The Conservation Action Research Network invites applications for its Bochco Pangolin Conservation Grant Program to support scientific research that advances the protection of threatened African pangolins. Graduate students and early-career professionals who obtained their degree within the last five years are eligible to apply, provided they are residents of an eligible African nation, including Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, Uganda, and South Africa. Projects must focus on field-based conservation research targeting at least one of the four protected African pangolin species: the white-bellied, giant, black-bellied, or ground pangolin. The program provides funding of up to US$10 thousand per project. The deadline for applications is 01 August 2026. Pangolin Conservation Grant
early-career
American Philosophical Society — Fund for Exploration and Field Research
The Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research supports doctoral students in collecting specimens and data in disciplines relying heavily on field studies, e.g., biology, ecology, geography, and others. Applicants from the USA may use the grants for research anywhere in the world. Applicants from other countries must be based at an institution in the USA, or carry out their work in the USA. The grants are up to US$5 thousand. The closing date for applications is 16 November 2026. Link
UNESCO — Prize for Young Scientists
UNESCO invites nominations for the third edition of the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The prize recognizes five outstanding young researchers from any country who have made significant contributions to STEM education, research, or international cooperation. Eligible nominees must be under 40 years of age at the time of nomination and must be put forward by official nominators, such as national commissions, academic institutions, or international organizations. Each of the five laureates receives a cash award of US$50 thousand alongside a diploma and a medal. The deadline for nominations is 30 November 2026. Prize for Young Scientists
International Tropical Timber Organization — Freezailah Fellowships 2026
The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) makes grants through the Freezailah Fellowship Fund in support of capacity building. The grant can be used for training opportunities, demonstration tours, participation in conferences and workshops, preparation of technical papers, and post-graduate degrees. Grants up to US$10 thousand are in support of sustainable tropical forest management. Applicants are young and mid-career professionals in ITTO’s member countries; most grants are to individuals in developing countries. The next application deadline is 20 July 2026. Link to the fellowship
Royal Geographical Society — Expedition Grants
The Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award offers grants between £2,000 and £5,000 to support humanitarian, scientific, or educational projects worldwide. The award is designed to support emerging travelers and expeditioners. The deadline for applications for projects is 08 January 2027. Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award
African Design Centre — Fellowship
The MASS Design Group African Design Centre (ADC) Fellowship supports emerging African designers and architects in transforming project insights into real-world social impact. The fellowship provides mentorship, training, and resources to catalyze innovation rooted in local contexts and community needs. Open to early-career professionals leading design-driven projects across Africa, fellows engage in capacity building and collaborative learning to scale sustainable architectural solutions. Applicants must be nationals of an African country and be no older than 35 years. Interested applicants should complete an online application by 14 June 2026. Details here
GoGettaz — Agripreneur Prize 2026
The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition supports innovative, young food and agribusiness entrepreneurs who are transforming the African food system. The contest is open to food system founders or co-founders aged 18 to 35 who hold nationality from an African Union member state. Eligible businesses can span any part of the agrifood value chain, including production, logistics, agro-processing, and digital farming solutions. The program features a total prize pool of US$160 thousand, which includes two US$50 thousand grand prizes awarded to one male-led and one female-led business, alongside four US$15 thousand impact awards for ventures excelling in areas like climate resilience, technology, and food security. The deadline for complete applications is 28 June 2026. Agripreneur Prize
Zoological Society of London — EDGE Fellowships 2027
The EDGE of Existence program invites applications for its 2027 EDGE Fellowship to support early-career conservationists from developing nations. Eligible applicants must be residents or nationals of the country where their proposed project is located and focus on the conservation of Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. The program provides a comprehensive package that includes a grant of up to £10,000 for project expenses, two weeks of conservation training. The deadline for expressions of interest is 10 June 2026. About the application process
LEAP Africa — Social Innovators Program
LEAP Africa invites applications for its Social Innovators Programme. This nine-month fellowship supports early-stage social entrepreneurs by providing them with mentorship, capacity-building training, and access to investors to help scale their ventures. To be eligible, applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of an African nation, between 18 and 35 years old, and the founder or co-founder of an impact-driven social venture located within an African community. No direct cash prize or grant amount is specified, but fellows gain strategic visibility and opportunities to pitch their enterprises to potential funders. The deadline for applications is 12 June 2026. Social Innovators Program
World Academy of Sciences — TWAS-CUI Fellowship Program for Postgraduate Research
The TWAS-CUI Fellowship Program for Postgraduate Research offers fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than Pakistan) who wish to obtain their PhD in natural sciences. Fellowships are tenable in the departments and laboratories of the campuses of the COMSATS University Islamabad (Pakistan). Duration is from six months to a maximum of 3 years (18 months for a sandwich program). CUI will provide a monthly stipend which should be used to cover living costs. The call for applications is open until 15 June 2026. Find the program