MDPI is a publisher of peer-reviewed, open-access journals. The publisher has several awards in the category “Plants.” MDPI currently invites nominations for the Best PhD Thesis Award (CHF 500) for original work defended in 2025, with a deadline of July 31, 2026, and the Travel Award (CHF 800) for students and postdocs attending international conferences, closing October 31, 2026. Additionally, the journal honors high-quality peer review through the Outstanding Reviewer Award and celebrates research impact with the Best Paper and Young Investigator awards, providing winners with cash prizes, formal certificates, and publication vouchers to waive future article processing charges. Click here
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United Nations University — MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
The United Nations University (UNU) and the University of Bonn welcome applicants for the international joint MSc program, “Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security.” The ideal candidate has a strong interest or experience in human-nature relations and risk governance in the Global South. Women and applicants from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to financially support successful applicants from developing countries. The application deadline is 15 December 2026. More
The Explorers Club — Impact Grants
The Explorers Club Impact Grants support individual researchers and explorers worldwide who conduct field-based scientific expeditions in disciplines such as ecology, earth sciences, anthropology, archaeology, paleontology, and astronomy—especially exploring regions experiencing environmental or cultural change. Grants typically range from US$10 thousand to US$25 thousand, covering expenses for on-site fieldwork. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Explorers Club Impact Grants
LGT Venture Philanthropy — Impact Fellowship
LGT Venture Philanthropy invites applications for its Impact Fellowship, a program designed to match business professionals with non-profit organizations and social enterprises to strengthen their organizational capacity. Eligible applicants must hold an undergraduate degree and possess at least two years of full-time professional experience in fields such as finance, marketing, operations, or data analytics. Fellows commit to a 12-month full-time engagement on the ground with portfolio companies located in Africa, India, Latin America, and Europe. While the program requires a commitment to financial sacrifice, it provides a local salary to cover living costs, along with flight and insurance reimbursements. The application deadline is 31 March 2026. LGT Impact Fellowship
RECOFTC — Agroforestry 101
RECOFTC offers a self-paced e-learning course designed to provide participants with foundational knowledge on agroforestry and its role in sustainable development. The program is open to individuals globally, including practitioners, students, and policymakers interested in community forestry and climate resilience. While the course is currently free of charge, it does not provide direct financial grants or fellowships. Participants who complete the modules and pass the assessments will receive a certificate of completion. Enrollment closed 10 April 2026. Agroforestry 101
United Nations Environment Program — Champions of the Earth 2026
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) invites nominations for the 2026 Champions of the Earth award, which represents the UN’s highest environmental honor. The 2026 edition specifically focuses on leaders, organizations, and government entities worldwide that are driving efforts to protect and restore ocean health, including work in pollution prevention, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable blue economies. Candidates may be nominated in four categories: Policy Leadership, Inspiration and Action, Entrepreneurial Vision, and Science and Innovation. While the award provides global recognition and a platform to scale environmental solutions rather than a direct cash grant, it serves as a transformative career and organizational milestone. The deadline for nominations is 15 April 2026. UN Champions of the Earth
Earth Journalism Network — Ocean Conference Fellowship
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites applications from journalists to attend the 2026 Our Ocean Conference. The fellowship program supports professional journalists from low- and middle-income countries, with a particular focus on those from the Global South, to report on ocean conservation and marine policy. Selected fellows receive full sponsorship to attend the conference, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and travel insurance. In addition to covering the event, participants engage in preparatory workshops and receive mentorship from experienced environmental editors to strengthen their reporting on topics such as sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, and climate resilience. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. Ocean Conference Fellowships
SVG Ventures — Global Impact Challenge 2026
The Global Impact Challenge is a global competition for early-stage startups aimed at discovering breakthrough technologies that advance sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. Focusing on critical pillars such as soil health, water management, food waste reduction, and decarbonization, the challenge offers finalists the opportunity to secure up to US$1 million in investment from SVG Ventures. Beyond financial support, participants benefit from expert pitch coaching, a dedicated exhibition booth at the Global Impact Summit in Silicon Valley (October 2026). The application window for this cycle closes on 15 May 2026. THRIVE Global Impact Challenge
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Graduate Researchers Award 2026
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) invites nominations for its annual award recognizing master’s and PhD students who use biodiversity data in innovative research. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program and be citizens of a GBIF participant country or studying at an institution within one. The program provides two prizes of €5,000 each for research that demonstrates discovery in biodiversity informatics, such as taxonomy, ecology, or biogeography. The final deadline to submit nominations is 29 May 2026. Graduate Researchers Award
Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research — Fellowship Program
The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) enables early-career researchers to join a project team from another country for research activities that further our understanding of Antarctica. The fellowship is for PhD students to undertake research at major international laboratories, field facilities, or institutes in SCAR member countries. Applicants should be citizens of both a World Meteorological Organization member country and a developing economy. SCAR will offer three to four fellowships of up to US$15 thousand each. The deadline for fellowship applications is 04 September 2026. Find details