The National Geographic Society invites early-career scientists worldwide to apply to lead ship-based research aboard SOI’s Falkor (too) research vessel, currently recruiting for its 2027-2028 season traversing the west and south coasts of Africa. The opportunity provides one berth space and access to the vessel’s onboard laboratories, underwater robotics, camera systems, and high-performance computing infrastructure. In prior cycles, the Society has awarded grants of up to US$20,000 to cover travel and project-related costs for the selected research, conservation, or technology project. General National Geographic eligibility applies: applicants must be 18 or older, may lead only one active proposal at a time, and must have submitted final reports for any prior National Geographic grants before applying to lead a new one. The deadline is 21 October 2026. Ocean Exploration
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Bat Conservation International — Student Research Scholarships for Bat Conservation
Bat Conservation International (BCI) requests proposals from student researchers seeking financial support for bat conservation research projects. Research may focus on human-caused environmental changes (such as land development or climate change on bats), bat-human conflicts (such as hunting, roost disturbance, and persecution), or behavioral or ecological questions that aid the protection of a bat species. The geographical scope is Latin America and the Caribbean; Africa and its adjacent islands; and globally. BCI anticipates granting up to US$3,000 each. Additional funding is available through special awards. The scholarship is only open to students who are registered with a recognized academic institution. The application deadline is 31 October 2026. Link to Bat Conservation International
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 25 October (early deadline); 15 November (regular deadline); or 06 December 2026 (limited extension). Link to D-Prize
Girls Who Click — Nature Photography Mentorship for Young Women
Girls Who Click invites young female and female-identifying photographers and videographers aged 16–30 to apply for its Ambassador Program, a nine-month mentorship with a professional nature photographer, plus access to workshops and an international peer network. No funding, stipend, or prize is offered — the programme is free but non-monetary. Applications are open worldwide. The deadline is 01 October 2026. Nature Photography Mentorship
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Small Grants Program, Sri Lanka
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and IUCN invite Letters of Inquiry from Sri Lankan NGOs, community-based organizations, Indigenous and women’s groups for projects supporting community engagement in managing threatened ecosystems and species, under the GEF Small Grants Program. Grants are up to US$60,000. Eligible only in five districts: Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Galle, and Matara. The deadline is 09 October 2026. Small Grants Program
AGNES-BAYER Science Foundation — Research Grant 2026
The AGNES-BAYER Science Foundation Research Grant enables doctoral students from sub-Saharan African countries to undertake research in biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. The Grant aims to support African PhD students to carry out activities that are part of the doctoral research, including but not limited to field experiments and data collection or laboratory studies. A maximum grant of €7,000 will be awarded to each successful applicant. All applications must be submitted online by 16 October 2026. Research Grant for Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainable Agriculture
e-MOVE — Cashew Value Chain
e-MOVE invites young agripreneurs within the cashew sector to transform their ideas into investment-ready, climate-smart ventures. Selected participants receive €2,000 in direct funding, mentoring, tools, and incubation support. Agripreneurs in a member state of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States are eligible. The submission window is open until 30 October 2026. Link
World Academy of Sciences — Research Cooperation Visits Program
TWAS-SISSA-Lincei invites young scientists from least-developed countries to carry out collaborative research projects in Physics, Neuroscience, Mathematics, and Science Outreach as well as projects that fall under the umbrella of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Scientists have the opportunity to visit research laboratories in Trieste (Italy) to carry out research work in scientific fields within the SISSA portfolio. TWAS will cover travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the stay in Italy. The deadline for receipt of applications is 31 October 2026. More
International Atomic Energy Agency — Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Program
The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Program (MSCFP) aims to help increase the number of women in the nuclear field and drive global scientific and technological innovation. Selected students receive a scholarship for Master’s programs in nuclear-related studies. They are also provided with an opportunity to pursue an internship facilitated by the IAEA for up to 12 months. Female scientists from all around the world are invited to apply. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2026. More information
UN-Habitat — Urban Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction (Latin America)
UN-Habitat seeks an academic institution or higher education organization to design and deliver a virtual regional capacity-building programme on urban resilience and disaster risk reduction across Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, and Peru. The maximum award is US$50 thousand over 24 months. Eligible applicants are academic institutions or higher education organizations only. The deadline is 04 October 2026. Know more