The ICGEB SMART Fellowship program provides fellowships to scientists in the early stage of their career wishing to spend between 3 and 9 months at a research institution in an ICGEB Member State other than their own. The stipend ranges from US$ 800 to US$1,500 per month. SMART Fellowships are intended to promote collaboration among researchers. Applications are welcome in any area of the Life Sciences. The application deadline is 31 March 2026. SMART Fellowship
Ilka Westermeyer
The Royal Society — Early Career Researcher Competition
The Biology Letters Early Career Researcher (ECR) Competition recognizes outstanding research papers authored by ECRs. Eligible participants are individuals who have completed a postgraduate degree within the last six years. The competition awards £1,000 to the overall winner and £500 each to two runners-up. To enter, submit your research article via the journal’s submission by 31 March 2026. Link to the competition
Neotropical Grassland Conservancy — Conservation Research and Education in Latin America: Equipment and Student Grants
The Neotropical Grassland Conservancy (NGC) provides grants and equipment to students and scientists working in grassland habitats in Latin America. Research grants of one year are open to Latin American researchers affiliated with a university, museum, or conservation organization. Additionally, the NGC offers equipment grants for conservation science, and small grants to Latin American graduate students doing field projects. The NGC describes the amount of funding; eligibility criteria; review process; and application deadlines for each of the three programs. Awards range from US$500 to US$5 thousand. The application deadline for the research (memorial) grants is 01 March. The application deadlines for equipment grants and student grants are 01 April, 01 August, and 01 December. Click here
Giving Joy — Micro-Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
Giving Joy makes micro-grants to women who seek to establish or improve their businesses for the benefit of their communities. Applicants can propose activities in any field, trade, occupation, or craft (e.g., agriculture, fisheries, energy, WASH, etc.). Proposed grant activities must have a social benefit to the community. Grants range from US$250 to US$500. Grants support women entrepreneurs worldwide. Giving Joy offers different grant cycles per year. The next application deadline is 30 April 2026. Giving Joy Grants
O’Shaughnessy Ventures — Research, Innovation, and Creativity Grants
The O’Shaughnessy Fellowships offer US$100 thousand equity-free grants to individuals worldwide pursuing research, creative projects, or innovation. Fellows receive mentorship and support from OSV’s network of experts, founders, and investors. Applicants must demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, and strong proof of work. Additional US$10 thousand grants are available to select applicants based on the Fellowship application. Awards are open to individuals aged 18+ globally. The early application deadline is 28 February, and the extended deadline is 30 April. Know more
Council for the Advancement of Science Writing — Science Reporting Award
The Council for the Advancement of Science Writing (CASW) awards the Sharon Begley Science Reporting Award. The award recognizes the accomplishments of a mid-career science journalist. The winner receives US$20 thousand to undertake a significant reporting project. Candidates must be experienced journalists who have compiled a substantial body of work in science journalism. The deadline for submissions is 30 April 2026. CASW Science Reporting Award
International Herpetological Symposium — Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
The International Herpetological Symposium (IHS) provides financial assistance to individuals or organizations conducting herpetological research, conservation, and education. Grants are up to US$1,000. Eligibility extends to any individual from the herpetological community from around the world. Students are encouraged to apply. Proposals are due by 30 April of each year. About IHS grants
Weeden Foundation — Protecting Biodiversity
The Weeden Foundation makes grants to support biodiversity conservation projects that protect imperiled species and ecosystems, with a strong focus on North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Funding is available to nonprofit organizations and research institutions working in areas such as land conservation, wildlife management, endangered species recovery, and applied conservation science. The average grant size is between US$10 and US$30 thousand. The Foundation requests letters of inquiry (LOI) at least one month before proposal deadlines. The next deadline for applications (English, Spanish) is 15 May 2026. Find details
Beit Trust — Support for Community and Conservation Projects in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi
The Beit Trust supports projects for health, education, welfare, and the environment in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Themes include wildlife conservation. Additionally, the Trust’s interests in community welfare include drinking water and irrigation water. Grants do not normally exceed £50 thousand. Applications should be submitted by 31 May 2026. About the Beit Trust Grants
BBVA Foundation — Awards in Frontiers of Knowledge, Nominations 2026
The BBVA Foundation annually makes awards to recognize innovative and fundamental advances in science, culture, and collaboration. Thematic areas include ecology and conservation biology; climate change; and development cooperation (among others). In each prize category, BBVA awards €400 thousand plus a diploma and commemorative artwork. The awards are open to individuals and organizations of any nationality. (Note: Self-nomination is not permitted.) The deadline for nomination is 30 June 2026. Conditions