The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) offers fellowships to young scientists in developing countries to enable them to spend three to 12 months at a research institution in a developing country other than their own. The purpose of these fellowships is to enhance the research capacity of promising scientists and to foster links for further collaboration. Costs are shared between TWAS and the host institutions. The fellowships are for research and advanced training. There is no age limit. However, preference is given to young scientists at the beginning of their research career and those working in Least Developed Countries. The deadline to apply is 06 October 2025. TWAS Fellowship
research
Explorers Club — Pathfinder Grant
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the globe. The Pathfinder Grant supports graduate, post-graduate, and early-career scientists conducting field-based research in disciplines such as anthropology, ecology, geoscience, marine biology, and conservation. Awards typically range from $2,500 to $5,000. The application deadline is 08 October 2025. Pathfinder Grant
Explorers Club — Rising Explorer Grant
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Rising Explore Grant supports the fieldwork of serious researchers and offers exploration grants to High School Students and College Undergraduates as a way to help get their expedition science career off the ground. Awards typically range from $1,500 to $3,000. The deadline to submit applications is 08 October 2025. Rising Explorer Grant
National Geographic Society — Ocean Exploration and Discovery
The National Geographic Society provides early-career ocean scientists from around the world the opportunity to lead impactful projects that will explore, understand, and inform the protection of the ocean. Scientists will take advantage of the available berth space and research infrastructure aboard SOI’s Falkor research vessel during its 2026 season traversing the southeast coast of South America. To cover travel and project-related costs, the Society will award grants of up to US$20 thousand to selected research, conservation or technology projects. The deadline for this opportunity is 08 October 2025. Link
Wellcome Trust — Career Development Awards
The Wellcome Trust supports bold and creative discovery research that has the potential to improve human life, health, and well-being. Career Development Awards provide funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. Research can be in any discipline, including STEM, experimental medicine, or climate – as long as it has the potential to improve human life. The Trust provides a salary for the grant holder and research expenses for up to 8 years. The applicant’s host organization has to be based in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or a low- or middle-income country (apart from India and mainland China). The deadline for new applications is 20 November 2025. Wellcome Career Development Awards
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians — Zoological Medicine and Wildlife Health Research Grant
The American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) awards the Zoological Medicine and Wildlife Health Research Grant to professionals in zoological medicine for the care and conservation of captive and free-ranging wildlife. Two categories of funding are available: standard grants (maximum US$20 thousand) and small grants (maximum US$7,500). The application deadline is 15 December 2025. Click here for the Guidelines
Neotropical Birding and Conservation — Conservation and Research in Latin America and the Caribbean
The Neotropical Birding and Conservation (formerly Neotropical Bird Club) offers research grants for conservation work, or for research that may be of conservation benefit. Awards of US$1,500 and US$3,000 are for projects carried out by nationals and/or residents of countries in the Neotropics (i.e. the Caribbean, Central America, and South America). The Juan Mazar Barnett Award (up to US$5,000) is to encourage early-career neotropical bird conservationists and researchers. Application guidelines are available in English and Spanish. The deadlines are 01 January and 01 July of each year. Know more
U.S. National Science Foundation — International Research Experiences for U.S. University Students 2026
Through the program IRES, the National Science Foundation supports U.S. university students (graduate and undergraduate) to engage in international research. Past fellowships include several in developing countries in subject areas such as ecology, renewable energy, climate change, and others. Full proposals are due 26 October 2026. More information
Rainforest Trust — Rapid Protected-Area Feasibility Awards
The Rainforest Trust provides partnership and funding opportunities to local conservation NGOs across the tropics. The Rapid Protected-Area Feasibility Awards is intended for conservationists and researchers to evaluate important potential sites for creating new Protected Areas. Awards average US$5 thousand. The applicant must be an NGO based in the country of the proposed protected area. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Link
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development — Co-Operative Research Program
The OECD Co-operative Research Programme (CRP) offers fellowships for scientists in agriculture, forestry, or fisheries to spend between 6 and 26 weeks doing research in another CRP country. The goal is to promote international collaboration, share knowledge, and strengthen research linked to food security, sustainable agriculture, and natural resources. To apply, researchers must have at least four years of postdoctoral experience, and a project idea that fits one of the CRP’s three themes: sustainable productivity, ecosystem services, or transformations for sustainability. The fellowship covers travel and living costs, helping scientists build networks and advance their research without extra financial burden. Applications for the 2026 round are open now and must be submitted by 10 September 2025. Know more