Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge

Application process and Frequently Asked Questions ▼

• 1. How do I submit my proposal?

  You can submit your proposal on the Elsevier Foundation Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge platform at this link: https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/stages/75763/submitter

  For a successful proposal, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the full description of the Challenge and the criteria.

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  2. What is in scope and what is out of scope for the Challenge?

  In-scope: scale-ups of early-stage projects where the prize represents most of the overall needed budget; innovative green & sustainable chemistry solutions implemented in the global South. For example, projects looking at Sustainable Chemistry Solutions: Waste Utilization; Alternative Energy Sources; Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health; Climate Change Mitigation; Community Empowerment; Sustainable Agriculture; Water Resource Management; Health and Well-being.
  
  Out-of-scope: projects to be implemented outside of low-and-middle income countries; projects with no gender component, educational projects without a strong scientific green & sustainable chemistry component; prize money mainly used on expensive equipment; prize money mainly used on personnel; projects in the Global South without a local implementation partner.

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  3. What are the Challenge’s process and deadlines?

  The Elsevier Foundation Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge is articulated in the following phases:

  • Submission phase: This is the general submission period. Proposals can be submitted from 15th of June 2024 to the 15th of September 2024.
  • Reviewing phase: Out of all submitted proposals, the top tier eligible proposals will be selected by a panel of reviewers and will be advanced to the judging phase.
  • Judging phase: The scientific jury will evaluate the proposals and identify the finalists. The Top 5 finalists will be selected to compete for the two prizes and will be invited to present their proposal at the 9th Elsevier Green & Sustainable Chemistry Conference (3-6 March, 2025).

• 4. What are the prizes of the Elsevier Foundation Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge?

  The Elsevier Foundation Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge awards 2 prizes of 25,000 dollars (USD) each.

  The Challenge awards projects that use green and sustainable chemistry solutions to tackle some of the developing world’s greatest sustainability challenges – encouraging researchers to come up with new solutions.

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  5. When will I know the results of my application?

  • The list of the top tier proposals that will be advanced to the judging phase of the Challenge will be published in October 2023 on the Elsevier Foundation website.
  • The list of the Top 5 proposals will be published on our website early December 2024. The finalists will be invited to present their project at the 9th Elsevier Green & Sustainable Chemistry Conference (2-3 March, 2025), where the winners of the two prizes will be announced.

• 6. Can I get feedback on my proposal?

  Unfortunately, due to the high number of applicants, it is not possible to offer individual feedback.

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  7. Is it possible to get a certificate to prove that my proposal was selected as a top tier proposal?

  Yes, it is possible. Requests for certificates should be made at chemistry.challenge@elsevier.com.

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  8. Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

  For any question or clarification, you can reach us at chemistry.challenge@elsevier.com.