The Global Development Awards Competition is open for applications. The awards recognize excellence in policy-oriented research, support research capacity development of researchers in low and middle-income countries, and fund innovative social development projects benefiting marginalized groups in the developing world. The program targets non-profit NGOs and CSOs that are currently implementing projects focused on science, technology, and innovation to support marginalized groups. Three winners will receive grants totaling US$125 thousand: two first-prize winners receive US$50 thousand each, and one second-prize winner receives US$25 thousand, all accompanied by technical advising. Additionally, the first-prize winners may later compete for a Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) grant of up to US$200 thousand after a twelve-month implementation period. The application deadline is 17 June 2026. Global Development Awards
Day: May 11, 2026
Digital Energy Facility — Digital Energy Challenge for Startups
The Digital Energy Facility invites applications for the Digital Energy Challenge to support innovative projects in the energy sector across Africa. Start-ups must be in the early stages of development and propose digital solutions that address energy access, grid management, or the integration of renewable energy. Eligible applicants must be registered in an African country or collaborate with local partners. Winners receive a financial award of up to €150 thousand, along with technical assistance and visibility within the digital energy ecosystem. The deadline for applications is 17 June 2026. Digital Energy Challenge
European Geosciences Union — Science Journalism Fellowship
The European Geosciences Union (EGU) accepts applications for the Science Journalism Fellowship competition. The fellowships enable journalists to report, in any European language, on ongoing research in the Earth, planetary or space sciences. Successful applicants receive up to €5000 to cover expenses related to their projects. The deadline for applications is 17 June 2026. Science Journalism Fellowship
Royal Academy of Engineering — Research Fellowships
The Royal Academy of Engineering offers Research Fellowships to early-career researchers to support them to become future research leaders in engineering. (Note: This may include one or more thematic areas covered by the Terra Viva Grants Directory). Each application is capped at a maximum contribution from the Academy of £625 thousand over five years, at 80% of full economic costs. The Academy welcomes applications from early-career researchers worldwide. The deadline for applications is 25 June 2026. Engineering Research Fellowships
French Institutes for Advanced Study — Fellowship Program
The French Institutes for Advanced Study Fellowship Programme offers 10-month fellowships at the seven Institutes of Aix Marseille, Cergy, Loire Valley (Orléans-Tours), Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes and Paris. It welcomes applications from high-level international scholars and scientists to develop their innovative research projects in France. The FIAS Fellowship Programme is open to all disciplines in the Social Sciences and the Humanities. Fellows receive a living allowance (2,200€ per month), social security coverage, accommodation, a research and training budget, plus coverage of travel expenses. Researchers from all countries are eligible to apply. The deadline for submission is 25 June 2026. FIAS Fellowship
MDPI — Forest Young Investigator Award
MDPI, a publisher of peer-reviewed, open-access journals, invites applications and nominations for the Forest 2026 Young Investigator Award. The winner will receive CHF 1000. This prize will be given to one young investigator in recognition of their excellence in the field of sustainability and sustainable development. Candidates must be under 35 years and be nominated by senior researchers. The deadline for nominations is 30 June 2026. Forest Young Investigator Award
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change — AI for Climate Action Award
The AI for Climate Action Award is a global competition that celebrates the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tackling climate change. Anyone above the age of 18 years, with an open-source, AI-powered climate solution developed in or for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) or Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is encouraged to apply. Applications are welcome from individuals, teams, start-ups, organizations, or any other type of entity. The submission deadline is 30 June 2026. AI for Climate Action Award
L’Oreal and UNESCO — Women in Science International Awards
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards recognize five outstanding women researchers in the life and environmental sciences. Each laureate represents one of five geographic regions: Africa and the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America. Candidates must be actively involved in scientific research and demonstrate excellence within the international scientific community. Each of the five laureates receives €100 thousand to support their continued contribution to scientific progress. The deadline for nominations is 30 June 2026. Women in Science International Awards
The World Around — Young Climate Prize
The World Around calls for applications to the Young Climate Prize. World Around seeks young people who are working on their self-started projects that address, draw attention to, or mitigate climate change in their communities. The program will provide visibility, support, and mentorship for 25 of the world’s most talented and passionate climate designers. Anyone aged 13-25 from anywhere can submit their work. Nominations and applications are open until 30 June 2026. Young Climate Prize
UNESCO — Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest
UNESCO invites photographers aged 14 to 25 to participate in the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest. This competition encourages young people to document the shared heritage and cultural interactions along the historic Silk Roads, with the current cycle focusing on the theme “Life on the Silk Roads.” Participation is divided into two categories based on age: 14 to 17 years old and 18 to 25 years old. Three winners from each category will receive professional photography equipment, and approximately 60 selected photographs will be featured in a traveling exhibition and a commemorative photo album. The deadline for submissions is 30 June 2026. Silk Roads Photo Contest