International Blue Carbon Institute (IBCI) Fellowship Program 2027 ($60,000 grant)

Overview

The International Blue Carbon Institute Fellowship Program advances the conservation, restoration, and protection of blue carbon ecosystems to provide climate mitigation and adaptation benefits. This program forms a cornerstone of the institute mission to scale global blue carbon action using innovative research, capacity building, and collaboration. The initiative seeks to advance blue carbon science and innovation, build capacity for ecosystem protection and restoration, and scale up solutions through multi-disciplinary cooperation and knowledge sharing.

Who can apply

Applications are open to researchers and practitioners from all regions, with a strong encouragement for candidates working in the Global South, including Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Applicants are encouraged to show how the supported work will impact local communities and on-the-ground activities in these regions. For this cycle, applications originating from Africa receive particular encouragement. Eligible fields of study encompass all blue carbon ecosystems, featuring mangroves, salt marshes, seagrasses, and kelp forests.

What you get

Each selected fellow receives a grant of USD $60,000 intended to support either new projects or ongoing research efforts. Financial support covers various expenses such as supplementing current research projects, laboratory travel, purchasing equipment, publication fees, and hiring field assistants. Additionally, fellows may obtain funding to participate in annual International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group meetings convened by the Blue Carbon Initiative and Conservation International.

How to apply

Interested candidates must submit their application materials by uploading them to the designated platform. The required application package includes proof of employment or a letter of support from the applicant institution, a curriculum vitae, a completed fellowship application form, and a completed budget sheet.

Key dates

The deadline to submit applications is November 23, 2026.