Pure Ocean seeks projects that develop marine conservation initiatives managed by local communities and Indigenous peoples or explore nature-based solutions for the preservation of blue carbon ecosystems. This year’s call is restricted exclusively to projects based in mainland France or its overseas territories — the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, and French overseas territories in the Indian Ocean and Pacific. Applicants of any nationality are welcome, provided the project itself is located in one of these areas. Only non-profit organizations (NGOs, universities, research institutes) can apply and receive funding. Pure Ocean only supports scientific projects addressing a clearly defined research question. Selected projects will receive up to €40 thousand (€30 thousand/year), for the duration of one to two years. Applications have to be submitted by 19 October 2026. Pure Ocean Challenges
research
National Geographic Society — Ocean Exploration and Discovery
The National Geographic Society invites early-career scientists worldwide to apply to lead ship-based research aboard SOI’s Falkor (too) research vessel, currently recruiting for its 2027-2028 season traversing the west and south coasts of Africa. The opportunity provides one berth space and access to the vessel’s onboard laboratories, underwater robotics, camera systems, and high-performance computing infrastructure. In prior cycles, the Society has awarded grants of up to US$20,000 to cover travel and project-related costs for the selected research, conservation, or technology project. General National Geographic eligibility applies: applicants must be 18 or older, may lead only one active proposal at a time, and must have submitted final reports for any prior National Geographic grants before applying to lead a new one. The deadline is 21 October 2026. Ocean Exploration
Bat Conservation International — Student Research Scholarships for Bat Conservation
Bat Conservation International (BCI) requests proposals from student researchers seeking financial support for bat conservation research projects. Research may focus on human-caused environmental changes (such as land development or climate change on bats), bat-human conflicts (such as hunting, roost disturbance, and persecution), or behavioral or ecological questions that aid the protection of a bat species. The geographical scope is Latin America and the Caribbean; Africa and its adjacent islands; and globally. BCI anticipates granting up to US$3,000 each. Additional funding is available through special awards. The scholarship is only open to students who are registered with a recognized academic institution. The application deadline is 31 October 2026. Link to Bat Conservation International
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development — Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) invites African women agricultural scientists to apply for a 24-month, non-residential leadership fellowship combining mentoring, leadership development, and technical training. Free to apply, no fees. Eligible countries: Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. Applicants need a minimum Master’s degree and at least seven years of professional experience, working in national research systems, ministries of agriculture, universities, or research institutions. The deadline is 06 November 2026. Visit AWARD
Oklahoma City Zoo — Conservation Grants 2027
The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden offers competitive small grants up to $2,500 supporting research, education, or species preservation efforts. In 2026, funding is restricted to projects involving invertebrate conservation or research, and grants go exclusively to early-career professionals — those currently in a graduate program (MSc, PhD, DVM) or who received a graduate degree no earlier than 2021. No more than 20% of funds may go toward travel, and salaries aren’t covered except for locally hired support staff. The deadline is 13 November 2026. Conservation Grants
PADI Foundation — Grants for Marine Conservation 2027
The PADI Foundation offers worldwide grants in underwater science, environmental projects, and marine education. The Foundation supports research and education related to aquatic environments. In the past, applications have included many projects in tropical regions. Most grants range from US$5 thousand to US$10 thousand. There are no nationality restrictions. The deadline is 15 January 2027. Find the guidelines
Marine Stewardship Council — Student Research Grants
The MSC’s Student Research Grants support postgraduate students doing research with a fishery that’s already MSC-certified, or one that’s actively working toward certification. The fishery needs to already be at a fairly advanced stage in that process, so the student’s project should be tied to a real fishery partner, not just a research idea on its own. Grants reach up to £10,000 over up to 12 months. The deadline is 28 February 2027. Student Research Grants
World Academy of Sciences — Research Cooperation Visits Program
TWAS-SISSA-Lincei invites young scientists from least-developed countries to carry out collaborative research projects in Physics, Neuroscience, Mathematics, and Science Outreach as well as projects that fall under the umbrella of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Scientists have the opportunity to visit research laboratories in Trieste (Italy) to carry out research work in scientific fields within the SISSA portfolio. TWAS will cover travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the stay in Italy. The deadline for receipt of applications is 31 October 2026. More
Biodiversa+ — BiodivFuture Joint Call for Transnational Research on Novel Ecosystems
Biodiversa+ invites transnational research consortia to study novel ecosystems — biodiversity, socio-ecological dynamics, and future trajectories — across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine realms worldwide. No fixed grant amount; budgets and eligible costs vary by each participating national/regional funding organization. Consortia must include research teams from at least three participating countries, including at least two EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries; over 30 funding organizations from 25 countries participate. Pre-proposals are due early November 2026. BiodivFuture Joint Call
Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles — Grants in Herpetology
The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR) makes 12 grants of US$500 each for herpetological field research, education, and conservation. Applications are submitted by individuals. Some grant categories are restricted to SSAR members and students, while others are open to everyone. The application deadline is 15 December 2026. Click here