The Pacific Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) program supports early-career ocean professionals from Pacific Island countries and territories by providing international research and networking experiences in ocean science and policy. Selected professionals will participate in two key initiatives: attendance at the One Ocean Science Congress and UN Ocean Conference in June 2025, and a scientific cruise aboard the research vessel Kaiyo-maru studying tuna ecology. All travel, accommodation, and participation costs will be covered. Eligible applicants must be under 35 or within 10 years of their ocean-related career, possess a tertiary qualification in a relevant field. Applications are accepted until 11 April 2025. About the Pacific ECOP Opportunities
early-career
United Nations — Leaders for Sustainable Development
The Young Leaders for the SDGs initiative recognizes young people who are leading efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative offers Young Leaders a range of benefits designed to support and amplify their impact. The United Nations seeks applications from young people of all backgrounds from all around the world. Applications are being accepted until 18 April 2025. Young Leaders for the SDGs
World Trade Organization — Young Professionals Program
The World Trade Organization (WTO) seeks applications from qualified young professionals (up to 32 years) who are nationals of a developing or least-developed country. The Young Professionals Program (YPP) offers selected young professionals the opportunity to gain work experience in the WTO. Each professional may express interest in up to three areas of the WTO, including Agriculture, Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures, Trade, and Environment, among many others. Young Professionals receive a monthly salary starting at CHF 4,000 (depending on their qualifications). The application deadline is 22 April 2025. Find more information here
Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences — International Awards for Young Agricultural Researchers 2025
The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan make research awards in agriculture. Up to three young agricultural researchers with outstanding research proposals in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and related themes will receive US$5 thousand each to further their research. Applicants must be nationals of a developing country, and belong to a non-Japanese research institute or a non-Japanese university. Candidates need to be younger than age 40 to be eligible. The deadline for applications is 17 May 2025. Awards for Young Agricultural Researchers
GoGettaz — Agripreneur Prize 2025
GoGettaz invites young agri-food entrepreneurs (18-35 years) with technologies or innovations for the agriculture and food industry to participate in the Agripreneur Prize 2025. Two entrepreneurs (one woman, and one man) will be awarded US$50 thousand each. Submitted projects are expected to transform the agri-food business in Africa. Eligibility extends to African founders or co-founders of agriculture and food businesses. The application deadline is 10 June 2025. About the Agripreneur Prize
Hawk Conservancy Trust — Marion Paviour Award
The Hawk Conservancy Trust supports early-career researchers working on projects focused on the conservation and/or research of birds of prey. The maximum award amount is £1,000. Preference will be given to those applying for support for fieldwork, conference fees to present work, or travel costs (for fieldwork or conference attendance). Applications close on 31 August 2025. About the award
Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans — Fellowships 2025
The Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO) supports capacity building in oceanography for individuals and institutions in developing countries. POGO’s Visiting Fellowships Program is open to scientists, technicians, graduate students (PhD), and post-doctoral fellows involved in oceanographic work. Priority is given to applicants in their early stages of career development. The fellowship offers the opportunity to visit other oceanographic centers for a short period of training on any aspect of oceanographic observations, analyses, and interpretation. The application deadline is 27 April 2025. Find fellowship information
Australian Museum Research Institute — Postgraduate Research Award
The Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI) offers students access to the Australian Museum’s collections and research programs. AMRI focuses on environmental challenges such as climate change impacts on biodiversity, the detection and biology of pest species, and understanding what constitutes and influences effective biodiversity conservation. The postgraduate award is open to students enrolled in any postgraduate qualification program relevant to the AMRI research priorities. AMRI provides financial support of $2,500. Applications for funding may be submitted until 30 April 2025. More information
Oppenheimer Generations Foundation — JWO Research Grant
The Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research Grant supports early-career scientists who conduct impactful research that will provide solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing problems. The proposed research should be focused on the intersection between biodiversity and the economy; environmental tipping points; pollution and impact on the environment; or the impact of basic sciences on sustainable development. A grant of US$150 thousand will support a research project or program for up to three years. Applicants must have strong links to an African academic institution, research institution, government institution, NGO, or for-profit organization. The application deadline is 02 May 2025. JWO Research Grant
German Academic Exchange Service — Bilateral Exchange for Postdoctoral Researchers
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports exchanges of scientists and academics from partner countries for bilateral research projects in Germany. Foreign academics and scientists with doctoral degrees who work at a university or research institute in EU countries, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russian Federation, and Ukraine are eligible to apply. Participants receive monthly stipends of €2 thousand. The application deadline is 15 August 2025 (for research stays starting from February 2026). More information