Cranfield University has been selected to help search for solutions to repair and regenerate our planet, as an official nominator for the 2022 Earthshot Prize.

Launched by Prince William and The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Earthshot Prize is the most prestigious environmental prize in the world. The search for the 2022 prize winners has now begun, with over 300 organisations nominated to seek out innovative answers to some of our most pressing environmental issues.

Professor Chris Fogwill, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the School of Water, Energy and Environment, said: “Being selected as an official nominator for this influential prize is recognition of the innovation and world-changing research that takes place at Cranfield University. Incubating and developing new and exciting ideas is in our DNA. I am proud that we are playing a part in finding positive and practical solutions to improve life for us all, and for future generations, in helping to restore and protect our planet.”

A decade of action to repair our earth

One of only 11 UK universities involved, Cranfield University’s expertise in climate change research cuts across several crucial sectors including energy and power, agriculture and food, water and soil. Its specialism in developing real-world, practical solutions based on rigorous research means that the University’s Earthshot team will identify applications that can have a real and lasting impact.

Cranfield University has been selected to find and nominate solutions from businesses, organisations, communities and individuals which can make tangible progress towards one of five key areas:

• Protect and restore nature
• Clean our air
• Revive our oceans
• Build a waste-free world
• Fix our climate

Prince William said, “The Earth is at a tipping point and we face a stark choice: either we continue as we are and irreparably damage our planet, or we remember our unique power as human beings and our continual ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve. People can achieve great things. The next ten years present us with one of our greatest tests – a decade of action to repair the Earth.” 

Applications welcomed

Applications can be submitted on the Cranfield University website until 13 February 2022, with those selected going through to the Earthshot Prize assessment process. Solutions should be beyond idea stage, having tested in-field or with target audiences, and be at a ‘tipping point’ for scaling impact within the next five years. 

One winner in each of the five categories will be awarded a £1 million grant to develop their solution and be given support from the Earthshot Prize network of mentors, funders, businesses, governments and NGOs. 

Broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough, who is part of the prize council, concluded: The natural world on which we entirely depend is declining at a rate faster than at any time since the end of the dinosaurs. We know where this story is heading, and we must now write a different ending. This is what The Earthshot Prize was created to achieve.”