The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) invites applications for the Social Aspects of Marine Protected Areas online seminar. The program is designed to support MPA practitioners in strengthening the social aspects of their management work. The Blue Nature Alliance will be providing 20 scholarships for this edition of the program. Marine conservation practitioners, community leaders, people working in NGOs and grassroots organizations, Indigenous Peoples leading ocean conservation, and others working in the management of marine spaces are encouraged to apply. Applications are now open, and the deadline is 16 January 2026. Link to Online Seminar
training/education
World Academy of Sciences — Short Course on Science and Diplomacy
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) seek candidates for the third AAAS-TWAS course on science and diplomacy. The 5-day course is for young scientists whose work has brought them into the international policy-making arena; policymakers interested in science-based themes that might influence their work; administrators of research institutions; and research funders focused on building international networks. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications are due by 29 January 2026. Click here
British Ecological Society — Outreach Grants 2026
The British Ecological Society (BES) makes Outreach and Engagement Grants of up to £2 thousand to encourage the promotion of ecological science to a wide audience. Proposals must be aimed at a non-academic audience. Awards are open to individuals and organizations to organize ecological public engagement events, including BES members, researchers, schools, museums, libraries, and community groups. The next application deadline is 10 March 2026. More about the Outreach Grants
Bridges for Enterprise — Business Incubation Program for Social Enterprises
Bridges for Enterprise (BfE) works with social impact startups from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. The Incubation Program supports entrepreneurs seeking to solve some of the world’s most urgent challenges. The program is open to for-profit and non-profit social enterprises and startups at the pre-seed or seed stage. Participating entrepreneurs receive 3 to 4 months of professional advice and mentorship. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis year-round. However, social entrepreneurs must submit their application before specific deadlines to be considered for specific cohorts: 01 April (Autumn Cohort) and 01 October (Spring Cohort). Link
United Nations — Local Pathways Fellowship
The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Initiative (SDSN Youth) recruits participants for its 2026 cohort of the Local Pathways Fellows. The 10-months fellowship program provides young leaders with a platform, capacity building, training opportunities and contacts of leading development experts and practitioners. The Local Pathways Fellowship is unpaid. Fellows will benefit from global visibility and exposure. Young candidates (18-30 years) working towards achieving any of the Sustainable Development Goals and representing any city or country in the world are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until 21 December 2025. Link to Local Pathways
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 07 January 2026. About Yale Young Global Scholars
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Capacity Enhancement Support Program 2026
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) welcomes proposals for funding under the 2022 Capacity Enhancement Support Program, which seeks to enhance the long-term capacity of GBIF participants through collaborative projects. The program provides co-funding to current GBIF participants. The maximum funding request is €20 thousand per project. Concept notes must be submitted by 19 January 2026. Capacity Enhancement Support Program
Aspire Institute — Leaders Program for First-generation University Students
The Aspire Leaders Program provides academic and professional development resources to students who are from backgrounds of social and financial adversity. All applicants must be between the ages of 18-26, come from a low-income background and be the first generation to attend university. Through the program, students will gain access to fully-funded HarvardX courses and participate in live seminars with Harvard University. Eligibility extends to students from all around the world as long as they are enrolled in an undergraduate program or have recently graduated (within three years). The application deadline is 21 January 2026. Aspire Leaders Program
United Nations — Indigenous Fellowship Program
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Indigenous Fellowship Training Programme is open for applications. The aim of the program is to give Indigenous persons the opportunity to gain knowledge on the UN system and mechanisms dealing with human rights issues in general and Indigenous issues in particular. (Note: This may include land rights and biodiversity conservation issues). Participants will learn how to more effectively advocate for the rights of their communities and raise their concerns at the international level. Travel, stipend and basic expenses are covered by OHCHR. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2026. OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship
Vienna Biocenter — Summer School
The Vienna Biocenter Summer School provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to work side by side with leading researchers in a dynamic scientific environment. Each fellow will be allocated a faculty member, with whom they will work closely. The research project will focus on a current topic in the allocated lab. Selected fellows receive free student accommodation, a stipend of €1400 euros, medical insurance, and other benefits. The Vienna Biocenter welcomes applications from students from all around the world who are undergraduates/master students and have completed at least two years of university study in a Life Sciences related study. The application deadline is 11 January 2026. Vienna Biocenter Summer School