The Freiburg & Adelaide Partnership Fund 2025: Sustainability
Unlocking Opportunities for Cutting-Edge Collaborative Research
Sustainability, energy, and environmental challenges are among the most pressing issues facing our world today. Through cross-institutional research collaborations, we can develop innovative solutions to address these global concerns. To support this mission, the Freiburg - Adelaide Partnership Fund 2025 is providing an exciting funding opportunity for researchers to collaborate and advance sustainability research.
This initiative strengthens research ties between the University of Freiburg (UFR) and the University of Adelaide (UoA), supporting joint projects that aim to foster innovative research connections and enhance long-term collaboration.
Funding Details & Research Scope
The Freiburg - Adelaide Partnership Fund 2025 offers up to A$15,000 / €10,000 per project, enabling researchers to:
- Conduct research visits at the partner institution
- Participate in joint conferences, seminars, and workshops
- Engage early-career researchers, doctoral candidates, and students in sustainability research
- Build groundwork for long-term externally funded projects
A total of 2 to 3 projects will be funded in this round. The deadline for applications is Sunday 2 March 2025 at 23:59 (CET).
Funding is evenly allocated between the lead investigators at each institution (A$15,000 to UoA staff and €10,000 to UFR staff), ensuring balanced collaboration and engagement.
The Sustainability Research Theme is led by Professor Melissa Nursey-Bray, an expert in environmental governance, climate adaptation, and community-driven sustainability. A key member of ISER, she contributes to global research on sustainability and resilience. Her research explores how communities engage in environmental decision-making, particularly in climate change and biodiversity protection. She has worked with Indigenous groups, local governments, ports, and fishing communities to examine how values, knowledge, and perceptions influence sustainability efforts.
For researchers dedicated to sustainability, this fund presents a valuable opportunity to work under the leadership of Prof. Melissa Nursey-Bray, Sustainability, Energy & Environment Theme Lead at the University of Adelaide (melissa.nursey-bray@adelaide.edu.au).
Why Apply? The Benefits of This Collaboration
- Expand Your Research Network – Collaborate with top sustainability experts from UoA and UFR.
- Secure Seed Funding – Access financial support to advance impactful sustainability research.
- Increase Research Visibility – Present findings at joint conferences and workshops.
- Strengthen International Partnerships – Establish and deepen collaborations with UoA and UFR for future research opportunities.
Key Deadlines & Timeline
Call Opens: 28 January 2025
Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission: 28 January – 24 February 2025
Final Proposal Submission Deadline: 2 March 2025
Project Start Date: Late March 2025
Fund Utilization Deadline: 30 November 2025 (UoA) / 31 December 2025 (UFR)
Final Report Submission: 1 March 2026
How to Apply?
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the designated Smartsheet form (link provided upon EOI submission for UoA applicants).
Once the EOI is accepted, complete the full application and submit it by the deadline.
Ensure alignment with the Sustainability, Energy & Environment theme and reach out to Prof. Melissa Nursey-Bray for guidance.
Contact for Queries:
Prof. Melissa Nursey-Bray (Sustainability, Energy & Environment Theme Lead, UoA)