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.
Open Funding Cycles
- Jan. 17, 2025: EDF IIF Joint Research Projects
- Jan. 27, 2025: Atkinson/EDF Summer Internships
- Always Open: Rapid Response Fund
Faculty Funding
Academic Venture Fund
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
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 Fund
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.The 2030 Project: "Fast Grants"
The 2030 Project and Cornell Atkinson offer "Fast Grant" research-to-impact seed funding to enable faculty to seize urgent and unique opportunities to provide support for impact-oriented climate research, expected to be in the $10,000-$25,000 rangeThe 2030 Project: "Big Ideas"
The 2030 Project and Cornell Atkinson offer "Big Ideas" support to catalyze large-scale, interdisciplinary, impact-oriented climate research at CornellSummer Mentored Research Grants
Cornell Atkinson is piloting an initiative to support faculty-led undergraduate summer opportunities in sustainability research, to prepare undergraduates to conduct independent research in a collaborative environment.Postdoctoral Funding
Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowships
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.Student Funding
Sustainable Biodiversity Fund
Cornell graduate students 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.Graduate Research Grants
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.Student Internships
Each summer, we send undergraduate 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.