Coordinate Funding Structures & Incentives for Climate-Engaged Research

This initiative proposes to create a coordinated approach to pursue and develop additional funding sources for climate and sustainability research at the University of Arizona. By centralizing efforts through the Arizona Institute for Resilience (AIR) and including related fields such as health sciences, the initiative aims to incentivize high-impact, interdisciplinary research focused on climate mitigation, adaptation, and sustainability. This effort will ensure equitable distribution of resources, enhance competitiveness of sponsored project proposals, and contribute to local and campus-wide emissions reduction goals. Actionable items include:

• Develop additional internal and external funding sources, and redistribute existing funds equitably among departments and campus communities.
• Appoint a coordinator to manage funding efforts, ensuring the initiative's implementation and maximizing institutional return on investment.
• Connect with Lewis-Burke Associates to explore current federal funding opportunities and mechanisms supporting climate-focused research.
• Emulate the COVID-19 request for proposals (RFP) model to emphasize impact, collaboration, transdisciplinary research, and equity-centered approaches.
• Offer training and compile best practices for climate-conscious research to guide RFPs and enhance research quality across all disciplines.