The Catalyst Fund makes small grants for ideas that are early-stage, unconventional, and innovative. It favors bold ideas that depart from the status quo, and that look at a problem and its solution in a new light. There are no restrictions by theme or place (and may include the subjects of the Terra Viva Grants Directory). Proposals can take the form of cutting-edge products, experimental programs, new services, inventions, etc. Eligibility for funding extends to anyone in the world, individuals and teams. Grants range from US$2,500 to US$15 thousand. The Fund accepts applications on a continuous basis with no deadlines. Find out more
biology
Marc and Nora Van Montagu Fund — Fellowship Program for Women Researchers in Africa
The Open Doors Fellowship Program (ODFP) targets post-doctoral and mid-career women researchers conducting agricultural research in Africa. Fellows receive financial incentives to enhance their scientific visibility and a research stay in Belgium. Applicants’ research fields must be plant breeding, agrobiotechnology, molecular biology and genetics, microbiology, chemical ecology, plant & soil health, livestock or aquaculture. There are no age limits. The application deadline is 10 January 2025. Open Doors Fellowship Program
King Baudouin Foundation — KBF Africa Prize 2025-2026
The KBF Africa Prize is awarded to Africans or African organizations who are making an outstanding contribution to development in Africa. There are no restrictions as to the chosen themes. The Selection Committee favors community approaches that deal with actual and current challenges in Africa. The winners receive financial support of up to €250 thousand. Self-nomination is not permitted. The deadline for nominations is 03 March 2025. Find out how to nominate a candidate
Council for the Advancement of Science Writing — Science Reporting Award
The Council for the Advancement of Science Writing (CASW) awards the Sharon Begley Science Reporting Award. The award recognizes the accomplishments of a mid-career science journalist. The winner receives US$20 thousand to undertake a significant reporting project. Candidates must be experienced journalists who have compiled a substantial body of work in science journalism. The deadline for submissions is 30 April 2025. CASW Science Reporting Award
World Academy of Sciences — Prize in Agricultural Sciences or Biology
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) invites nominations for the Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award in Agricultural Sciences or Biology. The prize aims to recognize scientists for their achievements in Agricultural Sciences or Biology. Eligible nominees are female scientists from scientifically and technologically lagging countries. The prize is a US$4 thousand cash award. Nominations should be submitted electronically before 14 May 2025. Prize in Agricultural Sciences or Biology
World Academy of Sciences — TWAS-Abdool Karim Prize in Biological Sciences
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) invites nominations for the Abdool Karim Prize in Biological Sciences. The prize aims to recognize scientists for their achievements in Biological Sciences. Eligible nominees are female scientists national of a low-income African country. The prize is a US$5 thousand cash award. Nominations should be submitted electronically before 14 May 2025. Award in Biological Sciences
Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust — Grants for Research and Training 2025
The Trust makes grants for education and research in ornamental horticulture, primarily in North America, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Australia. Projects may focus on research in ornamental horticulture, creation and maintenance of gardens accessible to the public for educational purposes, educational activities that further ornamental horticulture, and environmentally responsible cultivation of plants which have ornamental horticultural value. Applicants include botanical gardens, arboreta, universities, and other nonprofit charitable organizations. Grants are up to US$25 thousand. The application deadline for Letters of Intent (LOIs) is 16 June 2025. More information
BBVA Foundation — Awards in Frontiers of Knowledge, Nominations 2025
The BBVA Foundation annually makes awards to recognize innovative and fundamental advances in science, culture, and collaboration. Thematic areas include ecology and conservation biology; climate change; and development cooperation (among others). In each prize category, BBVA awards €400 thousand plus a diploma and commemorative artwork. The awards are open to individuals and organizations of any nationality. (Note: Self-nomination is not permitted.) The deadline for nomination is 30 June 2025. Conditions
World Academy of Sciences — TWAS-CSIR Postdoctoral Fellowships in India
India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) offers postdoctoral fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than India) to pursue postdoctoral research at CSIR’s laboratories and institutes. The duration of the fellowships is six to twelve months. Subject areas range across the physical and natural sciences, including agricultural sciences. CSIR will provide a monthly stipend to cover living costs, food, and health insurance. The application deadline is 14 January 2025. Details
European Space Agency — Earth Observation Africa
The African Research Fellowship (ARF) program aims at empowering African Researchers (PhD or Master’s degree) to carry out Earth Observation R&D activities. Candidates shall propose a 1-year research and development proposal contributing to water resources management or food security issues in Africa. Proposals focusing on smallholder needs (e.g. farming, agricultural water use, irrigation systems, etc.) or related to coastal processes (e.g. ecosystems, coastal waters, coastal urbanization, etc.) and fisheries. The European Space Agency offers 1-year fellowships to work at the ESA-ESRIN premises in Frascati (Rome, Italy). The deadline for the submission of proposals is 30 October 2024. Click here