The Pacific Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) program supports early-career ocean professionals from Pacific Island countries and territories by providing international research and networking experiences in ocean science and policy. Selected professionals will participate in two key initiatives: attendance at the One Ocean Science Congress and UN Ocean Conference in June 2025, and a scientific cruise aboard the research vessel Kaiyo-maru studying tuna ecology. All travel, accommodation, and participation costs will be covered. Eligible applicants must be under 35 or within 10 years of their ocean-related career, possess a tertiary qualification in a relevant field. Applications are accepted until 11 April 2025. About the Pacific ECOP Opportunities
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United Nations — Leaders for Sustainable Development
The Young Leaders for the SDGs initiative recognizes young people who are leading efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative offers Young Leaders a range of benefits designed to support and amplify their impact. The United Nations seeks applications from young people of all backgrounds from all around the world. Applications are being accepted until 18 April 2025. Young Leaders for the SDGs
One Young World — IUCN World Conservation Congress
One Young World provides scholarships to global changemakers to participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Participants will join global leaders and have the opportunity to present their entrepreneurial solutions to influential decision-makers. Applicants should be between 18 and 35 years and have demonstrated leadership and experience in developing and implementing environmental action projects in the fields of nature conservation, biodiversity, climate change, and / or sustainable development. The application deadline is 27 April 2025. Click here
Auckland Zoo — Small Grants Program
The Auckland Zoo’s Conservation Fund provides funding for ongoing projects or pilot programs with clear conservation value. The current round of funding will concentrate on innovative projects in New Zealand and the Pacific that have direct conservation benefits to coastal flora and fauna. Grants are up to a maximum of NZD$10 thousand, but most grants are smaller. The application must represent a minimum of 25% of the project’s overall budget. Applications close on 13 May 2025. More information about the Small Grants Program
Hawk Conservancy Trust — Marion Paviour Award
The Hawk Conservancy Trust supports early-career researchers working on projects focused on the conservation and/or research of birds of prey. The maximum award amount is £1,000. Preference will be given to those applying for support for fieldwork, conference fees to present work, or travel costs (for fieldwork or conference attendance). Applications close on 31 August 2025. About the award
Australian Museum Research Institute — Postgraduate Research Award
The Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI) offers students access to the Australian Museum’s collections and research programs. AMRI focuses on environmental challenges such as climate change impacts on biodiversity, the detection and biology of pest species, and understanding what constitutes and influences effective biodiversity conservation. The postgraduate award is open to students enrolled in any postgraduate qualification program relevant to the AMRI research priorities. AMRI provides financial support of $2,500. Applications for funding may be submitted until 30 April 2025. More information
Volvo Environment Prize — Nominations 2026
The Volvo Environment Prize aims to promote scientific research and innovations that in broad terms fall within the environmental and sustainability field. The Volvo Environment Prize Foundation invites universities, research institutes, scientists, engineers, as well as other individuals and organizations to submit nominations. Priority is given to an individual or to a group of individuals. Past laureates have included leaders in fields such as global change, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and others. The Prize consists of a diploma, sculpture, and cash award for SEK 1.5 million. The deadline for nominations is 20 January 2026. Volvo Environment Prize
Government of Luxembourg — Business Partnership Facility
The Government of Luxembourg provides financial support to the private sector in Europe to set up sustainable commercial projects in partnership with private or public organizations in developing countries. Project proposals should focus on one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and may not exceed €200 thousand. Applications can be submitted before 30 April 2025. Details here
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards — Wildlife Photography Competition
The competition celebrates the hilarity of our natural world and highlights what we need to do to protect it through funny animal pictures. The competition is open to wildlife photography novices, amateurs, and professionals. Winners receive prizes (no cash awards). The deadline for entries is 30 June 2025. Comedy Wildlife
People’s Trust for Endangered Species — Conservation Insight Grants
The PTES makes grants to scientific researchers and conservationists worldwide for work that helps preserve endangered species, either through research or applied field work. (Note: PTES no longer accepts grant applications for research and conservation of bird species.) The program offers small grants between £3 thousand and £10 thousand per year for up to two years. Funds will be awarded for work that aims to generate the scientific evidence that will facilitate the conservation of a species. PTES only accepts grant requests from applicants already working and established in either the UK, UK overseas territories or any country not classified by the World Bank as high-income. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full project proposal. Info on worldwide grant criteria