International Blue Carbon Institute Fellowship 2026: US$60,000 Research Grant for Climate and Coastal Ecosystem Experts

The International Blue Carbon Institute (IBCI), in collaboration with Conservation International and the global blue carbon research community, is inviting applications for the 2026 IBCI Fellowship Programme. The fellowship supports experienced researchers and practitioners working to advance the conservation, restoration and protection of blue carbon ecosystems.

The selected fellow will receive a US$60,000 grant allocated over two years to support a new project, strengthen an existing research programme or advance practical conservation initiatives. The funding is intended to help experts develop research, expand collaborations and translate scientific knowledge into effective climate action.

The programme is open to applicants worldwide, with particular encouragement for professionals from Africa and other underrepresented regions of the Global South. Researchers working in Latin America and the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, and Pacific Island communities are also encouraged to apply.

About the International Blue Carbon Institute Fellowship

The IBCI Fellowship aims to strengthen the scientific understanding and practical implementation of blue carbon solutions. Blue carbon refers to carbon captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems, including mangroves, salt marshes and seagrass meadows. The programme also welcomes projects involving kelp forests.

These ecosystems contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, support biodiversity and provide important benefits to coastal communities. Protecting and restoring them can help countries respond to climate challenges while supporting sustainable livelihoods and strengthening the resilience of coastal environments.

The fellowship supports professionals working across scientific research, social sciences, community engagement, communications, public policy, law and conservation finance. Its multidisciplinary approach encourages collaboration between researchers, practitioners, institutions and local communities.

The programme has three central objectives: advancing blue carbon science and innovation, building professional capacity in ecosystem protection and restoration, and expanding the use of effective blue carbon solutions through knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive the following support and opportunities:

• US$60,000 in grant funding allocated over two years.

• Support for new research projects, existing studies or conservation programmes.

• Funding for eligible research equipment and laboratory related travel.

• Support for eligible publication fees, field assistants and other research expenses.

• Opportunities to join a network of blue carbon professionals, current fellows and alumni.

• Potential laboratory exchanges and research collaborations.

• Professional development opportunities, including science communication training.

• Opportunities to participate in annual International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group meetings and other relevant scientific forums.

• Opportunities to share knowledge and develop partnerships with international experts.

The US$60,000 award is intended to support eligible research and programme activities. It is not advertised as a personal salary or monthly stipend. Additional support to attend annual scientific working group meetings may also be available.

Research Areas

The fellowship welcomes multidisciplinary projects that contribute to the protection, restoration and conservation of blue carbon ecosystems.

Relevant areas include:

• Scientific research on coastal and marine ecosystems.

• Social science research connected to blue carbon conservation.

• Mangrove conservation and restoration.

• Salt marsh protection and management.

• Seagrass ecosystem research and restoration.

• Kelp forest conservation and related research.

• Community engagement and collaboration with coastal populations.

• Climate policy, environmental law and governance.

• Conservation finance and strategies for sustaining environmental programmes.

• Science communication and the practical application of research findings.

Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed work aligns with the institute’s priorities and could generate meaningful benefits for local communities, regional conservation efforts or climate resilience.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is designed for experienced professionals rather than researchers at the beginning of their careers. Applicants should meet the following expectations:

• Hold an advanced master’s degree or a PhD relevant to their work.

• Have at least five years of relevant professional or research experience.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to the research, protection, conservation or restoration of blue carbon ecosystems.

• Have a record of contributing to scientific knowledge, research publications or relevant professional initiatives.

• Demonstrate the capacity to lead or contribute meaningfully to a multidisciplinary project.

• Present work that aligns with the objectives and priorities of the International Blue Carbon Institute.

• Explain how the proposed project could generate local or regional impact.

• Be prepared to demonstrate the feasibility and expected outcomes of the proposed work.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

• Proof of employment or an institutional letter of support confirming professional affiliation or institutional backing.

• An updated curriculum vitae outlining qualifications, experience, research contributions and publications.

• A completed IBCI Fellowship Application Form using the official template.

• A completed budget sheet detailing the proposed use of the US$60,000 grant.

Applicants should ensure that their proposal explains the project’s purpose, objectives, planned activities and expected results. The budget should be realistic and clearly connected to the proposed research or conservation programme.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee comprising Conservation International blue carbon technical experts, members of the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group and other international specialists.

The committee will assess applications based on:

• Technical quality and strength of the proposed project.

• Alignment with the priorities of the International Blue Carbon Institute.

• Potential impact at local and regional levels.

• Relevance to blue carbon research, conservation or restoration.

• The potential to benefit communities and strengthen practical environmental action.

• Geographic representation among applicants.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with the selection committee. Applicants should be ready to explain their project’s feasibility, expected outcomes, proposed budget and potential long term contribution to blue carbon conservation.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official International Blue Carbon Institute Fellowship page on the Conservation International website and review the programme requirements.
2. Download the official IBCI Fellowship Application Form and budget sheet from the application page.
3. Prepare a clear project proposal describing the research or programme, its objectives, planned activities and expected outcomes.
4. Explain how the proposed work aligns with IBCI priorities and could benefit blue carbon ecosystems, coastal communities or regional climate resilience.
5. Prepare your updated CV and obtain proof of employment or an institutional letter of support.
6. Complete the application form and budget sheet, checking that all documents are accurate and consistent.
7. Upload the required documents through the designated Microsoft OneDrive submission link provided on the official fellowship page. Review every file carefully before uploading because documents cannot be edited after submission.