Conservation International Opens $60,000 Blue Carbon Fellowship for Researchers and Practitioners: Global Opportunity | Apply by 23 November 2026
Overview
The International Blue Carbon Institute Fellowship supports professionals working to protect, restore, and conserve blue carbon ecosystems while advancing climate change mitigation, adaptation, and coastal community resilience. The programme runs for two years and selects one fellow for the 2026 cycle, though the institute may increase the number of fellows in future years. Applications are welcome from all regions worldwide.
Who can apply
The fellowship is intended for experienced blue carbon scientists and practitioners rather than applicants at the beginning of their careers. Eligible professionals have progressed beyond the early stages of their careers, hold an advanced master degree or PhD, and possess at least five years of relevant expertise, including experience in pioneering research, publishing papers, and mentoring. Applicants may work across scientific research, social sciences, community engagement, communications, policy, law, and conservation finance. While applications are accepted globally, researchers and practitioners working in the Global South are particularly encouraged to apply, with a specific focus on encouraging applicants from Africa during the 2026 selection cycle.
What you get
The selected fellow receives a grant of USD 60,000 to support activities over two years for new projects, existing research, and other related expenses. Supported costs may include research and project implementation expenses, travel for laboratory studies and research collaboration, equipment purchases, publication fees, support for field assistants, and other additional research costs connected to the proposed work. Fellows may also receive support to attend annual meetings of the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group and other relevant scientific forums convened by the Blue Carbon Initiative and Conservation International. Additional professional development opportunities include research collaborations, laboratory exchanges, science communication training, and access to an international network of blue carbon professionals and alumni.
Requirements
Applicants must submit proof of employment or an institutional letter of support, a curriculum vitae, a completed fellowship application form, and a completed detailed budget sheet. Eligible projects may focus on mangroves, salt marshes, seagrasses, or kelp forests, and proposals must demonstrate alignment with institute priorities and explain how the work generates meaningful impacts at local or regional levels.
How to apply
Applicants must download the application templates from the official webpage, complete the application form and detailed budget sheet carefully, and upload all required documents through the designated Microsoft OneDrive application portal before uploads are finalized. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview with the selection committee.
Key dates
The application window opens on 12 October 2026 and closes on 23 November 2026. Selected fellows are expected to be announced in March 2027.