The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a call to action for all countries, in partnership, to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.
Achieving the SDGs lies at the heart of Ireland’s international development policy, A Better World, as well as being part of SFI’s new strategy, Shaping our Future, to deliver tangible benefits for society. With these common goals, Irish Aid (Department of Foreign Affairs) are partnering with SFI to the launch the SDG Challenge.
The SDG Challenge seeks to support diverse, transdisciplinary teams to develop transformative, sustainable solutions that will contribute to addressing development challenges under the UN SDGs in countries where Irish Aid works.
Funding is available for collaborative research teams based in eligible research institutions in Ireland and partner countries. Successful teams will be awarded up to €300k and will work through a series of phases to develop their idea. An overall prize award of €1M will be available to the team that demonstrates the highest potential for transformative impact.
In this initial call, SFI and Irish Aid are seeking solutions that contribute to SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, and related goals and targets. Solutions must demonstrate context-specific impact in one of the eligible partner countries, but applicants are also encouraged to consider shared challenges where solutions may have wider impact.
Please refer to the call document for details on the Challenge Theme and Eligible Partner Countries.