In collaboration with UNESCO, TWAS enables researchers from developing countries to visit research centers. Selected associates are appointed for three years during which they can visit one of 300 participating centers twice for research collaboration. TWAS provides travel support and a contribution towards subsistence costs up to US$300. Living expenses are covered by the host centers. The deadline for submission is 09 December 2025. TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme
Category: Cross-Cutting Subjects
TWAS funds selected TWAS members to assist with building research capacity in the least-developed countries (LDCs). During a period of five years, each funded professor will be expected to make three visits to a host institution in a partner LDC, for a minimum stay of one month each visit. TWAS will provide travel support while living expenses are covered by the host institution. Requests need to be submitted by research groups and scientific institutions in the LDCs. The application deadline is 09 December 2025. Read more
The D-Prize funds pilot projects that more widely distribute relatively low-cost products and services in the fight against poverty. The current challenges include social enterprises for innovations in specified themes of agriculture; energy; WASH; and several other categories. The D-Prize will award 30 teams with up to US$20 thousand each to launch nonprofits or social ventures that can distribute proven poverty interventions to people in need. Eligibility to compete extends to entrepreneurs anywhere in the world and of any age or background. The D-Prize invites concept notes before 23 November (early deadline); 14 December (regular deadline); or 04 January 2026 (limited extension). Link to D-Prize
IIASA invites doctoral students worldwide to participate in its Young Scientists Summer Program held at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis’s headquarters in Laxenburg, Austria. The selected participants work with IIASA’s senior scientists in research on energy, ecosystem services, water, risk policy and vulnerability, and other topics. Scholarships are available from IIASA’s national member organizations. A limited number of scholarships are available from other sources. The deadline for registrations to the 2026 program is 12 January 2026. Young Scientists Summer Program
The Logan Science Journalism Program offers science journalists, writers, editors, and broadcast journalists a chance to immerse themselves in basic biomedical or environmental research. Journalists selected for the program receive research training at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. The fellowship covers room, board, course fees, and travel. Preference will be given to applicants who do not have significant prior scientific research experience. Foreign nationals are eligible to apply. The deadline to apply is 15 January 2026. Logan Science Journalism Program
The Diamond Challenge seeks social innovations that solve a social problem and make a positive impact on people or the environment. Teams must consist of 2-4 high school students typically between 14-18 years of age and have one adult advisor (21 years of age or older). The winners will receive a prize package worth over US$12 thousand. Finalists receive access to our Diamond Challenge Summit, automatic entry into our summer accelerator and accelerator scholarships. Concepts have to be submitted before 15 January 2026. Link to the challenge
- Tags: awards/prizes, january2026, social enterprise, worldwide, youth
The SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals is a nine-month program for business leaders and changemakers to develop and drive innovative sustainable development solutions and business models. The program targets entry- to mid-level managers across diverse businesses. The accelerator is open to business managers from selected countries (listed in the announcement). The call for nominations will remain open until 31 January 2026. SDG Innovation Accelerator
In collaboration with UNESCO, the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) sponsors a PhD Scholarship for up to 40 students/scholars from developing countries to study in China for up to 4 years. TWAS will provide travel support and a monthly allowance to cover accommodation and living expenses. Applicants must be residents and nationals of a developing country (except China). The call for applications is open until 31 January 2026. TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship
Ghent University grants PhD “sandwich” scholarships to promising PhD students from Global South countries who wish to carry out half of their PhD research at Ghent University. The candidate must have full-time funding for the other 24 months of research to be carried out in the South. Research proposals must be jointly submitted by a candidate, a supervisor at Ghent University, and a supervisor at the partner university. The deadline for scholarship applications is 17 February 2026. Special Research Fund
The Swedish Institute (SI) provides fully-funded international scholarships for master’s studies in Sweden. The scholarship aims to develop future global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute to positive and sustainable development in their home countries. The scholarship is open to female citizens from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam. SI fully covers tuition fees and makes regular payments of SEK12 thousand to cover living expenses throughout the scholarship. The application portal for SI Scholarships is open from 09-25 February 2026. Pioneering Women in STEM