Empowering positive change in the Asia-Pacific: APN’s virtual seminars and the 2023 Call for Proposals

In a movement towards fostering collaboration and driving positive change in the Asia-Pacific region, the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) is thrilled to announce the success of two virtual seminars. These sessions, held on November 9 and 10, 2023, transcended geographical boundaries, connecting minds across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. The interactive 90-minute sessions provided participants with invaluable insights, guidance, and tutorials, empowering them with the knowledge to navigate the intricacies of proposal submissions with the APN Secretariat.

In a proactive move to address global change and sustainability challenges, APN extends a special invitation and consideration to 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 5th 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 APN Frequently asked questions (FAQ).

The seminars covered various topics, including an introduction to APN, an overview of its core programmes, eligibility requirements, and guidance on navigating the proposal submission interface. An open Q&A session invited participants to engage directly with the APN Secretariat.

APN’s enduring commitment to environmental understanding

Since 1996, APN has maintained a commitment to fostering an understanding of global environmental change. In the 2023 Call for Proposals context, APN is actively seeking submissions for collaborative regional research and scientific capacity development. The focus areas encompass air, land, coasts and oceans; biodiversity and ecosystems; climate; food, water, and energy; human dimensions; and risk reduction and resilience. These thematic priorities align seamlessly with the high-priority topics for the 2023 Call for Proposals, elected with input from APN members in each of APN’s subregions and member countries. The APN Secretariat encourages and eagerly anticipates receiving transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary regional research proposals, as well as scientific capacity development research collaboratively designed with stakeholders.

Key dates and participation metrics

The official launch of the 2023 APN Call for Proposals took place on November 10, 2023, at midnight JST. Proposal submissions will be accepted until December 10, 2023, at midnight JST. For more information and guidelines, please visit the Asia-Pacific Information System (APNIS).

During the virtual seminar sessions, the APN Secretariat witnessed the registration of 495 participants, with a 48% attendance rate over both days. 27 countries were represented by the 239 participants across the two days, reflecting engagement and capacity development across all four sub-regions of the Asia-Pacific. The Secretariat hopes this virtual seminar has enhanced participants’ understanding of APN and its call, encouraging submissions from those interested. APN extends its gratitude to all participants for engaging in the our first open virtual seminar on its call for proposals, and is committed to conducting such activities regularly.

For further details about the APN Call for Proposals, please explore the dedicated webpage.