The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) though Ireland’s development cooperation programme, Irish Aid, and the Marine Institute (MI) have established a new programme called ‘Our Shared Ocean’ to support research, knowledge exchange and capacity building in partnership with Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The programme will run from January 2022 to December 2026 with a total investment of €3.8 million funded by the DFA, and administered by the MI.

The SDG Challenge is an opportunity for researchers to develop innovative STEM-based solutions to address global challenges in the area of climate, biodiversity and the environment. In particular, the SDG Challenge 2022 focuses on addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and targets related to SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land. 

Funding is available for collaborative research teams based in Ireland and Irish Aid partner countries. The SDG Challenge offers: