Climate and Health “Big Idea” – Community Voices, Research Insights, Lasting Impact
Presented by the Climate and Health Research Initiative (CHeRI)
Deadline to Submit: November 19, 2026
Symposium Date: February 3, 2027
We are excited to announce a grant opportunity through Duke’s Climate and Health Research Initiative (CHeRI) — an interdisciplinary hub for advancing research, fostering collaboration, and translating evidence into community-centered solutions that address the health impacts of climate change. For more information, visit the CHeRI website.
CHeRI will host its second annual Big Idea Symposium, supported through a grant from The Duke Endowment, to spark new research directions and support emerging teams focused on climate and health.
What We’re Looking For
We invite faculty, graduate students, and postdocs to submit one-page proposals for a “Big Idea” that address critical climate and health challenges. Priority will be given to innovative projects focused on populations most vulnerable to climate and health impacts. Projects may involve collaborators, communities, or research activities regionally, nationally, or internationally, but should clearly articulate how the insights are relevant to communities in North and South Carolina. Projects that meaningfully engage community partners and/or demonstrate a clear pathway for translating research findings into community, clinical, policy, or public health impact are especially encouraged.
Selected proposals will be invited to pitch their ideas at the Climate & Health Big Idea Symposium on February 3, 2027, and will be eligible to apply for pilot funding to further develop their research.
Full Request for Proposal details are available here
Proposal Tracks
- Faculty Projects: awards ranging from $40,000 to $200,000 over two years
- Graduate/Postdoc Projects: awards up to $10,000 for a single-year
Research Themes
Proposals should align with one or more of the following focus areas, with a focus on the potential for deliverable outcomes for vulnerable communities in the Carolinas:
- Biology and Physiology of Heat
Investigating direct and indirect effects of heat on human health, including physiology, immunology, pathogens, and nutrition. - Climate and Health Observatories
Developing surveillance strategies and models to measure climate impacts on health and define effective public health interventions. - Data Solutions for Climate and Health
Creating integrated data systems to analyze climate and health trends, establish causal links, and predict future events. - Policy and Resilience in a Changing Climate
Designing policies and strategies to build resilience in communities and healthcare systems facing climate-related health threats.
Eligibility
We encourage ideas from all disciplines, including those outside traditional climate or health fields.
Faculty Projects: All Duke University faculty, across all schools, centers, and institutes, are invited to submit proposals. We encourage proposals that leverage the unique strengths of Duke's diverse academic community and offer the potential for significant long-term outcomes.
Trainee Projects: All Duke University graduate students and postdoctoral researchers—from any school, center, or institute—are invited to submit proposals for innovative projects at the intersection of climate and health.
How to Apply
Submit a one-page Letter of Intent including a summary of your idea, and potential collaborative partners. (Proposed departments, units, specific roles, and/or names of collaborators, if known).
The application is submitted via Duke’s MyResearchProposal (MRP) online submission system.
- To apply visithttps://duke.is/DukeMRP, click on “Create New User” (or log in if you already have an account).
- Please review the following link for a step-by-step user’s guide for applying via the MyResearchProposal platform. (https://duke.box.com/v/MRP-Applicant-Instructions)
- Enter Access Code ‘CHRI’ and select “Climate and Health Big Idea RFA 2026-2027” opportunity and follow the instructions.
- For questions concerning MyResearchProposal passwords or system issues, please contact myresearchproposal@duke.edu
Questions?
For more information, visit our FAQ section or email us at som_climatehealth@duke.edu
Help shape the future of climate and health research—together.
Submit your proposal and be part of a transformative initiative to protect the health of our most vulnerable communities.