The Innovative Policy Research Award promotes the application of innovative empirical research in economics to support evidence-based policies for addressing key development challenges in Asia and the Pacific. There is no restriction on topics or themes. The author of the award-winning paper will receive a US$7 thousand grant. Researchers from any country may apply, but the policy solutions must be relevant for an Asian Development Bank developing member country. Submissions are due no later than 31 December 2024. Innovative Policy Research Award
South Asia
Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance — Accelerating Investments in Climate Resilience 2025
The Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance invites innovative solutions that address barriers to climate investment in emerging markets and support the transition to a net-zero economy. The call for ideas covers four programs, each with distinct priorities. In 2025, the Lab will develop at least nine ideas. Six ideas will focus on five regional programs, with two ideas targeting Latin America and the Caribbean, and three thematic ideas. Selected ideas will receive guidance and support from experts and investors, as well as analytical and communications support. The application deadline is 07 November 2024. More about the Lab
World Wildlife Fund — Food Systems Fellowship
The WWF Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) invites applications from researchers to pursue graduate-level studies geared towards research that cultivates a better understanding of the place-based nature of food systems and transformation. The fellowship is open to nationals of Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Dem. Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Fiji, French Guiana, Gabon, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Republic of Congo, Suriname, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia. The deadline to submit an application is 18 December 2024. Food Systems Fellowship
World Wildlife Fund — Faculty Fellowship
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), through the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN), offers fellowship opportunities to support university faculty members who are affiliated with or currently employed at African, Asian, and Latin American universities. The fellowship is offered to enable faculty members to pursue their PhD. Applicants from eligible countries can apply for three years of study, with funding of up to US$30 thousand per year. The application deadline is 18 December 2024. WWF Faculty Fellowship
Commonwealth Foundation — Grants for Civil Society in Commonwealth Countries
The Commonwealth Foundation makes grants to civil society organizations in Commonwealth countries to support participatory governance. (Note: This could include participatory governance related to the management of forests, wildlife, water supplies, and other subjects in natural resources and the environment.) The total grant amount requested must be between £15 thousand and £30 thousand per year for a maximum of two years. A list of eligible countries is included in the call. The deadline is 24 October 2024. Commonwealth Foundation
Asia Foundation — Leadership Program U.S./Asia
The Asia Foundation seeks applications to the “LeadNext: Ambassadors for a Global Future” program. LeadNext Fellows focus on creative approaches to addressing issues such as climate change, inequality, injustice, poverty, or other pressing issues. Fellows meet 1-3 times a week over several weeks to build competencies in social change leadership. All program expenses including travel, housing, and food are provided at no cost to fellows. To be eligible for the program candidates must be aged between 18-25 during the entire program year. The deadline for applications is 27 October 2024. LeadNext
Acumen Fund — India Fellows Program 2025
The Acumen Fund promotes the power of social innovation to create solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. The India Fellows Program is designed to equip local leaders with the tools, mindset, and community to tackle poverty and injustice in their communities. Past fellows have included several in smallholder agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, fair trade, and other areas. The fellowship is a mix of offline and online seminars, involving a time commitment of approximately 30 days in the year. The application deadline is 30 October 2024. India Fellows
Australian Government — Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australian government contributes to the education of talented individuals in developing countries through scholarship programs. Subject areas for study correspond to priorities of Australia’s aid programs by regions and countries — and include agriculture, energy, natural resources, and environment. Australian organizations can request funding of up to A$34,500 per Fellow. The call lists countries that are eligible for Australia Awards Scholarships, and country-specific eligibility criteria. Applications will close on 13 October 2024. Australia Awards Scholarships
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2025
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office makes Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for full-time doctoral studies to citizens from least developed countries and fragile states who could not afford to study in the UK without this scholarship. Scholarships are awarded annually across all subjects, with priority for applications that demonstrate strong relevance to development. The program does not accept direct applications for these scholarships. Instead, all applications must be made through nominating bodies (named in the announcement). Candidates must apply to one of the nominating bodies by 15 October 2024. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
UK Department for International Development — Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2025
The UK Department for International Development (DFID) funds the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, to undertake full-time study at a UK university. Scholarships are awarded annually across all subjects, with priority for applications that demonstrate strong relevance to development. The program does not accept direct applications for these scholarships, instead all applications must be made through nominating bodies (named in the announcement). Candidates must apply to one of the nominating bodies by 15 October 2024. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships