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Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge
Together with Elsevier’s Chemistry journals, the Elsevier Foundation provides funding of 25,000 USD for 2 winning projects per year, implementing green & sustainable chemistry solutions in the Global South – advancing climate action and gender equity.
The Challenge supports individuals and organizations advancing green and sustainable chemistry solutions to address some of the Global South’s most pressing sustainability challenges.
2026 winners
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Thilini D K Mudiyanselage
Professor, Department of Polymer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
Thilini D K Mudiyanselage
Professor, Department of Polymer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Dr. Thilini Mudiyanselage is a Professor in the Department of Polymer Science at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, and a polymer chemist by training and practice. She earned an Honors degree in Chemistry, which laid a strong foundation in molecular science and led her to pursue a PhD, where she was introduced to the world of polymers and their potential to address pressing sustainability and climate challenges. Her research focuses on bio-based polymers, waste-derived materials, and functional hydrogels for water treatment, agriculture, and nutrient-use efficiency.
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Milemo Lusambya
Let’s Be Transformed (MAGUFINA), Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi
Malawi
Milemo Lusambya leads Let’s Be Transformed (MAGUFINA), established in 2017 serving Dzaleka Refugee Camp’s 56,000 residents. MAGUFINA implemented agriculture programs training 120 women, increasing food security by 30% and establishing four gardens producing 2,400kg vegetables annually. We achieved 85% program completion rates compared to 45% camp average through participatory design. MAGUFINA partners with UNHCR Malawi for policy support, Ministry of Natural Resources for compliance, and Malawi University of Science and Technology for technical validation.
About the Challenge
The Challenge supports individuals and organizations advancing green and sustainable chemistry solutions to address some of the Global South’s most pressing sustainability challenges.
It focuses on scaling early-stage projects where the prize represents most of the required funding. Eligible initiatives must be implemented in low- and middle-income countries and include a strong scientific green and sustainable chemistry component, with local implementation partners.
- Examples of in-scope solutions include: Waste utilization; Alternative energy sources; Biodiversity and ecosystem health; Climate change mitigation; Community empowerment; Sustainable agriculture; Water resource management and; Health and well-being.
- Projects implemented outside LMICs, those without a gender component, projects primarily funding equipment or personnel, and initiatives lacking a strong sustainable chemistry foundation are out of scope.
Before submitting, applicants must carefully review the full description of the Challenge and the criteria.
Prizes, Timeline & Key Information
Two prizes of USD $25,000 each will be awarded to projects demonstrating impactful green and sustainable chemistry solutions for sustainability challenges in the Global South.
Challenge Timeline
- Submission phase: September 21 – November 15, 2026
- Shortlist announcement by December 18, 2026
- Top 5 finalists announced: February 18, 2027.
- Final presentations & winners announced: July 2027, at the 11th Elsevier Green & Sustainable Chemistry Conference (2027, date TBC)
The Top 5 finalists will present their projects at the conference, where the two winners will be selected and announced.
Additional Information
Due to the high number of applications, individual feedback cannot be provided.
Certificates for shortlisted proposals are available upon request.
For questions or certificate requests, please contact: chemistry.challenge@elsevier.com
