The Power of Local Challenge by Ashoka and Prudential supports initiatives that strengthen small business ecosystems in Latin America and East Africa. Eleven winners will receive up to US$60 thousand in prizes for projects enhancing collaboration, mentorship, and access to capital. Eligibility extends to small businesses and entrepreneurs from Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Applications close on 26 February 2025. Link to Ashoka
individuals
International Foundation for the Law of the Sea — Training Program Law of the Sea
The Tribunal runs an annual capacity-building and training program on dispute settlement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The nine-month program is aimed at junior to mid-level government officials and researchers mainly from developing countries who are currently working on issues related to the law of the sea, maritime law, or dispute settlement. All participants’ costs, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance, are covered by the Nippon Foundation. The application deadline is 06 March 2025. Link to the Training Program Law of the Sea
Siemens — Tech for Sustainability
Tech for Sustainability Campaign is a global initiative for students, researchers, startups and innovative individuals to leverage technology to solve real-world sustainability challenges. Challenges include climate resilience, and global energy. Every challenge listed needs a feasible and technologically viable solution to implement it commercially. Siemens offers €30 thousand in investments. The deadline for applications is 10 March 2025. Link
American Geophysical Union — Science Journalism Award
The American Geophysical Union accepts nominations for the 2025 science journalism awards. The David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Journalism recognizes excellence in science news reporting. The Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism recognizes excellence in science feature reporting. Journalists are welcome to nominate their own work. Nominations may be from any country, in any language, and in any news medium (except books). Each award consists of a plaque and a US$5,000 award. Awardees also receive up to US$1,000 in travel costs to attend an event in Washington, D.C. Nominations can be submitted until 31 March 2025. Science Journalism Awards
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute — 3-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) invites applications for a three-year postdoctoral fellowship in tropical animal behavior. The annual stipend is US$62 thousand, and the annual research and travel budget is up to US$13 thousand per year. Fellows will be based in Panama and will have the opportunity to conduct comparative research throughout the tropics. Please note that applicants must find a STRI scientific staff member who will serve as their main host/advisor before submitting a final application. Applications have to be submitted by 15 April 2025. Find the guidelines
Nagao Natural Environment Foundation — Research Grants 2025
The NEF Research Grants support academic and scientific research that will deepen knowledge of nature conservation in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Applicants should be nationals of Asian-Pacific countries, and research projects should be carried out in their home countries. Grants are a maximum of ¥500 thousand for a maximum of two years. The grant is intended for early-career researchers. The closing dates for applications are 15 April and 14 October 2025. NEF Research Grants
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — MSc Scholarships for Coral Research
The Coral Research & Development Accelerator Program (CORDAP) offers two MSc scholarships designed for Tanzanian citizens, focusing on the restoration of the coral reefs. Candidates will conduct scientific investigations to assess fish colonization patterns, focusing on metrics such as fish abundance, diversity, and trophic composition. Tuition will be covered by the project along with all fieldwork expenses and a monthly stipend will be provided. Candidates must submit a one-page application letter until 13 January 2025. MSc Scholarships for Coral Research
World Academy of Sciences — Post-Doctoral Fellowships in Brazil
In partnership with the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Brazil’s National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) invites young scientists from developing countries other than Brazil to pursue postdoctoral research in natural sciences at selected Brazilian research institutions for periods of 6-12 months. Subject areas include agricultural sciences, biological sciences, and many others. CNPq will provide a standard monthly allowance which should be used to cover living costs such as accommodation, food, and health insurance. The application deadline is 31 January 2025. Link
UNESCO — Fellowship for Young Women Scientists in Africa
Nominations for the UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea Fellowship Program for Young Women Scientists in Africa are open. The initiative aims to bridge the persistent gaps on the African continent and is designed to offer targeted support and focuses on promoting equal opportunities in science, by creating concrete opportunities for young women to become actively involved in various life science disciplines. Two young women will be awarded a grant of US$25 thousand each to advance their research and foster a promising scientific career. Applicants must hold African nationality and conduct research at a recognized laboratory in Africa. The deadline for nominations is 31 March 2025. Fellowship for Young Women Scientists
UNESCO — International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences
The UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences rewards projects and activities of individuals, institutions, and NGOs for scientific research in the life sciences leading to improving the quality of human life. Projects in life sciences contribute to poverty eradication, improved health, food and water security. Nominations are submitted by governments of UNESCO’s member states, and by NGOs maintaining official relations with UNESCO that are active in the fields covered by the Prize. The Prize amount of US$350 thousand may be equally divided among a maximum of three laureates. The closing date for submissions (English, French) is 31 March 2025. Prize for Research in the Life Sciences