International Blue Carbon Institute Fellowship 2026: US$60,000 Research Grant for Climate and Coastal Ecosystem Experts
Overview
The International Blue Carbon Institute Fellowship Programme supports experienced practitioners and researchers who work to protect, restore, and conserve blue carbon ecosystems. The initiative is organized by the International Blue Carbon Institute in collaboration with Conservation International and the broader research community. The programme seeks to advance blue carbon science, build professional capacity, and scale practical climate and conservation solutions that benefit the environment and coastal communities.
The 2026 cycle selects a single fellow for a two-year duration. Eligible focus areas include scientific research, social sciences, community engagement, communications, policy, law, and conservation finance involving coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass meadows, and kelp forests.
Who can apply
Applications are open to experienced blue carbon scientists and practitioners from all regions worldwide. Suitable candidates should possess advanced qualifications, such as a PhD or Master's degree, alongside a minimum of five years of relevant expertise beyond the early stages of their careers. Applicants are expected to have a history of contributing to scientific knowledge, publishing research, and mentoring others.
The programme particularly encourages applications from researchers and practitioners based in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, Pacific Island countries and communities, and other underserved or underrepresented scientific communities, with a specific emphasis on applicants working in Africa for the 2026 cycle.
What you get
Each selected fellow receives a US$60,000 grant distributed across the two-year programme to fund projects, existing research, and practical initiatives. The funding can be utilized for developing new research projects, supporting ongoing initiatives, covering research collaboration or laboratory travel, acquiring necessary equipment, paying publication fees, hiring field assistants, and establishing continuity for long-term impact. Fellows may additionally receive financial support to attend annual International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group meetings convened by Conservation International and the Blue Carbon Initiative. Participants also gain access to professional development, networks of current fellows and alumni, potential laboratory exchanges, and skills training.
Requirements
Applicants must submit proof of employment or an institutional letter of support that confirms their institutional affiliation, alongside a comprehensive curriculum vitae detailing their qualifications, relevant experience, publications, and research contributions. Proposed work must align with the priorities of the International Blue Carbon Institute and demonstrate the potential to generate meaningful benefits for regional conservation efforts and local communities.
How to apply
Submissions must be completed online through the submission of the required institutional letter of support and curriculum vitae during the active application window.
Key dates
The application period opens on 12 October 2026 and closes on 23 November 2026. Selected fellows are scheduled to be announced in March 2027.