The Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) is a global competition that empowers young researchers (ages 18–35) to advance applied research into real-world agrifood solutions. The challenge focuses on projects with a tested proof of concept that are ready to be refined for piloting. For the 2026 cycle, prizes are offered in categories such as forest restoration, protein diversification using native crops, and One Health-driven rural transformation. Winning teams receive up to US$10 thousand for prototype validation, with an additional US$10 thousand awarded to the overall global winner. The current application window closes at the end of April 2026. Transformative Research Challenge
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Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Multitopic Research and Innovation Action
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) supports projects under the following topics: (1) Water Management, (2) Farming Systems, (3) and Agri-food Value Chain. Water projects should focus on alleviating Mediterranean water scarcity through adaptive water governance. Farming projects need to demonstrate field practices based on agroecological practices to increase ecosystem services and biodiversity, adapt the small farming systems to climate change, and to increase farmers’ incomes. Companies/enterprises, non-profit organizations, NGOs, public research organizations, and universities from the following non-EU countries are eligible: Israel, Tunisia, Turkey, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco. The deadline for pre-proposals is 15 May 2026. Details here
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Caribbean Islands Final Assessment
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites letters of inquiry to organize a regional final assessment workshop for the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot. This grant supports the planning and execution of a meeting, along with preliminary activities and a post-meeting report, to evaluate the impact of CEPF investment in the region. Non-governmental organizations, community groups, private enterprises, and universities are eligible to apply. Grant amounts range from US$50 thousand to US$180 thousand for this specific technical assignment. The deadline for applications is 17 May 2026. More
People’s Trust for Endangered Species — Conservation Insight Grants
The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) provides Conservation Insight Grants to support scientific research and field action aimed at preserving endangered species worldwide. Applications are welcomed from scientific researchers and conservationists based within NGOs or university research departments, with a strong preference for local project leaders working in their own countries. Eligible projects must be located in the UK, UK overseas territories, or any country not classified by the World Bank as high-income. The program offers grants between £3,000 and £10,000 per year for projects lasting up to two years, totaling a maximum of £20,000. Please note that PTES does not fund projects focused on bird species. The deadline for stage one pre-applications is 28 May 2026. Info on worldwide grant criteria
Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans — Fellowships 2026
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 01 May 2026. Find fellowship information
UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program — Young Scientist Awards 2026
The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme offers the Young Scientists Awards to support early-career researchers conducting interdisciplinary studies on ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable development. The program prioritizes research carried out in biosphere reserves and projects that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Eligible applicants must be 35 years or younger and must have their applications endorsed by their National MAB Committee, which can nominate up to two candidates per year. Individual research grants are awarded up to a maximum of US$5,000 to cover project-related costs for a two-year period. The deadline for applications is 07 May 2026. Young Scientist Awards
International Water Association — Bio-Cluster Award 2026
The International Water Association (IWA) invites nominations for the ISME-IWA Bio-Cluster Award. This award recognizes interdisciplinary research at the intersection of water wastewater management and microbial ecology, specifically honoring clinicians, engineers, or scientists who have made significant contributions to the field. Individuals or representative groups from any country are eligible, with one award typically granted to a mid-career researcher and another to a senior professional. The prize includes a travel grant to attend the IWA World Water Congress or the ISME Symposium, though the specific monetary value is not disclosed. The deadline for nominations is 08 May 2026. Bio-Cluster Award
Coimbra Group — Scholarships for Latin American Researchers
The Coimbra Group offers scholarships for young professors and researchers from Latin American universities to undertake short-term research stays at participating European member institutions. Eligible applicants must be nationals and residents of a Latin American country, hold a university degree, and be actively linked to a recognized Latin American university as a professor or researcher. Candidates must generally be under 40 years of age and must secure an acceptance letter from an academic supervisor at the host university before applying. The grants finance visits of one to three months, with funding amounts varying by host institution, typically ranging from €1,000 to €1,800 per month, sometimes including additional allowances for travel or housing. The deadline for applications is 10 May 2026. Scholarships for Latin American Researchers
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) supports the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. The scholarships fund cultural and academic exchanges and are awarded across many subjects, including climate resilience and life sciences. Eligibility extends to citizens of (or with refugee status in) a Commonwealth country other than the country hosting the award. Scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses (stipend) for the duration of the award, return economy flight, one-off arrival allowance, and research support grant (on request). The application deadline is 03 June 2026. Find the available scholarships
Sony — Women in Technology Award with Nature
Sony invites applications for the Sony Women in Technology Award to recognize outstanding women researchers whose work drives positive impact for society and the planet. The award is open to women in early- to mid-career stages—defined as being within 25 years of completing an undergraduate degree—who work in academia, research institutions, or university spinout companies globally. Three winners will each receive US$250 thousand to support and accelerate their research, along with opportunities to showcase their achievements on nature.com. The deadline for applications is 05 June 2026. Technology Award with Nature