The World Press Photo Contest recognizes the best visual journalism and awards visual stories in eight categories, including Environment and Nature. The award winners will receive €1 thousand each. The prize-winning photographs will be assembled into a worldwide year-long exhibition. The contest is only open to professional photographers. Entries close on 13 January 2027. World Press Photo Awards
Day: November 12, 2026
Ocean Foundation — Scholarship for Sea Turtle Preservation
The Ocean Foundation and the Boyd Lyon Sea Turtle Fund seek applicants for the Boyd N. Lyon Scholarship. Students with field research projects on sea turtle behavior and habitat use in the marine environment, as well as projects that promote sea turtle conservation in coastal ecosystems, can apply. One award of US$3.00 will be made to a Masters or PhD student. The applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university during 2027/2028. The application deadline is 15 January 2027. Boyd N. Lyon Scholarship
Harvard University — Arboretum Research Scholar Award
The Arboretum Research Scholar Award supports early-career scientists, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral researchers conducting plant-focused research that aligns with the Arboretum’s living collections, herbarium, archives, or scientific priorities in areas such as botany, ecology, evolution, and conservation. Awardees receive up to US$10 thousand to support research expenses including travel, lodging, materials, or access to Arboretum resources. The program is open to researchers worldwide, and projects may be short-term or exploratory in nature. Applications are accepted until 25 January 2027. Arboretum Research Scholar Award
Rice University — Business Plan Competition for Early-Stage Startups
The Rice University (Texas, USA) invites student teams to participate in the Rice Business Plan Competition 2027. Entrepreneurs receive the opportunity to pitch their startups to investors, receive mentoring, network with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and enhance their startup strategy. Typically, startups have a technology component in Energy/Clean Technology; Life Science/Biotechnology; or Digital Services. The competition is open to degree-seeking students currently enrolled at a college or university anywhere in the world. The grand prize winner receives up to $300 thousand in investments. The application deadline is 29 January 2027. Business Plan Competition
Eastern Bird Banding Association — Research Grants 2027
The Eastern Bird Banding Association (EBBA) seeks applicants for grants to be used toward research using banding techniques and/or bird banding data. One or more grants totaling up to US$5 thousand will be awarded. Priority is for research on species that spend at least part of their life cycle in any U.S. state or Canadian province, included in EBBA territory. Projects that are planned for other portions of the USA, Canada, or the Western Hemisphere may also be considered. Research studies with conservation or management implications are particularly encouraged. The application deadline is 31 January 2027. Bird Banding Research Grants
European Plant Science Organisation — Young Plant Scientist Award
The European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO) offers two awards to young scientists to attend the Science Day of the EPSO General Meeting in June 2027. The awards will cover registration and travel. The awardee can present a lecture on his/her research and will receive €200. Applications are invited from PhD students working on either fundamental or applied aspects of research on plants. Applications must be received by 31 January 2027. EPSO Young Plant Scientist Award
University of Antwerp — Masters Program in Development Studies
The University of Antwerp’s Institute of Development Policy and Management (IOB) offers three specializations for one-year master’s programs in development studies. Topics include poverty, climate change, conflict, good governance, sustainable development, and others. The Institute of Development Policy awards scholarships to students from many countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America for studies at Belgian universities that include Antwerp’s IOB. Candidates applying for an ICP Connect scholarship have to submit their application by 01 February 2027. Link
Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study — Fellowships for Early-Career African Researchers
The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) offers the Iso Lomso Fellowships to early-career African researchers in any discipline. The program provides a three-year attachment to STIAS in addition to the possibility of a residency at a sister institute for advanced study in North America, Europe, or elsewhere. Other benefits include support for attending international conferences or workshops and support to the fellow’s home institution for lecturer replacement. The program is aimed at African scholars who have obtained a doctoral degree within the preceding eight years, and who hold an academic position at a university or research institution anywhere in Africa. The application deadline is 15 February 2027. About
Embassy of Japan — Grants for Grassroots Projects in Uganda
The Embassy of Japan in Uganda provides financial assistance to non-profit, development-oriented organizations in support of community development projects in Uganda. Any projects geared towards grassroots assistance are eligible for financing, including water and sanitation, disaster relief, and agricultural development. The grant amount per project is generally under 10 million yen (approx. US$100 thousand). Potential recipients are international or local NGOs, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and local governments. The Embassy receives concept papers anytime throughout the year, but the selection process is conducted twice a year with deadlines on 15 February and 15 June.. More about this opportunity
Fiat Panis Foundation — Prize for Master Thesis in Food Security
The Fiat Panis Foundation makes awards for university thesis and dissertation research in themes of agriculture, ecology, and natural resources, with a focus on food security in developing countries. The Hans Hartwig Ruthenberg Graduate Award is €7.5 thousand in support of qualified young scientists by honoring their excellent master thesis in the field of food security. The deadline for submissions (German, English) is 30 April 2027. Ruthenberg Graduate Award