The Forrest Research Foundation at the University of Western Australia offers research fellowships to attract early-career post-doctoral researchers. The fellowship comprises a salary, an accommodation allowance, and a one-off research and travel allowance. The duration of the Fellowship is up to three years on a full-time basis. Researchers from all disciplines are eligible to apply. The application deadline is 30 June 2026. Forrest Research Foundation Fellowship
early-career
Society for Marine Mammalogy — Research Grants for Field Research 2026
The Society for Marine Mammalogy makes grants to its members who are nationals of emerging and developing countries. Grants are for up to US$2 thousand for field research by early-career researchers. Recipients who subsequently have their research accepted for presentation at a SMM biennial conference will receive $500 toward travel expenses to the conference. Applications are particularly welcome from scientists working in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Asia-Pacific region, and Russia. The application period ends on 30 June 2026. Research Grants for Marine Mammalogy
Save Our Seas Foundation — Small Grants 2026
The Save Our Seas Foundation invites applications for its small grants program to support original, innovative start-up projects focused on marine research, conservation, or education. The opportunity is dedicated to early-career scientists, conservationists, and educators worldwide who are within five years of receiving their degree. Eligible projects must focus specifically on marine chondrichthyan species, such as sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, and chimaeras. The foundation provides annual grants of up to US$10 thousand, with awards averaging US$5,000, to cover local initiatives lasting up to 18 months. The deadline for stage-one applications is 03 July 2026. SOSF Small Grants
Aspire Institute — Leaders Program for First-generation University Students
The Aspire Leaders Program provides academic and professional development resources to students who are from backgrounds of social and financial adversity. All applicants must be between the ages of 18-26, come from a low-income background and be the first generation to attend university. Through the program, students will gain access to fully-funded HarvardX courses and participate in live seminars with Harvard University. Eligibility extends to students from all around the world as long as they are enrolled in an undergraduate program or have recently graduated (within three years). The application deadline is 10 July 2026. Aspire Leaders Program
Social Shifters — Global Innovation Challenge
Social Shifters announces the Global Innovation Challenge to help young leaders and founders solve the social or environmental issues that matter to them. The challenge seeks creative ideas, projects, and business solutions to the problems that matter to local communities and welcomes ideas from anywhere in the world. Participants compete for awards of up to US$15 thousand to deliver activities that improve lives, help communities, and protect the planet. All ideas must be led by young people aged between 18-30 years old. The application deadline is 31 August 2026. Link to Social Shifters
MDPI — Forest Best PhD Thesis Award
The journal Forests invites nominations for its annual award recognizing outstanding research published in the field of forest science. The competition is open to authors of research or review articles published in the journal during the 2025 calendar year. The editorial board selects winners based on the scientific merit and impact of the work. The program offers a prize of CHF 500 and a certificate, along with an opportunity to publish one additional paper free of charge in the journal after peer review. The deadline for nominations is 31 May 2026. Best PhD Thesis Award
Africa Centre for Energy Policy — Energy Leaders Innovation Challenge 2026
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) invites applications for the Future Energy Leaders Innovation Challenge. The program is open to young African innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are developing sustainable energy solutions to address energy poverty and climate change across the continent. Selected participants receive technical mentorship, access to industry networks, and a grant of US$5 thousand to pilot or scale their innovations. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and residents of an African country. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2026. Energy Innovation Challenge
Audi Environmental Foundation — One Young World Scholarship
The Audi Environmental Foundation offers scholarships for young leaders dedicated to accelerating social and environmental change. The program is open to individuals aged 18 to 30 from all countries who demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to creating positive impact through new technologies or innovative solutions. Selected scholars receive full funding to participate in the One Young World Summit 2026, including travel, accommodation, and catering, as well as access to a global network of peers and mentors. Applications must be submitted by 01 June 2026. One Young World Scholarship
MDPI — Forest Young Investigator Award
MDPI, a publisher of peer-reviewed, open-access journals, invites applications and nominations for the Forest 2026 Young Investigator Award. The winner will receive CHF 1000. This prize will be given to one young investigator in recognition of their excellence in the field of sustainability and sustainable development. Candidates must be under 35 years and be nominated by senior researchers. The deadline for nominations is 30 June 2026. Forest Young Investigator Award
UNESCO — Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest
UNESCO invites photographers aged 14 to 25 to participate in the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest. This competition encourages young people to document the shared heritage and cultural interactions along the historic Silk Roads, with the current cycle focusing on the theme “Life on the Silk Roads.” Participation is divided into two categories based on age: 14 to 17 years old and 18 to 25 years old. Three winners from each category will receive professional photography equipment, and approximately 60 selected photographs will be featured in a traveling exhibition and a commemorative photo album. The deadline for submissions is 30 June 2026. Silk Roads Photo Contest