On 15 November 2023, the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) was kindly invited to introduce APN and the 2023 Call for Proposals at the Transdisciplinarity for Early Career Researchers in Asia (TERRA) School. The TERRA School 2023 was hosted in Kyoto, Japan, by the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN) and Future Earth Japan. Sixteen early-career researchers participated onsite at the TERRA School on the RIHN campus, representing institutions based in Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, and the Philippines.
On behalf of the APN Secretariat, Dr Nafesa Ismail (Senior Programme Officer) and Ms Naomi Young (Programme Officer) introduced APN and its Call for Proposals, with specific emphasis on the high-priority sub-regional topics for 2023, eligibility requirements, and the timeline for submissions. A segment of the session also provided key advice on submitting successful proposals for funding at the APN Secretariat, with a focus on content and preparation considerations. Throughout the lunch and afternoon workshop sessions, the APN representatives welcomed open questions from the in-person participants as an opportunity to facilitate networking and direct engagement with the APN Call for Proposals and other early-career professional opportunities at APN.
The session also highlighted the special consideration of early career professionals submitting proposals under its Call for Proposals. This initiative and special consideration recognises the pivotal role of early career professionals in sharing scientific advancements for a sustainable future and nurturing their capacity through opportunities with APN. Aligned with APN’s Fifth Strategic Plan, which focuses on enhancing capabilities and supporting science-based decision-making, this open seminar opportunity in the Asia-Pacific region aims to encourage collaborative research and capacity development activities led by global change practioners, researchers, and early career professionals. For detailed eligibility requirements for ‘Early Career Professionals,’ please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the APN Call for Proposals.
About RIHN
The Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN), founded in 2001, promotes research activities aimed at contributing to solving global environmental problems at the interface of society and nature, from the community to the global scale. The robust generation of comprehensive environmental knowledge at RIHN is led by its collaborative research programs through practice in society, and strategic programs aiming to develop concepts and methodologies to solve global environmental problems in collaboration with society.
About Future Earth Japan
Future Earth is an international research platform for global environmental research and sustainability science that aims to transform to a sustainable society. Future Earth Japan and its Committee is the main organisation promoting Future Earth activities in Japan, involving the support of Japanese universities, research institutes, companies, NPOs, media, etc. who support the purpose of Future Earth. In collaboration with related committees of the Science Council of Japan and the Japan Hub of the Future Earth International Secretariat, Future Earth Japan promotes the collaboration between society and academia, and contributes to social efforts to realise the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The APN Secretariat gratefully acknowledges and gives thanks to the invitation and facilitation of the APN outreach seminar at the 2023 RIHN Terra School, by Dr Ria Lambino (Head of International Engagement Unit, RIHN, and Deputy Head of the Future Earth Japan Hub).
