can contribute to better decisions and meaningful change.

A Catalyst Award, Not a Primary Data Collection Grant

One of the most important points applicants need to understand is that the Climate and Health Catalyst Awards are not designed to fund primary data collection.

Applicants must already possess an existing climate-and-health dataset.

The funding is instead intended to support the stages that come after data collection, including:

1. Secondary data analysis.
2. Statistical analysis.
3. Data management and quality assurance.
4. Interpretation of findings.
5. Scientific writing.
6. Manuscript development.
7. Policy brief preparation.
8. Evidence synthesis.
9. Research dissemination.
10. Knowledge translation.
11. Publication.
12. Communication and collaboration.

This makes the programme particularly relevant to researchers who have completed data collection but require additional resources to turn their findings into high-quality academic, policy or practical outputs.

Who Is Behind the Climate and Health Catalyst Awards?

The programme is offered through the ARCH Program Consortium and Amref Health Africa, through the Pan-African Center for Research and Policy in Climate Change and Health (CPRCCH).

The broader goal is to support the development of the next generation of African researchers working on climate and health.

The programme combines funding with a structured support ecosystem intended to strengthen research quality and increase the likelihood that research findings will reach policymakers, practitioners and other decision-makers.

What Does the Climate and Health Catalyst Award Provide?

Selected researchers can receive a range of financial and non-financial support.

1. Up to USD 5,000 in Catalytic Funding

Each successful applicant can receive a maximum award of USD 5,000.

The funding is intended to accelerate the process of transforming existing climate-and-health evidence into meaningful outputs.

The award is therefore not simply general research funding. Proposed expenditure should be directly connected to activities that move existing evidence toward publication, policy influence, dissemination or practical application.

2. Structured Mentorship

Award recipients receive structured mentorship throughout the programme.

The mentorship is intended to help researchers strengthen:

• Research quality.
• Interpretation of findings.
• Scientific outputs.
• Overall research impact.

This can be particularly valuable for Early Career Researchers who are developing their research careers and seeking guidance from experienced professionals.

3. Capacity Strengthening

Participants receive technical and research skills designed to help them move evidence toward impact.

Capacity strengthening can support researchers in developing the skills required to analyse evidence, communicate findings and translate research into useful outputs.

4. Networking Opportunities

The programme connects award recipients with a Pan-African community of:

• Researchers.
• Practitioners.
• Climate and health leaders.

This creates opportunities for researchers to develop professional relationships and become part of a wider African climate-and-health research community.

5. Knowledge Translation Support

Researchers receive support in turning research findings into evidence that can be used by policymakers, practitioners and other decision-makers.

Knowledge translation is particularly important in climate and health because research findings can have significant implications for public health planning, climate adaptation and policy development.

6. Technical Guidance

The programme provides practical support across several stages of the research process, including:

• Analysis.
• Interpretation.
• Scientific writing.
• Dissemination.
• Development of final outputs.

This technical support complements the financial award and is intended to strengthen the overall quality and impact of the research.

Who Can Apply for the Climate and Health Catalyst Awards?

The programme is specifically designed for Early Career Researchers who already possess climate-and-health evidence and are ready to transform that evidence into research, policy or practice outputs.

There are two main applicant profiles.

PhD Candidates

PhD candidates can apply if they have:

• Completed the data collection phase of their research.
• An existing climate-and-health dataset.
• Enrolment in a PhD programme.
• Registration at an eligible institution.
• Residence in an eligible country.

The key requirement is that data collection must already be completed. Applicants cannot use this award to begin or finance primary data collection.

Postdoctoral and Early Career Researchers

Postdoctoral researchers and other Early Career Researchers can apply if they are:

• Within five years of PhD graduation.
• Already in possession of a climate-and-health dataset.
• Affiliated with an eligible institution.
• Based in an eligible country.

Their proposed work should focus on analysing and transforming their existing climate-and-health data into research, policy or practice outputs.

Geographic Eligibility: Which African Countries Are Eligible?

The Climate and Health Catalyst Awards have a specific geographic scope.

Applicants must either be citizens or legal residents of one of the nine eligible African countries, and they must currently reside in the country indicated in their application.

The nine eligible countries are:

1. Botswana
2. Ethiopia
3. Kenya
4. Malawi
5. Mozambique
6. Rwanda
7. South Africa
8. Tanzania
9. Uganda

The programme therefore brings together researchers from countries across East, Southern and other parts of Africa represented by the eligible-country list.

Residency Requirement

Being a citizen of an eligible country is not the only geographic requirement.

The source states that applicants must have citizenship or legal residence in one of the nine eligible countries and must currently reside in the country indicated in their application.

Applicants should therefore carefully confirm that their current residence and legal status satisfy the programme requirements before submitting an application.

What Research Activities Can the USD 5,000 Fund Support?

The award provides funding for specific research-related activities.

Eligible Activities

The programme identifies the following activities as eligible:

Secondary Data Analysis and Statistical Work

Researchers can use the award to analyse existing climate-and-health datasets and conduct relevant statistical work.

This is one of the central purposes of the programme because the award is specifically designed for researchers who have already completed data collection.

Manuscript Preparation and Scientific Writing

Funding can support the development of scientific manuscripts and other research writing.

This can help researchers move from completed analysis toward publication-quality research outputs.

Policy Briefs and Evidence Synthesis

Researchers can develop policy briefs and evidence syntheses that make research findings more accessible and useful to decision-makers.

This is particularly consistent with the programme’s emphasis on moving evidence toward policy and practice.

Data Management and Quality Assurance

Funding can support activities related to managing existing data and ensuring its quality.

Good data management is essential for producing credible and reliable research findings.

Research Dissemination and Knowledge Translation

The award can support activities that help researchers communicate their findings to relevant audiences and translate technical evidence into useful information.

Open-Access Publication Fees

Funding can be used for eligible open-access publication fees.

This can help researchers make their findings more accessible to wider academic and professional audiences.

Approved Conference Participation

The award can support participation in approved conferences.

This can give researchers opportunities to share their findings, receive feedback and connect with other professionals working in climate and health.

Communication and Collaboration Costs

Eligible communication and collaboration expenses can also be supported where they directly contribute to the approved research activities.

What Expenses Are Not Eligible?

Applicants must pay close attention to the programme’s financial restrictions.

The following expenses are listed as ineligible:

• Salary top-ups.
• Personal allowances.
• Tuition fees.
• Large equipment purchases.
• Unapproved travel.
• Entertainment.
• Gifts.
• Alcohol.
• Political activities.
• Religious activities.
• Unrelated commercial activities.
• Unapproved institutional overheads.

The programme requires proposed expenditure to be directly attributable to approved research activities and to remain within the conditions of the award.

Applicants should therefore develop a realistic and carefully justified budget rather than treating the USD 5,000 as unrestricted funding.

Award Duration

The maximum implementation period for a Climate and Health Catalyst Award is 12 months.

Researchers should therefore develop a realistic work plan showing how the available funding will be used throughout the project period.

The award parameters are:

• Maximum funding: USD 5,000.
• Maximum project duration: 12 months.
• Focus: Transforming existing climate-and-health evidence into outputs.
• Target: Early Career Researchers.
• Geographic scope: Nine eligible African countries.

Application Process for the Climate and Health Catalyst Awards

The application process consists of five main stages.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before starting the application, applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria.

You must fall within one of the qualifying Early Career Researcher categories and already have an existing climate-and-health dataset.

Applicants should also confirm that they satisfy the geographic and institutional requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Applicants should gather all required documents before beginning the application.

These include:

• Motivation letter.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Concept note.
• Institutional support or affiliation letter.
• Two reference letters.
• Ethics approval documentation where applicable.
• Detailed work plan and budget.

The programme recommends preparing these materials in advance because the application requires multiple supporting documents.

APPLY HERE.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Applicants must complete all nine sections of the application form.

The application form allows applicants to save their progress and return later.

The estimated completion time is approximately 30–45 minutes.

Step 4: Review and Submit

Before submitting, applicants should carefully check:

• All required fields.
• Word and page limits.
• Supporting documents.
• File formats.
• Budget information.
• Work plan.
• Eligibility information.

Incomplete, ineligible or late applications will not be considered, according to the application note provided in the source.

Step 5: Receive an Application Reference Number

After successfully submitting the application, applicants receive a unique application reference number.

The source gives the reference format as:

CHCA-2026-XXXXXX

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Documents Required for the Application

Applicants should prepare eight main submission items.

1. Motivation Letter

The motivation letter is required and must not exceed one page.

It should explain:

• Why you are applying.
• Why the award is relevant to your research.
• How the award will support your career.

The limited length means applicants should focus on their strongest motivations and clearly connect the award to their research and career development.

2. Curriculum Vitae

The CV is required and should not exceed four pages.

It should include relevant academic and professional experience, particularly publications and research outputs.

Applicants should prioritize information that demonstrates their experience and potential as an Early Career Researcher.

3. Concept Note

The concept note is required and has a maximum length of five pages.

It should summarize:

• The proposed project.
• The data that will be used.
• Expected research outputs.

Because this is a data-to-output award, the concept note should make it clear how existing data will be transformed into meaningful outputs.

4. Institutional Support or Affiliation Letter

Applicants must provide a letter from their institution confirming their affiliation and support for the proposed project.

There is no page limit specified for this document.

5. First Reference Letter

A professional or academic reference from a supervisor or senior colleague is required.

The letter should help demonstrate the applicant’s research capabilities, experience and potential.

6. Second Reference Letter

A second professional or academic reference is also required.

Applicants should select referees who can provide meaningful information about their academic, professional or research capabilities.

7. Ethics Approval Documentation

Ethics documentation is required where applicable.

Applicants may provide an approved ethics certificate or evidence demonstrating that approval is pending or not required, depending on the circumstances of their project.

8. Detailed Work Plan and Budget

Applicants must provide a detailed work plan and budget.

The document can be submitted as a PDF or as a spreadsheet converted to PDF.

The work plan should show activities on a month-by-month basis, while the budget should provide an itemized breakdown of expenditure within the USD 5,000 maximum award ceiling.

File Format and Naming Requirements

All application documents must be submitted as PDF files, with a maximum file size of 750 KB per file.

Applicants should ensure that every document is:

• Legible.
• Correctly named.
• Complete.
• Within the specified page limit where applicable.
• Uploaded before final submission.

The recommended file naming convention is:

Surname_FirstName_DocumentType_ClimateHealthCatalystAwards_2026.pdf

For example:

Okonkwo_Adaeze_MotivationLetter_ClimateHealthCatalystAwards_2026.pdf

Using the recommended naming format can help applicants keep their submission organized and aligned with the programme’s document protocol.

How to Prepare a Strong Concept Note

The concept note is one of the most important documents because the programme is specifically focused on transforming existing data into outputs.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate:

1. What climate-and-health dataset they already possess.
2. How and when the data were collected.
3. What research question or problem the proposed analysis addresses.
4. What analysis will be conducted.
5. What outputs will be produced.
6. Who will use the findings.
7. How the findings can contribute to policy or practice.
8. How the proposed activities can realistically be completed within 12 months.
9. How the USD 5,000 budget will directly support those activities.

A strong concept note should make a clear connection between the existing evidence, proposed activities and expected impact.

How to Prepare a Strong Budget

Because the maximum award is USD 5,000, applicants should ensure that every proposed expense is justified.

The budget should be:

• Specific.
• Realistic.
• Directly linked to the research activities.
• Within the USD 5,000 ceiling.
• Consistent with the proposed work plan.
• Free of restricted expenses.

Applicants should avoid including costs such as tuition, personal allowances, salary top-ups, large equipment and other prohibited categories.

Why the Climate and Health Catalyst Awards Matter

Climate change and health are increasingly interconnected.

Changes in temperature, extreme weather, environmental conditions and other climate-related factors can have significant implications for health and wellbeing. However, producing useful evidence is only one part of the research process.

Research has greater potential for impact when findings are analysed rigorously, published, communicated effectively and translated into information that policymakers and practitioners can use.

This is the central role of the Catalyst Awards.

Instead of focusing on collecting more data, the programme seeks to help researchers make better use of evidence that already exists.

This approach can help address a common challenge faced by Early Career Researchers: having valuable research data but limited resources to complete the final stages of analysis, publication, dissemination and knowledge translation.

Career Development Opportunities for Early Career Researchers

The programme can also contribute to the professional development of researchers.

Through funding, mentorship, technical guidance, capacity strengthening and networking, award recipients can develop skills that extend beyond the immediate research project.

Participants can potentially strengthen their experience in:

• Research analysis.
• Scientific writing.
• Research communication.
• Policy engagement.
• Evidence synthesis.
• Knowledge translation.
• Conference participation.
• Research collaboration.
• Publication.
• Climate-and-health research.

These skills can help Early Career Researchers establish stronger academic and professional profiles.

Important Things Applicants Should Know

Before applying, prospective candidates should pay particular attention to the following requirements:

You Must Already Have Data

The programme does not fund primary data collection.

Applicants should already possess an appropriate climate-and-health dataset.

You Must Be an Early Career Researcher

The programme is intended for qualifying PhD candidates and postdoctoral/Early Career Researchers within five years of PhD graduation.

Your Research Must Relate to Climate and Health

The existing evidence and proposed activities should clearly fall within the climate-and-health research space.

You Must Meet the Geographic Requirement

Applicants must be citizens or legal residents of one of the nine eligible countries and currently reside in the country indicated in their application.

Your Budget Must Follow the Rules

The USD 5,000 award cannot be treated as unrestricted personal funding. Expenditure must directly support approved research activities.

Your Documents Must Follow the Submission Requirements

Applicants should respect page limits, file formats and the maximum 750 KB size per file.

Application Deadline

No application deadline is stated in the supplied source material.

Applicants should therefore consult the official application platform and full call information for the current submission deadline before applying. The source does state that incomplete, ineligible or late applications will not be considered.

How to Apply

Applicants can begin the application through the programme’s online application form.

The application process is designed to allow applicants to save their progress and return later. The estimated completion time is approximately 30–45 minutes.

For more information on Climate and Health Catalyst Awards 2026, click HERE.

Applicants should read the complete call and application guidance carefully before submitting their application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a grant or a fellowship?

The programme provides catalytic research funding to Early Career Researchers. Based on the categories commonly used for opportunities such as scholarships, conferences, awards, competitions, internships, fellowships, jobs and grants, the most appropriate classification is a grant/research award.

How much funding is available?

The maximum individual award is USD 5,000.

How long can the project last?

The maximum project implementation period is 12 months.

Can I use the funding to collect new data?

No. The programme specifically states that it is not for primary data collection. Applicants must already have an existing climate-and-health dataset.

Can PhD students apply?

Yes. PhD candidates can apply if they have completed data collection, are enrolled in a PhD programme, are registered at an eligible institution and meet the geographic requirements.

Can postdoctoral researchers apply?

Yes. Postdoctoral and Early Career Researchers within five years of PhD graduation can apply if they already have relevant climate-and-health data and meet the other eligibility conditions.

Can researchers from Kenya apply?

Yes. Kenya is one of the nine eligible countries listed by the programme. Applicants must also satisfy the citizenship/legal residence and current residency requirements.

Can the award pay tuition fees?

No. Tuition fees are specifically listed among the ineligible expenses.

Can the funding be used for salary top-ups?

No. Salary top-ups and personal allowances are listed as ineligible expenses.

Are conference expenses eligible?

Approved conference participation is listed among the eligible activities, subject to the programme’s conditions.

How many reference letters are required?

Two professional or academic reference letters are required.

What is the maximum CV length?

The CV must not exceed four pages.

How long can the motivation letter be?

The motivation letter must not exceed one page.

How long can the concept note be?

The concept note has a maximum length of five pages.

How large can each uploaded file be?

Each PDF file must be no larger than 750 KB.

Conclusion

The Climate and Health Catalyst Awards 2026 present a targeted research funding opportunity for Early Career Researchers who have already generated climate-and-health data and need support to turn that evidence into meaningful outputs.

With funding of up to USD 5,000, a maximum project duration of 12 months, structured mentorship, technical guidance, capacity strengthening, networking and knowledge-translation support, the programme goes beyond simply providing financial assistance.

Its central focus is on helping researchers move from existing evidence to research outputs, policy influence and practical application.

The opportunity is particularly relevant to PhD candidates who have completed data collection and to postdoctoral or Early Career Researchers within five years of PhD graduation. However, applicants must satisfy the programme’s geographic requirements and must be based in one of the nine eligible African countries: Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania or Uganda.

Prospective applicants should carefully prepare their motivation letter, CV, concept note, institutional letter, two references, ethics documentation where applicable, and detailed work plan and budget. They should also ensure that their proposed expenditure follows the programme’s funding restrictions.

Most importantly, applicants should remember that this is not a primary data collection award. The strongest applications will be those that clearly demonstrate how an existing climate-and-health dataset can be transformed into credible scientific, policy or practical outputs that have the potential to contribute to climate and health action in Africa.

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