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
early-career
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
Forrest Research Foundation — Research Fellowship
The Forrest Research Foundation at the University of Western Australia offers research fellowships to attract early-career post-doctoral researchers. The fellowship comprises a salary, an accommodation allowance, and a one-off research and travel allowance. The duration of the Fellowship is up to three years on a full-time basis. Researchers from all disciplines are eligible to apply. The application deadline is 30 June 2026. Forrest Research Foundation Fellowship
Society for Marine Mammalogy — Research Grants for Field Research 2026
The Society for Marine Mammalogy makes grants to its members who are nationals of emerging and developing countries. Grants are for up to US$2 thousand for field research by early-career researchers. Recipients who subsequently have their research accepted for presentation at a SMM biennial conference will receive $500 toward travel expenses to the conference. Applications are particularly welcome from scientists working in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Asia-Pacific region, and Russia. The application period ends on 30 June 2026. Research Grants for Marine Mammalogy
Save Our Seas Foundation — Small Grants 2026
The Save Our Seas Foundation invites applications for its small grants program to support original, innovative start-up projects focused on marine research, conservation, or education. The opportunity is dedicated to early-career scientists, conservationists, and educators worldwide who are within five years of receiving their degree. Eligible projects must focus specifically on marine chondrichthyan species, such as sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, and chimaeras. The foundation provides annual grants of up to US$10 thousand, with awards averaging US$5,000, to cover local initiatives lasting up to 18 months. The deadline for stage-one applications is 03 July 2026. SOSF Small Grants
Aspire Institute — Leaders Program for First-generation University Students
The Aspire Leaders Program provides academic and professional development resources to students who are from backgrounds of social and financial adversity. All applicants must be between the ages of 18-26, come from a low-income background and be the first generation to attend university. Through the program, students will gain access to fully-funded HarvardX courses and participate in live seminars with Harvard University. Eligibility extends to students from all around the world as long as they are enrolled in an undergraduate program or have recently graduated (within three years). The application deadline is 10 July 2026. Aspire Leaders Program
Social Shifters — Global Innovation Challenge
Social Shifters announces the Global Innovation Challenge to help young leaders and founders solve the social or environmental issues that matter to them. The challenge seeks creative ideas, projects, and business solutions to the problems that matter to local communities and welcomes ideas from anywhere in the world. Participants compete for awards of up to US$15 thousand to deliver activities that improve lives, help communities, and protect the planet. All ideas must be led by young people aged between 18-30 years old. The application deadline is 31 August 2026. Link to Social Shifters
MDPI — Forest Best PhD Thesis Award
The journal Forests invites nominations for its annual award recognizing outstanding research published in the field of forest science. The competition is open to authors of research or review articles published in the journal during the 2025 calendar year. The editorial board selects winners based on the scientific merit and impact of the work. The program offers a prize of CHF 500 and a certificate, along with an opportunity to publish one additional paper free of charge in the journal after peer review. The deadline for nominations is 31 May 2026. Best PhD Thesis Award
Africa Centre for Energy Policy — Energy Leaders Innovation Challenge 2026
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) invites applications for the Future Energy Leaders Innovation Challenge. The program is open to young African innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are developing sustainable energy solutions to address energy poverty and climate change across the continent. Selected participants receive technical mentorship, access to industry networks, and a grant of US$5 thousand to pilot or scale their innovations. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and residents of an African country. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2026. Energy Innovation Challenge