The African Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation and Competence Building Systems (AfricaLics) seeks PhD students from universities in Africa to participate in the AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Program focused on Innovation and Development. The visiting fellowship program intends to increase international mobility and provide PhD students with global knowledge in the field of innovation and development (which includes a four-month study stay in South Africa). The scholarship is open to PhD students from low- and lower-middle-income countries in Africa. The deadline for the submission of applications is 02 October 2026. Details here
travel/mobility
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
AGNES-BAYER Science Foundation — Research Grant 2026
The AGNES-BAYER Science Foundation Research Grant enables doctoral students from sub-Saharan African countries to undertake research in biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. The Grant aims to support African PhD students to carry out activities that are part of the doctoral research, including but not limited to field experiments and data collection or laboratory studies. A maximum grant of €7,000 will be awarded to each successful applicant. All applications must be submitted online by 16 October 2026. Research Grant for Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainable Agriculture
British Ecological Society — Training & Travel Grants
The British Ecological Society (BES) makes grants to PhD students and postgraduate research assistants to meet the costs of specialist field training courses and to network and publicize their research at workshops and conferences. Applicants must be members of BES. However, there are no restrictions on the nationality or residence of applicants. Grants of up to £500 are available. The application deadline is 08 September 2026. Training & Travel grants
World Federation of Science Journalists — Travel Fellowship
The World Federation of Science Journalists invites applications for travel fellowships to attend the World Conference of Science Journalists 2027 (London/September 2027). Fellowships cover travel, visa costs, local transport, up to six nights’ accommodation, and full conference registration; no per diem is included. Eligible applicants are journalists (science journalism need not be their primary role), journalism students, or students in related fields who could not otherwise attend, with priority given to those from lower- and middle-income countries per World Bank classification, though applicants from higher-income countries aren’t automatically excluded if financial need is demonstrated. The deadline is 23 October 2026. Travel Fellowship for Science Journalists
Insect Welfare Research Society — Conference Travel Grants
The Insect Welfare Research Society (IWRS) offers travel grants supporting students and early-career researchers presenting invertebrate welfare and sentience science at conferences and events in entomology, animal behavior, animal science, philosophy, and animal welfare. Grants provide up to US$1,000, covering conference registration, travel, accommodation, and other attendance-related costs. Priority goes to applicants presenting work that advances insect or invertebrate welfare research specifically, and to those who could not otherwise attend without financial support. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Conference Travel Grants
Insect Welfare Research Society — Small Meeting Support
The Insect Welfare Research Society (IWRS) offers grants supporting small, standalone meetings, workshops, or conferences focused specifically on insect and understudied invertebrate welfare research. Grants provide up to US$2,000, covering costs such as travel reimbursements, technical support, registration fee waivers, food, and childcare assistance. Priority goes to proposals that use funding to improve the accessibility of their meeting and encourage equitable attendance from the global research and stakeholder community. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Small Meeting Support
Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean — Shipboard Fellowship 2026
The Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO) offers several shipboard fellowship opportunities. This fellowship program aims to promote training and capacity building leading towards a global observation scheme for the oceans. Eligibility extends to early career scientists, technicians, PhD and MSc students, and Post-doctoral Fellows involved in oceanographic work at centers in developing countries and countries with economies in transition. Selected candidates will receive subsidies to visit the host institution and to go on the cruise, as well as training on seafaring medical and sea survival. Applications can be submitted anytime. Find the open call for 2026
World Bank — Africa Visiting Scholars Program
The World Bank invites applications for the Visiting Scholars Program 2026, which supports early- and mid-career African researchers in advancing policy-relevant research on development issues. The programme offers scholars the opportunity to spend up to six months at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. Eligible applicants are nationals of sub-Saharan African countries who are affiliated with a university, research institution, or government agency in Africa. The program covers travel costs, provides a monthly stipend, and offers office space and research support. The application deadline is 09 September 2026. Africa Visiting Scholars Program
Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies — Sustainable Governance Research by Africa-Based Scholars
The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) invites applications for its Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme for Researchers from Africa. Fellows receive a full-time employment contract with the University of Freiburg, along with a research cost contribution and reimbursement of inbound and outbound travel. Applicants may hold any nationality but must be based at an institution in an African country. FRIAS considers applications only from the humanities and social sciences with a thematic focus on sustainable governance, which the institute defines broadly to include the environment, climate change, resources, social and human rights, and cost-efficiency. The deadline is 18 September 2026. Know more