Smithsonian.com accepts submissions from photographers worldwide in the theme of “Natural World,” among other categories. The Grand Prize is US$2,500 and the winners in each category will receive US$500 each. The deadline for submissions is 01 December 2025. Submit your photos
december2025
Commission for Environmental Cooperation — Community-based Circular Economy Strategies
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) accepts applications for projects that advance community-led environmental solutions grounded in circular economy strategies. Projects should improve local well-being and environmental outcomes in North America by shifting resource use toward reuse, repair, remanufacture, or recycling, and by keeping materials in circulation for as long as possible. The CEC will accept proposals for up to C$150 thousand. Eligibility extends to non-profit, community-based, Indigenous, academic, and other registered organizations operating in Canada, Mexico, or the United States. The deadline for submitting proposals is 01 December 2025. Details here
World Academy of Sciences — Associateship Scheme for Research Collaboration
In collaboration with UNESCO, TWAS enables researchers from developing countries to visit research centers. Selected associates are appointed for three years during which they can visit one of 300 participating centers twice for research collaboration. TWAS provides travel support and a contribution towards subsistence costs up to US$300. Living expenses are covered by the host centers. The deadline for submission is 09 December 2025. TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme
World Academy of Sciences — Research Professorships in Least-Developed Countries
TWAS funds selected TWAS members to assist with building research capacity in the least-developed countries (LDCs). During a period of five years, each funded professor will be expected to make three visits to a host institution in a partner LDC, for a minimum stay of one month each visit. TWAS will provide travel support while living expenses are covered by the host institution. Requests need to be submitted by research groups and scientific institutions in the LDCs. The application deadline is 09 December 2025. Read more
D-Prize — Funding Entrepreneurs to Alleviate Poverty
The D-Prize funds pilot projects that more widely distribute relatively low-cost products and services in the fight against poverty. The current challenges include social enterprises for innovations in specified themes of agriculture; energy; WASH; and several other categories. The D-Prize will award 30 teams with up to US$20 thousand each to launch nonprofits or social ventures that can distribute proven poverty interventions to people in need. Eligibility to compete extends to entrepreneurs anywhere in the world and of any age or background. The D-Prize invites concept notes before 23 November (early deadline); 14 December (regular deadline); or 04 January 2026 (limited extension). Link to D-Prize
Delft University of Technology — Excellence Scholarships
TU Delft offers the Justus & Louise Van Effen Excellence Scholarships to study at the Delft University of Technology. The scholarship offers €30 thousand per year to international applicants admitted to one of the 2-year regular MSc programs. The programs include sustainable energy, environmental engineering, water management, and many others. The application deadline is 01 December 2025. About this scholarship
U.S. Department of State — TechGirls 2026
TechGirls is an international summer exchange program designed to empower and inspire young women from around the world to pursue careers in science and technology. The program is open to teenage girls (ages 15-17) from eligible countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and Latin America. TechGirls covers the costs of travel, accommodation, and meals for participation in the technology camp hosted by Virginia Tech University. The application will close on 04 December 2025. Link to TechGirls
Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen — CrossCulture Program 2026
The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) seeks professionals and volunteers from South and Southeast Asia, Eurasia and Central Asia, Eastern Europe and Russia, and MENA countries to participate in a 2-3 months training program at host organizations in Germany or in CCP partner countries. Professional fellowships are being offered in Sustainable Development and five other fields. The Fellowship covers travel expenses, accommodation, insurance, and a monthly allowance of €650. The applicant must be between the ages of 23 and 45 and have at least two years of proven professional experience or volunteer work in a civil society organization in the country of origin. The deadline for application is 10 December 2025. About the program
Research Institute for Humanity and Nature — Visiting Research Fellow Program
The Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN) Visiting Research Fellow Program brings overseas researchers to the Institute for periods of two to six months to engage in research collaboration. Each visiting fellow must work with a RIHN host researcher who acts as the main point of contact with the Institute. Applicants must have a PhD and be employed in an overseas research institute. Travel, accommodation, and daily expenses are covered by RIHN. The application deadline is 12 December 2025. RIHN Visiting Research Fellow Program
Institute of Food Technologists — Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge
The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge seeks game-changing innovations that will help transform the food system to be more sustainable and empower consumers to make choices that benefit both personal and planetary health. The Challenge will award up to eight US$25 thousand grants. Nonprofits or academic or research institutions located in any country and early-stage U.S.-based for-profit companies are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply. However, teams of students or researchers may participate as part of an organization’s submission. Applications are due on 15 December 2025. More information