The Tyler Prize recruits undergraduate and postgraduate students from anywhere in the world to serve as 2027 Student Ambassadors. Ambassadors promote the laureates’ work on social media and in their communities. Ambassadors receive skills training in storytelling, social media and event delivery. Applicants must be proficient in English and interested in themes such as climate, oceans, economics, policy, pollution, food and agriculture, water, health and equality. Applications close 30 October 2026. Tyler Prize Student Ambassador Program
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UNDP — Ocean Innovation Challenge
The Ocean Innovation Challenge seeks for implementation-ready solutions to ocean and coastal problems from legally registered private sector organizations. Proposals must fall under at least one of three themes: marine pollution reduction (plastics, ghost fishing gear, wastewater), coastal and marine ecosystem restoration (coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, wetlands), or sustainable blue economy (sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, eco-tourism, blue biotechnology, circular economy, ocean data). Applicants can be based anywhere, but the innovation must be implemented in at least one of Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand or Vietnam. Up to 10 winners will each receive up to US$100,000 through a deliverable-based contract, plus up to 17 months of incubation, technical mentoring, project management and reporting support. The deadline is 15 November 2026. Ocean Innovation Challenge
Algalita Wayfinder Society — Student Mini-Grants
Algalita’s Wayfinder Society awards 10 mini-grants of US$500 each to students aged 11 to 25 anywhere in the world who are developing or leading projects that address the root causes of plastic pollution. Eligible projects include campus reuse systems, fix-it clinics, cleanup campaigns tied to data collection, education workshops, policy advocacy and creative communication. Winners get mentorship from Algalita staff, periodic check-ins and social media coverage. Applications close on 15 January 2027. Student Mini-Grants
Social Science Research Council — APN Individual Research Fellowships
The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) offers fellowships to African researchers, policy analysts, and practitioners working on conflict and peace-building issues. The posted list of issues includes natural resource conflicts and water conflicts. The fellowships are intended to support six months of field-based research with grants of up to US$15 thousand. Applicants must be citizens of and reside in an African country. The application deadline is 15 January 2027. APN Individual Research Fellowships
Yale University — Young Global Scholars Program
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) offers two-week academic summer programs for high school students from all around the world. The program offers four interdisciplinary sessions on campus at Yale (USA), including sessions on Innovations in Science & Technology and Solving Global Challenges. YYGS offers the opportunity for students to apply for need-based financial aid. Furthermore, YYGS will waive the application fee if it constitutes a significant financial burden for the student’s family. The application deadline is 15 October 2026. About Yale Young Global Scholars
Awesome Foundation — Micro-Grants to Projects Worldwide
The Awesome Foundation invites individuals and small teams worldwide to apply for micro-grants. It backs innovative projects on wildlife conservation, habitat protection, climate change, ecotourism or environmental communication, especially ones that haven’t been done before or are done in a unique way. The chapter looks for projects where a grant of US$1,000 or less is the difference between happening and not happening. The next deadline is 27 November 2026. Micro-Grants for Environmental Projects
European Commission Erasmus Mundus — International Masters Degree in Environment 2027-2029
MESPOM is a two-year Erasmus Mundus master’s course in environmental sciences, policy, and management operated by four European and two North American universities. MESPOM invites applications from all countries. MESPOM aims to prepare students for identifying and implementing solutions to complex environmental sustainability challenges, especially in an international context. Graduates receive MSc degrees from the Central European University, Lund University, and the University of Manchester. The program offers several forms of financial assistance, including tuition fee waivers and living stipends. Candidates applying for financial aid should submit their applications before 27 January 2027. About MESPOM
Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation — Start-up Support for Social Enterprises
The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports early-stage, high-impact social enterprises and seeks projects and innovations that dramatically improve the lives of people and the world. Eligibility extends to non-profit, for-profit, and hybrid organizations in the early stages of their development that have scaling potential. The DRK investments are distributed twice a year over a three-year term, totaling $300 thousand. The Foundation has a rolling online application process throughout the year; there is no deadline. Click here
Partnership for Battery Action — Assessing Air Quality Harm from Lead-Acid Battery Recycling
Pb Action invites researchers and teams to develop the most accurate and cost-effective methodology for assessing and monitoring air quality impacts from lead-acid battery recycling facilities in low-resource settings. Funding available: up to $100,000, with cost effectiveness as a key evaluation criterion. Applications are open to individuals, informal teams, universities, nonprofits, public agencies, and companies in any country. Selected applicants must be able to receive funds directly or through an acceptable host or fiscal sponsor. The deadline is 06 October 2026. Know more
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Early Career Conference Grants
The Association of Commonwealth Universities offers seven grants of up to £2,000 each, helping early-career researchers attend conferences in other Commonwealth countries. The grants cover registration fees, flights, accommodation, visas, and travel and health insurance. Applicants must be early-career academics at an ACU member university, within seven years of starting their academic career. They must be chairing a session or presenting a paper or poster at an in-person conference in a Commonwealth country other than the one where they work. The conference must take place between January 2027 and January 2028. The deadline is 13 October 2026. Conference Grants