Pure Ocean supports innovative applied research projects worldwide, protecting fragile marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Pure Ocean seeks projects that develop marine conservation initiatives managed by local communities and Indigenous peoples or explore nature-based solutions for the preservation of blue carbon ecosystems. Only non-profit organizations (NGOs, universities, research institutes) can apply and receive funding. Pure Ocean only supports scientific projects addressing a clearly defined research question. Selected projects will receive up to €40 thousand (€30 thousand/year), for the duration of one to two years. Applications have to be submitted by 01 October 2025. Pure Ocean Challenges
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Water Research Foundation — Research Support
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has issued a call for proposals under its Research Priority Program for nine new research projects—covering topics like microbial and chemical contamination, asset condition assessment, pathogen evaluation, microplastics monitoring, biosolids drying technologies, methane emissions, and more. Funding is up to US$400 thousand. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, research organizations, utilities, government agencies, and consulting firms. Proposals are due by 22 October 2025. Link
Water Research Foundation — Climate-Smart Water Solutions
The Water Research Foundation Tailored Collaboration Program is a matching research initiative designed to support utility-specific or regional challenges that research can help to solve. WRF will provide up to US$150 thousand in matching funds for each selected project. The program encourages collaboration between utilities and researchers to address pressing water sector issues. Interested parties must submit a pre-proposal by 02 June 2025. Click here
Biodiversa+ — Biodiversity and Transformative Change
Biodiversa+ launches a joint call for transnational research proposals focused on fostering innovative research to be integrated into nature restoration practices for interconnected and well-functioning ecosystems and habitats, with special consideration for long-term sustainability and future-proofing of restoration efforts across spatial scales, including their evaluation. The call covers restoration efforts for biodiversity in all types of ecosystems and habitats, in all regions of the world. Funding organizations have reserved a total amount of over €40 million for joint research projects. Research teams must form transnational research consortia with eligible partners from a minimum of 3 countries participating in the call. The deadline for pre-proposals submission is 07 November 2025. Biodiversa Joint Call
Swiss Network for International Studies — Call for Projects 2026
The Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS) makes grants for multi-disciplinary research on global issues that are relevant in the international arena, or that concern multiple countries simultaneously. SNIS accepts submissions from Swiss institutions of higher education and research (listed in the announcement). SNIS strongly encourages international collaboration. Project funding ranges from CHF 100 thousand to CHF 300 thousand for two years. The application deadline is 21 January 2026. Find the call
Stockholm Resilience Center — SwedBio Collaboration Program
The SwedBio Collaboration Program contributes to ideas, methods, and policies regarding how biodiversity, ecosystem services, and resilience help sustain livelihoods. SwedBio welcomes submissions of concept notes for project ideas. SwedBio contributes to shorter projects through a small-grants program (max. SEK 500 thousand). Preferred partners include regional and international network organizations; action-oriented research institutes; think-tank institutions; and civil society organizations based in developing countries. Concept notes can be submitted anytime. About collaboration with SwedBio
Nigeria Energy Forum — Africa Energy Innovation Competition 2025
NEF invites applications for the Africa Energy Ideas Competition which aims to accelerate the development of early-stage energy firms across Africa. The competition is open to early-stage energy entrepreneurs from Africa to collaborate with local research institutions or industries. Young professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 years from Africa are invited to participate and nominate a relevant local research institution or organization. Winners will pitch their proposed prototype model at the Nigeria Energy Forum and receive a cash prize of up to $10 thousand. The deadline for proposal submission is 15 September 2025. Click here
Embassy of the Czech Republic — Small-Scale Development Projects 2026
The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Pretoria launches its annual call for proposals for Small Scale Development Projects. The call concerns all countries accredited to the Embassy: South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Namibia. Projects and development activities providing materials or equipment, training, or capacity-building in the fields of sustainable management of natural resources, agriculture, and economic transformation (including renewable energy) are welcome. The Czech Republic will provide up to CZK 500 thousand per project. Non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or community groups are welcome to apply. The deadline for submission of the complete proposals is 15 September 2025. Details
World Academy of Sciences — Visiting Expert Programme
The TWAS Visiting Expert Programme supports visits of internationally renowned scientists to research institutions located in developing countries, especially least-developed countries. Only persons who have attained international recognition in their fields of science will be considered for support. Nominations of women are particularly welcome. Applications are made jointly by the host institution in the developing country and the visiting expert. The deadline for applications is 06 October 2025. Link to TWAS
Journalism Fund — Development Grants for Environmental Journalism
The Development Grants for Environmental Journalism supports enabling activities and supporting services for environmental investigative journalism as a whole. The program provides funding to project ideas from organizations and institutions for training and professional development programs. Eligible proposals entail enabling activities and supporting services for environmental investigative journalism in Europe. The total available amount to be distributed among all supported projects will be around €115 thousand. The program is open to legal entities with demonstrable expertise in investigative journalism. The next application deadline is 09 October 2025. Development Grants for Environmental Journalism