The Global Thinkers Forum brings together a diverse network of thought leaders to share their visions of the future, create meaningful conversations around them, and effect positive change in the world. The program consists of an 8-month mentoring cycle that includes one-on-one sessions with experienced thought leaders and individuals aged between 18 and 29 from all over the world. The program’s mentors are successful individuals across several professional fields and countries. The application deadline is 23 November 2026. Become a Global Thinkers Mentee
early-career
Morris Animal Foundation — Veterinary Student Scholar Program
The Morris Animal Foundation supports research on animal health and welfare, including wildlife/exotics. The Foundation provides veterinary students with the opportunity to become involved in mentored research that advances the health and/or welfare of companion animals and wildlife exotics. The Veterinary Student Scholars program awards stipends up to US$5.500 to veterinary students. The program is open to currently enrolled veterinary students from all around the world. Applications are due 25 November 2026. Veterinary Student Scholar Program
Asia Foundation — Development Fellows 2027
The Asia Foundation’s Development Fellows program provides qualified young Asian professionals with an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and gain in-depth knowledge of Asia’s critical development challenges. The program offers two weeks of leadership training in Asia and another two weeks in the USA, plus a grant of US$2.500 to support individual plans for professional development. Applicants should be less than age 40 and have demonstrable experience in one of the program’s fields of expertise, which include environment (among others). The program is open to resident nationals and citizens of Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; India; Indonesia; Japan, Korea; Laos; Malaysia; Maldives; Mongolia; Myanmar; Nepal; Pacific Islands Nations; Pakistan; Philippines; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Timor-Leste; and Vietnam.. The application deadline is 01 December 2026. Development Fellows
Ocean Foundation — Scholarship for Sea Turtle Preservation
The Ocean Foundation and the Boyd Lyon Sea Turtle Fund seek applicants for the Boyd N. Lyon Scholarship. Students with field research projects on sea turtle behavior and habitat use in the marine environment, as well as projects that promote sea turtle conservation in coastal ecosystems, can apply. One award of US$3,000 will be made to a Masters or PhD student. The applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university during 2027/2028. The application deadline is 15 January 2027. Boyd N. Lyon Scholarship
Harvard University — Arboretum Research Scholar Award
The Arboretum Research Scholar Award supports early-career scientists, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral researchers conducting plant-focused research that aligns with the Arboretum’s living collections, herbarium, archives, or scientific priorities in areas such as botany, ecology, evolution, and conservation. Awardees receive up to US$10 thousand to support research expenses including travel, lodging, materials, or access to Arboretum resources. The program is open to researchers worldwide, and projects may be short-term or exploratory in nature. Applications are accepted until 25 January 2027. Arboretum Research Scholar Award
Rice University — Business Plan Competition for Early-Stage Startups
The Rice University (Texas, USA) invites student teams to participate in the Rice Business Plan Competition 2027. Entrepreneurs receive the opportunity to pitch their startups to investors, receive mentoring, network with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and enhance their startup strategy. Typically, startups have a technology component in Energy/Clean Technology; Life Science/Biotechnology; or Digital Services. The competition is open to degree-seeking students currently enrolled at a college or university anywhere in the world. The grand prize winner receives up to $300 thousand in investments. The application deadline is 29 January 2027. Business Plan Competition
European Plant Science Organisation — Young Plant Scientist Award
The European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO) offers two awards to young scientists to attend the Science Day of the EPSO General Meeting in June 2027. The awards will cover registration and travel. The awardee can present a lecture on his/her research and will receive €200. Applications are invited from PhD students working on either fundamental or applied aspects of research on plants. Applications must be received by 31 January 2027. EPSO Young Plant Scientist Award
Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study — Fellowships for Early-Career African Researchers
The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) offers the Iso Lomso Fellowships to early-career African researchers in any discipline. The program provides a three-year attachment to STIAS in addition to the possibility of a residency at a sister institute for advanced study in North America, Europe, or elsewhere. Other benefits include support for attending international conferences or workshops and support to the fellow’s home institution for lecturer replacement. The program is aimed at African scholars who have obtained a doctoral degree within the preceding eight years, and who hold an academic position at a university or research institution anywhere in Africa. The application deadline is 15 February 2027. About
Fiat Panis Foundation — Prize for Master Thesis in Food Security
The Fiat Panis Foundation makes awards for university thesis and dissertation research in themes of agriculture, ecology, and natural resources, with a focus on food security in developing countries. The Hans Hartwig Ruthenberg Graduate Award is €7.5 thousand in support of qualified young scientists by honoring their excellent master thesis in the field of food security. The deadline for submissions (German, English) is 30 April 2027. Ruthenberg Graduate Award
AXA Foundation — Early-Career Research on Responsible Nature-Based Solutions
The AXA Foundation offers two-year grants of up to €140,000 to early-career researchers working on “Responsible Nature-Based Solutions for a Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Future”. Projects must be transdisciplinary, combining social sciences or humanities with natural sciences or engineering, and must partner with societal actors such as public authorities, NGOs or communities. For-profit companies cannot be partners. Only academic institutions and public research organisations can host, and the host institution submits the application on the researcher’s behalf. Expressions of interest close on 12 November 2026. (Note: Institutions not yet registered must register by 03 November 2026). Know more