The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) supports the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. The scholarships fund cultural and academic exchanges and are awarded across many subjects, including climate resilience and life sciences. Eligibility extends to citizens of (or with refugee status in) a Commonwealth country other than the country hosting the award. Scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses (stipend) for the duration of the award, return economy flight, one-off arrival allowance, and research support grant (on request). The application deadline is 03 June 2026. Find the available scholarships
research
Sony — Women in Technology Award with Nature
Sony invites applications for the Sony Women in Technology Award to recognize outstanding women researchers whose work drives positive impact for society and the planet. The award is open to women in early- to mid-career stages—defined as being within 25 years of completing an undergraduate degree—who work in academia, research institutions, or university spinout companies globally. Three winners will each receive US$250 thousand to support and accelerate their research, along with opportunities to showcase their achievements on nature.com. The deadline for applications is 05 June 2026. Technology Award with Nature
Conservation Action Research Network — Aspire Grant Program 2026
The Aspire Grant Program provides competitive research grants of up to US$5 thousand for African graduate students and early-career professionals working in the areas of biodiversity, conservation, wildlife, and ecosystem health in the Congo Basin. Applicants should be 35 years of age or younger and reside in one of the following countries: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, or Uganda. The application deadline (English, French, Spanish) is 10 June 2026. About the Aspire Grant Program
MDPI — Climate Best Paper Award 2026
The journal Climate, published by MDPI, presents the Best Paper Award to recognize outstanding research and review articles that contribute significantly to the field of climate science. All papers published in the journal during 2024 are automatically eligible for consideration, including both regular submissions and those within Special Issues. The award is divided into two categories: one for a research article and one for a review paper. Each winner receives a prize of CHF 500 and a voucher to waive the Article Processing Charges (APCs) for a future submission in the journal, valid for one year. Winners will be announced on 30 June 2026. Climate Best Paper Award
International Elephant Foundation — Elephant Conservation and Research 2026
The International Elephant Foundation makes grants for the conservation and research of elephants. Eligibility extends to organizations and individuals internationally — including students, scientists, and institutions. The Foundation supports in situ or ex-situ conservation of African or Asian elephants or their habitats. Most awards are about US$15 thousand for one year. The application deadline for short pre-proposals is 07 August 2026. Click here
King Baudouin Foundation — Ernest Solvay Fund
The Ernest Solvay Fund provides grants to individuals and organizations implementing a non-commercial project that is intended to promote scientific and technological training and development, both in Belgium and abroad. Projects may focus on both education and entrepreneurship in areas such as chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and earth sciences. Financial support of up to €10 thousand will be provided. The deadline for submitting proposals is 30 September 2026. Link to Ernest Solvay Fund
Zoologische Gesellschaft für Arten- und Populationsschutz — Conservation of Globally Threatened or Data Deficient Species
The primary goal of the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP) is the conservation of unknown, but highly endangered species and their natural habitats. ZGAP funds conservation projects for globally threatened or data-deficient species, subspecies, and populations. Support is often given to young scientists from the developing world who are eager to implement conservation projects in their home countries. The maximum funding amount per project is €5 thousand. Please note that projects in the wealthier industrial countries (Western Europe, North America, Australia, and Japan) are only supported in exceptional cases. There is no application deadline. Find the guidelines for application here
World Land Trust — Land Purchase for Conservation
The Trust provides funding for the initial acquisition of land that has conservation importance. It also funds additional activities related to protection, biodiversity monitoring, education, outreach, habitat restoration, and species reintroduction. The Trust works with legally registered and experienced conservation NGOs based in developing countries. Qualified conservation organizations that seek to become partners prepare a project proposal that follows the Trust’s criteria. There is no calendar deadline. About Buy an Acre
Rufford Foundation — Grants for Nature Conservation
The Rufford Foundation makes grants for nature conservation undertaken by small and medium-sized organizations for projects in the developing world. The Foundation prefers projects that are pragmatic, and that have a significant human element. There are no restrictions by nationality or country of residence. Grant applications are made in sequential stages: first grant, second grant, booster grants, and completion grant. Grants start at £6 thousand and increase to £15 thousand for projects that complete each stage. Applications can be submitted at any time. Instructions for Applicants
European Space Agency — African Research Fellowships 2026
The European Space Agency (ESA) invites applications for its African Research Fellowships to support the next generation of African Earth observation scientists. The program offers four one-year fellowships at the ESA-ESRIN center in Frascati, Italy, starting in October 2026. Applicants must be African nationals holding a PhD or a master’s degree with significant research experience in satellite remote sensing or a related field. Fellows will receive a monthly subsistence allowance, travel expenses, and a relocation package, though the specific financial totals are not disclosed in the call.The deadline for applications is 29 April 2026. African Research Fellowships