Catalyzing Innovative Research for Impact
We provide both short- and long-term funding, often in partnership with other organizations, for novel and sometimes high-risk, high-reward research. By reaching across the university, and beyond it, we bring together resources that support sustainability breakthroughs. By backing urgently needed sustainability initiatives with flexibility and creativity, we see significant returns on investment for Cornell Atkinson, the university, and the world.
Our funding and other programs have engaged more than 500 faculty members, as well as more than 250 postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduate students. From seed funding for venturesome research to supporting artists who engage imaginations, Cornell Atkinson’s programs promote sustainability with a creative, innovative spirit.
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Faculty Funding
Academic Venture Fund (AVF)
Our premier funding initiative, this $1.5 million annual program supports seed grants in the $50,000-$150,000 range that are multidisciplinary and have the potential to propel a good idea forward so that it can make a measurable impact. Projects often include engagement with external partners from industry, government, nongovernmental organizations, and foundations.
Rapid Response Fund (RRF)
The RRF facilitates urgent or time-sensitive sustainability research, workshops, and other activities. The RRF is a source of funding for smaller projects that cover a broad range of sustainability initiatives. RRF proposals are evaluated by the Atkinson Center’s leadership team on a rolling basis.
Innovation for Impact (IIF)
This program links Cornell researchers to leading external organizations working on policy and programs around the world. The IIF builds capacity and shortens response time to emerging and critical challenges. IIF awards finance joint projects with The Nature Conservancy, CARE, and Environmental Defense Fund to foster sustainable solutions for food security, energy transitions, one health, and economic development.
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Postdoctoral Funding
Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowships in Sustainability
This unique postdoctoral program seeks creative and highly motivated early-career researchers to work in tandem with Cornell faculty and external partners to address pressing world needs through research and implementation of sustainable solutions. Up to four postdocs are chosen each year for two-year appointments.
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Student Funding
Sustainable Biodiversity Fund (SBF)
Cornell graduate students and postdoctoral research associates from all disciplines are encouraged to apply to pursue innovative, interdisciplinary research outside the purview of their current dissertation or postdoctoral research plan. SBF research proposals typically span disciplines, building new collaborations across campus between the award recipient and two faculty advisers.
Small Grants Program
Cornell Atkinson’s Small Grants Program supports Cornell graduate students and postdocs with funding for research that aligns with our working group themes of increasing food security and reducing climate risks.
Research Fellows Collaborative Grants
This new collaborative grant program for graduates and postdocs supports sustainability-focused research projects that bring together the complementary skills and interests of the diverse community. We especially value novel collaborations that move research towards real-world impact and proposals that relate to the priority themes of Cornell Atkinson. Five grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded each cycle. Research Fellows from all disciplines are welcome to apply.
Student Internships
Each summer, we send undergraduate and graduate students to work side by side with leadership at the Environmental Defense Fund and other organizations. The internships expose students to the inner workings of leading environmental policy groups, where they tackle urgent sustainability issues in a vibrant workplace.