Cambridge Zero is inviting your submissions of ideas for research projects within the broad space of Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Applications for Climate and Nature

We are working in collaboration with partners across the University including AI@Cam, ICCS, CCI, Conservation Evidence, and the Conservation Research Institute, and have already secured some initial seed funding through AI@Cam for a project in this space: https://ai.cam.ac.uk/projects/ai-for-climate-and-nature

The ambition is to develop a much larger programme of research on this topic and attract funding on the order of > £10M, with support from CUDAR to develop one or more philanthropic pitches.

Funding Opportunity: Bezos Earth Fund Grand Challenge

The Bezos Earth Fund has just announced that they will be awarding $100 million to fund projects in this space, with a particular focus on: 1. Sustainable proteins; 2. Biodiversity conservation; and 3. Power grid optimization, as well as a “Wild Card” category. This funding call opens in May 2024, and will award 30 seed grants in the first phase, which can then apply for up to $2 million in the second phase. Further details about the funding call, and a sign-up form to receive updates, are available here. 

Project Ideas - please complete template by Friday 3rd May 2024

If you have an idea (either well-developed proposals or tentative concepts) for a research project you would like to develop within this field, please complete a Project Idea Template on this Google Doc. This is intended as a “matchmaking” document, for people to see what ideas others are suggesting, and to establish new collaborations between researchers. Please note any capability gaps you have for your idea, so others can see where their expertise or knowledge may contribute to your proposal. If you are interested in joining a proposed idea, please add your name and email.

Town Hall meeting, Thursday 16th May, 13.00-15.00, 17 Mill Lane: We will hold an in-person Town Hall meeting on Thursday 16^th May, 13.00-15.00 to facilitate the brainstorming of ideas.

If you have any question related to this opportunity or process, please contact Dr Erik Mackie, Head of Research Engagement at Cambridge Zero, on ejm222@cam.ac.uk