People

Place-Based Training (projects) – Available throughout the year 

Purpose: Funds short, place‑based training projects addressing regional low‑carbon challenges

Core Focus: Participate in short, co-created projects addressing real-world Net Zero challenges.

Key Features:

• Led by an NNZA Partner University staff member
• Build practical leadership, innovation and partnership-working experience.
• Strengthen networks through collaboration with external organisations and partners.
• Support place-based capacity building and knowledge exchange.
• Awards up to £15,000 for projects of up to 3 months

Training for Impact – Available throughout the year 

Purpose: Develop training programmes that strengthen Net Zero skills and capabilities across partner universities.

Core Focus: Develop training programmes that strengthen Net Zero skills and capabilities across partner universities.

Key Features:

• Build expertise in innovation, enterprise, policy engagement and stakeholder collaboration.
• Create shared learning resources with lasting benefit across the NNZA network.
• Support collaborative, cross-institutional professional development.
• Awards up to £35,000 through a rolling call, subject to available funding

Impact Projects – Available throughout the year 

Purpose: Supports co‑created projects with external partners, delivering measurable impact from ECR‑led research innovation

Core Focus: Apply research, expertise and innovation to deliver measurable benefits for external partners.

Key Features:

• Develop leadership, entrepreneurship, stakeholder engagement and project management skills.
• Work collaboratively with industry, public, civic and third-sector organisations.
• Generate real-world impact while accelerating professional development.
• Awards up to £30,000 for projects of up to 6 months.

Mobility (Placements) 

Purpose: Funds immersive, time‑limited placements for researchers within external organisations

Core focus: Gain first-hand experience through an immersive placement within a host organisation.

Key features:

• Understand how Net Zero projects, policies and programmes are delivered in practice.
• Build strategic relationships and future collaboration opportunities.
• Develop professional skills through experiential learning and knowledge exchange.
• Awards up to £15,000 for placements of up to 3 months