Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge 2026 – Global South

The Elsevier Foundation is a global philanthropic organization committed to advancing science, research, and education to address pressing societal challenges. As part of its mission, the foundation collaborates with Elsevier’s Sustainable Chemistry journals team to support initiatives that promote environmentally responsible scientific solutions. Through flagship programs such as the Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge, the foundation empowers researchers, innovators, and community leaders to create impactful interventions that address sustainability and climate-related issues. It places particular emphasis on supporting projects in low- and middle-income countries where the need for climate action is urgent. By fostering partnerships, encouraging gender equity, and integrating inclusive participation, the Elsevier Foundation creates a platform for equitable scientific advancement. The foundation focuses on accelerating research that leads to tangible environmental and social benefits, with special attention to the Global South. It believes in strengthening local communities by supporting chemistry-based solutions that improve health, agriculture, energy access, biodiversity, and water management. Through funding, expert guidance, and international collaboration, the Elsevier Foundation is helping shape a sustainable future while ensuring that scientific innovation is accessible and aligned with global development goals.

The Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge 2026, organized by the Elsevier Foundation, offers funding to innovators advancing green and sustainable chemistry solutions in the Global South. The grant supports projects that tackle major sustainability issues such as waste utilization, renewable energy, ecosystem health, climate mitigation, sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and health and well-being. Two winning projects will each receive USD 25,000 to implement solutions that address urgent environmental challenges in low- and middle-income countries. The program encourages scale-ups of early-stage projects, especially those where the grant represents a significant portion of the total funding required and where local implementation partners are actively engaged. Projects must integrate scientific chemistry methods, involve local communities, and promote gender equity and inclusion. Submissions from outside the Global South or those lacking a scientific focus or gender dimension are not eligible. The grant also emphasizes research that contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. With a structured selection process involving expert review and presentations at a global conference, the program ensures that funded projects are impactful and community-driven, helping to accelerate research and deliver meaningful climate solutions.