The National Geographic Society provides early-career ocean scientists from around the world the opportunity to lead impactful projects that will explore, understand, and inform the protection of the ocean. Scientists will take advantage of the available berth space and research infrastructure aboard SOI’s Falkor research vessel during its 2026 season traversing the southeast coast of South America. To cover travel and project-related costs, the Society will award grants of up to US$20 thousand to selected research, conservation or technology projects. The deadline for this opportunity is 08 October 2025. Link
research
Wellcome Trust — Career Development Awards
The Wellcome Trust supports bold and creative discovery research that has the potential to improve human life, health, and well-being. Career Development Awards provide funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. Research can be in any discipline, including STEM, experimental medicine, or climate – as long as it has the potential to improve human life. The Trust provides a salary for the grant holder and research expenses for up to 8 years. The applicant’s host organization has to be based in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or a low- or middle-income country (apart from India and mainland China). The deadline for new applications is 20 November 2025. Wellcome Career Development Awards
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians — Zoological Medicine and Wildlife Health Research Grant
The American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) awards the Zoological Medicine and Wildlife Health Research Grant to professionals in zoological medicine for the care and conservation of captive and free-ranging wildlife. Two categories of funding are available: standard grants (maximum US$20 thousand) and small grants (maximum US$7,500). The application deadline is 15 December 2025. Click here for the Guidelines
U.S. National Science Foundation — International Research Experiences for U.S. University Students 2026
Through the program IRES, the National Science Foundation supports U.S. university students (graduate and undergraduate) to engage in international research. Past fellowships include several in developing countries in subject areas such as ecology, renewable energy, climate change, and others. Full proposals are due 26 October 2026. More information
Rainforest Trust — Rapid Protected-Area Feasibility Awards
The Rainforest Trust provides partnership and funding opportunities to local conservation NGOs across the tropics. The Rapid Protected-Area Feasibility Awards is intended for conservationists and researchers to evaluate important potential sites for creating new Protected Areas. Awards average US$5 thousand. The applicant must be an NGO based in the country of the proposed protected area. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Link
Harvard University — Environmental Fellowships 2026
Harvard University’s Center for the Environment awards environmental fellowships. The fellowships enable recent doctorate recipients to use Harvard’s resources to tackle complex environmental problems. Eligibility for funding extends to candidates with a doctorate or equivalent in any subject area from any university in the world. Candidates may propose research projects in any discipline. The fellowship includes a salary of US$90 thousand per year, plus reimbursement for relocation expenses, annual allowance for travel and other professional expenses. The deadline for applications is 01 December 2025. HUCE Environmental Fellowships
Nagao Natural Environment Foundation — Support for Young Scientists from Asia-Pacific
The Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF) aims to build the capacity of young scientists in developing countries of the Asia-Pacific region. Young researchers (under 40 years old) can submit fieldwork-based projects in the areas of biology; biodiversity; wildlife and restoration of ecosystems; and relationships between nature and humans. The maximum grant size is 1.5 million Japanese yen per project. The next application deadline is 30 January 2026. Find out more
World Bank — Africa Visiting Scholars Program
The AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Program invites researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa to apply for four to six-month research placements at the World Bank, where they will enhance their work on development-relevant topics. Up to three scholars will be selected and must submit an expression of interest by 01 September 2025. Link to AERC
Mesoamerican Reef Fund — Small Grants
The Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) announces its annual request for proposals with two available financial windows: Traditional Small Grants and Reef Rescue Initiative. Traditional Small Grants support Coastal and Marine resources management and protection in the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR). Reef Rescue Initiative supports and strengthens science-based restoration, repopulation, and rehabilitation of coral reefs in the MAR region. The proposals to be presented may have a duration of up to two years. Funding ranges from US$30 thousand to US$50 thousand. At least 25% of the total budget must come from other sources, as a match to the requested funds. All coral reefs within the MAR region are eligible. The deadline for the submission of proposals is 09 September 2025. Mesoamerican Reef Fund
British Council — Environments Collaboration Grants
The British Council’s Research Environments Collaboration Grants support joint research initiatives between a UK lead institution and a partner institution in Brazil, Morocco, Pakistan, or Peru. Funding ranges from £25 thousand to £40 thousand per project to establish new or significantly enhance existing collaborations that strengthen research capacity and foster sustainable, long-term academic links. Projects run for 12 months, starting January 2026, and applications must be submitted by the UK lead institution by 09 September 2025. Know more