The UNU’s Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) offers an MSc degree program to produce scholars who will become key researchers in the field of sustainability science. UNU-IAS seeks to incorporate perspectives on global change, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity. The Japan Foundation offers the UNU Scholarship to outstanding applicants from developing countries who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance. The deadline to apply for the MSc program is 01 February 2026. Overview
biodiversity
Wilson Ornithological Society — Research Grants 2026
The Wilson Ornithological Society (WOS) offers four types of research awards to fund avian research anywhere in the world. Awards support ornithologists, graduate students, young professionals, and independent researchers without access to funds. Eligibility is open to citizens of all countries. Grants range from US$2,000 to US$5,000 — varying with each award program. WOS membership is required. The next application deadline is 01 February 2026. Research Grants
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Biodiversity Data Mobilization Projects
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) funds regional and cross-regional biodiversity data mobilization projects that strengthen capacity to collect, share and apply open biodiversity data in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Eligible applicants are legal entities such as research institutions, universities, museums, NGOs or government agencies registered in the eligible regions with demonstrated experience in biodiversity data mobilization, and projects must be non-profit and publish data under open licenses. There are two grant types: regional grants of up to €90 thousand and cross-regional grants of up to €120 thousand, each with a 24-month implementation period. Concept notes must be submitted by 02 February 2026. Biodiversity Data Mobilization Projects
United Nations University — PhD in Sustainability Science 2026
The UNU’s Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) offers a three-year PhD program to produce scholars who will become key researchers in the field of sustainability science. The program seeks to incorporate perspectives on global change, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity. The Japan Foundation offers the UNU Scholarship to outstanding applicants from developing countries who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance. The deadline for applications is 11 February 2026. About Ph.D. in Sustainability Science
Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen — Networking Civil Societies
The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) promotes tandem cooperation between civil society organizations from Germany and partner countries (listed in the announcement). CCP Synergy is aimed at employees from two organizations who are planning a joint initiative. The purpose of such a collaboration could be, for example, the planning and implementation of joint events, fact-finding missions, research, or artistic undertakings in the fields of sustainable development or climate justice. CCP Synergy supports both cooperating organizations with a total of €4,500. The call for applications is open until 16 February 2026. CCP Synergy
Royal Society — Darwin Medal
The Darwin Medal recognizes outstanding contributions to the study of evolution, population biology, organismal biology, or biodiversity, in the spirit of Charles Darwin’s legacy. It is open to scientists of any nationality, with no age or career-stage restrictions, and is awarded biennially based on nominations rather than direct applications. The medal comes with a £2,000 monetary award and a silver-gilt medal. Nominations are submitted by peers, institutions, or learned societies. The closing date for nominations is 20 February 2026. Nominate here
Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust — Grants for Research and Training 2026
The Trust makes grants for education and research in ornamental horticulture, primarily in North America, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Australia. Projects may focus on research in ornamental horticulture, creation and maintenance of gardens accessible to the public for educational purposes, educational activities that further ornamental horticulture, and environmentally responsible cultivation of plants which have ornamental horticultural value. Applicants include botanical gardens, arboreta, universities, and other nonprofit charitable organizations. Grants are up to US$25 thousand. The application deadline for Letters of Intent (LOIs) is 15 June 2026. More information
Gadfly Project — Software for Environmental Protection and Climate Change Mitigation
The Gadfly Project makes in-kind grants for organizations seeking to implement a software initiative in the fields of environmental protection and climate change mitigation. The grant is available to organizations both international and domestic with a focus on environmental protection and sustainability. Software development efforts with a magnitude between US$5 thousand and US$100 thousand are preferred. Please note that this is an “in-kind” grant (not a cash grant). Grants are evaluated quarterly. The deadlines are 23 January, 24 April, 24 July, and 23 October 2026. Details here
Scientific Exploration Society — Explorer Awards 2026
The Scientific Exploration Society (SES) awards “pioneers with purpose” who combine innovative field expeditions with important research contributions, including in subject areas related to the environment and conservation. The awards are intended to provide a financial contribution to the overall cost of the fieldwork phase of scientific exploration. Grants range from US$4 thousand to US$7 thousand. For 2026, SES announces six award categories. The application deadline for a simple online application (stage 1) is 01 February 2026. Explore
IUCN — Protection of Natural Resources of the Selva Maya
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) invites applications to strengthen the conservation of the most extensive tropical forest in Mesoamerica. IUCN invites civil-society organisations from Belize, Guatemala and Mexico to apply for grants to support conservation and sustainable natural-resource projects across the tri-national “Selva Maya” region. The funding pot offers up to €750, thousand for sub-projects under this second grant cycle. The call is open to relevant NGOs, community groups or conservation organisations active in the region. The call will remain open until 02 February 2026. Selva Maya II