IGAC Early Career Researcher Development Grant
Supporting emerging researchers in atmospheric chemistry and related fields with flexible, targeted funding for travel, training, collaborations, and independent projects.
Funding Levels
The ECR Development Grant offers three funding categories:
| Category | Maximum amount | Approx. number of awards |
|---|---|---|
| Small Grants | Up to USD 500 | ~12 awards |
| Medium Grants | Up to USD 1,000 | ~6 awards |
| Large Grants | Up to USD 2,000 | ~4 awards |
We particularly welcome proposals that:
- Expand research capacity and foster new collaborations
- Increase participation in IGAC-related activities
- Promote inclusion and global representation in atmospheric chemistry
- Help students and early-career researchers in low- and middle-income countries access opportunities
Eligibility
- Applicants must be within 7 years of PhD award, excluding career breaks (e.g. parental leave, illness, caring responsibilities).
- Applicants may hold permanent positions, but must show a clear need for support.
- Applicants should demonstrate an interest in contributing to the IGAC community (past or planned involvement).
- Funding cannot be used to support existing projects already funded at a level > USD 500,000.
What We Will Fund
Small Grants (up to USD 500)
- Registration fees for conferences or workshops
- Software licences or specialist data access
- Support materials and consumables
Medium (up to USD 1,000) & Large Grants (up to USD 2,000)
- Conference or workshop attendance (including travel)
- Outreach and public engagement activities
- Research exchanges or visits to other institutions (seed collaborations)
- Seed funding for small, independent research activities
- Equipment purchases with strong justification
- Other training or development opportunities (e.g. tuition fees, with justification)
Not funded
- Standard publication fees (see journals offering fee waivers on the IGAC ECR website)
- Projects already supported by major research grants (> USD 500,000)
- Staff time or personnel costs
The IGAC ECR SSC and SSC make the final funding decisions. The committees may consider items not explicitly listed above where they clearly align with the scope of IGAC and the aims of this grant.
Two-Stage Application Process
The two-stage process is designed to reduce the time spent on full applications by ineligible candidates.
Stage 1 – Initial Eligibility Check
Stage 1 is a brief preliminary check to confirm that your proposal fits the scope of IGAC and meets the basic criteria.
- Very short summary of the proposed activity (a few sentences)
- Confirmation that you meet the eligibility criteria
- Space to indicate special circumstances (e.g. extended parental leave, illness)
Stage 1 applications are submitted via the online form:
https://forms.gle/hYQJBuZ7HCik8qpw9
Stage 1 deadline: 5 January 2026.
Applicants passing Stage 1 will receive a link to the full application form for Stage 2.
Stage 2 – Full Application
Each full application must include:
- Applicant details
- Letter of support from supervisor/PI (not required for applicants leading their own research)
- Budget breakdown using the IGAC template
-
Project description (~1000 words), including:
- Aims and objectives
- Anticipated impact/results
- Alignment with IGAC’s mission
- Timeline for use of funds
- Explanation of alternative funding sources and why this grant is needed
- Applicant statement describing how the award will support career development
Applications will be reviewed by the IGAC ECR SSC and the IGAC SSC. Successful applicants will be required to submit a short post-funding report describing how they benefited from the grant.
Applications are not judged on English language proficiency. Applicants who prefer may write in their own language and use translation tools, clearly stating that a translator was used; only the content will be evaluated.
Training & Assistance
To support fair and accessible participation, IGAC will provide:
- A detailed application guide
- An assessment rubric outlining how proposals are evaluated
- A budget template with instructions
- A set of frequently asked questions
Post-Award Requirements
Within one year of receiving the grant, awardees will be asked to submit a brief report outlining:
- How the grant supported their career development
- An itemized summary of how funds were spent (with receipts or proof of expenses, e.g. abstract submission)
- Optional: a short video or written reflection for IGAC’s website or social media
Grantees are encouraged to continue engaging with IGAC activities and the wider IGAC community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If USD is not your local currency, please use an online converter and present the values in USD.
The SSC will review such cases individually. Small changes in cost due to exchange rates will not automatically penalise an application.
No. Only one application per person will be considered.
Yes. Proposals are assessed holistically according to the evaluation criteria, not strictly limited by the examples listed under each category.
Yes, provided each item is clearly and consistently justified. Poorly justified items may lead to an application not being approved.
No. Stage 1 confirms eligibility only. Final decisions are made after full review of Stage 2 applications.
Stage 1 applications are now open. Deadline: 5 January 2026.
Open Stage 1 Application FormPlease submit your initial eligibility application via the online form. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full Stage 2 proposal.