Sustainability Research Funding

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.

This initiative proposes to integrate natural sciences, social sciences, health sciences, art, and humanities in interdisciplinary research to address climate change. By fostering collaboration and creating supportive structures for interdisciplinary efforts, the University of Arizona aims to lead in climate-engaged research with significant societal impacts. This approach ensures that research efforts are inclusive, diverse, and aligned with principles of equity and justice. Actionable items include:

• Work with Research, Innovation, & Impact (RII) to build and support interdisciplinary research groups and mandate involvement of junior researchers.
• Create guidance for considering interdisciplinary and community-engaged research in promotion and tenure processes.
• Develop and spotlight courses and programs that help researchers understand how to conduct climate-related interdisciplinary research.
• Offer university-wide awards to recognize and celebrate interdisciplinary climate-related research and contributions to equitable climate solutions.
• Request that RII include climate-related interdisciplinary program solicitations in its weekly newsletter, ensuring accessibility and appeal to researchers from all disciplines.

This initiative proposes to integrate equity and justice into the core of University of Arizona's research efforts, particularly in climate change and sustainability studies, acknowledging both its pivotal role and ethical responsibility as a leading institution. It will also promote equitable research funding allocation for climate change and sustainability research to address current disparities and support projects focused on equity and justice. By embedding these principles, the university aims to foster a research environment that celebrates diversity, dismantles barriers to participation, and prioritizes ethical considerations in addressing global challenges. Actionable items include:

• Establish and maintain ethical research practices that integrate equity and justice principles into guidelines and training for climate change and sustainability research.
• Promote equitable allocation of research funding by creating dedicated grants and implementing transparent review processes that prioritize projects focusing on equity and justice.
• Foster inclusive research teams through inclusive recruitment, mentorship programs, and community engagement initiatives, ensuring diverse participation and meaningful collaboration.

This initiative proposes to broaden and incentivize community engagement and transdisciplinary approaches to climate-related research, including climate mitigation, adaptation, sustainability, communication of climate risks, resilience, and environmental justice. By leveraging existing resources and partnerships, the University of Arizona aims to enhance student and faculty involvement with community partners to address climate issues effectively. This initiative seeks to build on the university's leadership in climate research by expanding partnerships with NGOs and public and private entities, ensuring reciprocal and long-term community benefits. Actionable items include:

• Provide mandatory training for researchers on effective community engagement and best practices, incorporating these into undergraduate training and mentoring programs.
• Increase and retool funding for graduate students, faculty, and community partners to support climate-related community engagement.
• Leverage current internship programs and partnership opportunities to enhance their impact and foster new community connections.
• Develop coordinated outreach efforts, such as events and workshops, to raise awareness of climate-related research and build stronger community partnerships.
• Establish awards to celebrate exemplary work in community engagement on climate issues, recognizing both researchers and community partners with financial rewards.