Application Deadline: 23 November 2026
Experienced researchers and professionals working to protect coastal ecosystems have an opportunity to secure substantial project funding through the International Blue Carbon Institute (IBCI) Fellowship 2026. The programme will select one fellow for a two-year period, providing a USD 60,000 grant to support new projects or strengthen existing research in blue carbon conservation.
Organised by the International Blue Carbon Institute in partnership with Conservation International, the fellowship supports work that advances the protection, restoration and conservation of blue carbon ecosystems. Applications are welcome from around the world, with particular encouragement for researchers and practitioners based in Africa and other regions of the Global South.
The application window runs from 12 October to 23 November 2026, allowing interested candidates to submit their research proposals and supporting documents before the deadline.
About the IBCI Fellowship 2026
The International Blue Carbon Institute Fellowship is designed to strengthen scientific research and practical solutions that help conserve coastal and marine ecosystems while addressing climate change.
Blue carbon refers to carbon captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems. Important examples include mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass meadows and kelp forests. These environments play an important role in climate mitigation, biodiversity protection and supporting communities that depend on coastal resources.
Through this fellowship, the International Blue Carbon Institute aims to support experts who can contribute to the scientific knowledge, policies and practical conservation activities needed to protect these ecosystems.
The programme has three main objectives:
- Advance blue carbon science and innovation in developing and implementing effective conservation solutions.
- Strengthen the capacity of researchers and practitioners working to protect, restore and conserve blue carbon ecosystems.
- Expand blue carbon solutions through multidisciplinary collaboration, knowledge development and information sharing.
For the 2026 cycle, the programme will select one fellow to undertake a two-year programme.
What the Fellowship Offers
The selected fellow will receive a USD 60,000 grant, allocated over two years, to support a new programme or project or contribute to an existing research initiative.
The funding is intended to help fellows carry out meaningful research and conservation activities. Depending on the needs of the proposed project, eligible expenses may include:
- Additional funding for existing research projects.
- Travel expenses for laboratory studies.
- Purchase of research equipment.
- Publication fees.
- Payments for field assistants.
- Other additional research-related costs.
In addition to the main project grant, fellows may receive funding to participate in annual meetings of the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group, convened by the Blue Carbon Initiative and Conservation International.
This support allows the selected researcher to strengthen their work while connecting with other specialists involved in blue carbon research and conservation.
Research Areas Supported by the Fellowship
The IBCI Fellowship welcomes multidisciplinary projects that address different aspects of blue carbon science, conservation and implementation.
Relevant areas include:
1. Scientific Research
Research that improves understanding of blue carbon ecosystems and develops new approaches to their protection, restoration and conservation.
2. Social Sciences
Studies examining the relationship between coastal communities, environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources.
3. Community Engagement and Collaboration
Projects that involve local communities in conservation activities and encourage practical solutions that benefit people living in coastal areas.
4. Communications
Work that improves the sharing of scientific findings, conservation knowledge and information about blue carbon solutions.
5. Policy and Law
Research and initiatives that contribute to effective policies, legal frameworks and governance approaches for protecting blue carbon ecosystems.
6. Conservation Finance
Projects exploring financial approaches and mechanisms that can support long-term conservation and restoration activities.
Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed work connects with the institute’s priorities and contributes to meaningful environmental outcomes.
Who Can Apply for the IBCI Fellowship 2026?
The fellowship is intended for experienced blue carbon scientists and practitioners who have moved beyond the early stages of their careers.
According to the programme’s eligibility guidance, the expected professional profile includes individuals with an advanced master’s degree or PhD and at least five years of relevant expertise. These professionals are expected to have experience in areas such as pioneering research, publishing scientific papers and mentoring others.
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Relevant experience working in blue carbon or related disciplines.
- A commitment to research or the practical application of natural and social sciences.
- An interest in protecting, conserving and restoring blue carbon ecosystems.
- The ability to develop a meaningful research or project proposal.
- A clear understanding of how their proposed work could contribute to local or regional conservation efforts.
This is an important consideration for prospective applicants: the fellowship is not presented as a general funding opportunity for undergraduate students or people just beginning their academic careers. It is intended for established professionals with relevant expertise.
Are African Researchers Eligible?
Yes. Applications are welcome from all regions, and the programme specifically encourages researchers and practitioners from the Global South.
These regions include:
- Africa.
- Latin America and the Caribbean.
- South Asia.
- Southeast Asia.
- The Pacific Islands.
For the 2026 application cycle, applications from Africa are particularly encouraged.
The programme also welcomes applications from underserved communities, including people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, underrepresented geographic regions and groups that have historically had limited representation in scientific research.
Applicants from these regions should explain how their proposed projects could contribute to practical conservation activities and support local communities.
Which Blue Carbon Ecosystems Are Covered?
The fellowship accepts projects focusing on different blue carbon ecosystems, including:
- Mangroves: Coastal forests that provide important habitats, protect shorelines and store carbon.
- Salt Marshes: Coastal wetlands that support biodiversity and help capture and store carbon.
- Seagrasses: Underwater flowering plants that provide habitats for marine life and contribute to carbon storage.
- Kelp Forests: Underwater ecosystems formed by large seaweeds that support marine biodiversity.
Applicants can develop projects around any of these ecosystems, provided their proposals align with the fellowship’s objectives.
Additional Learning and Professional Development Opportunities
Beyond the financial support, the IBCI Fellowship offers opportunities to become part of a wider professional network focused on blue carbon research and implementation.
Learning and development opportunities may include:
- Joining a network of blue carbon professionals, including current fellows and alumni.
- Participating in laboratory exchanges and research collaborations.
- Receiving skills development training, including science communication.
- Connecting with members of the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group.
- Attending annual scientific meetings and other relevant international forums.
These opportunities can help fellows share knowledge, build professional relationships and develop collaborations that may strengthen their research and conservation activities.
How Are Fellows Selected?
Applications will be assessed by a selection committee made up of global and regional blue carbon experts.
The committee will review the submitted application materials, including the proposed programme, research content and purpose statements.
Candidates will be evaluated based on several considerations:
- Technical quality: The strength and quality of the proposed research or project.
- Alignment with IBCI priorities: How closely the proposal supports the institute’s goals for blue carbon conservation and implementation.
- Potential impact: The expected contribution of the project at local and regional levels.
- Geographic representation: The importance of ensuring participation from different regions.
Candidates who make the shortlist will be invited to an interview with the selection committee.
The committee includes Conservation International blue carbon technical experts, members of the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group and other international blue carbon specialists.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following materials before submitting their applications:
- Proof of Employment or Institutional Letter of Support: Evidence of current employment or a letter of support from the applicant’s institution.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated professional CV highlighting relevant academic qualifications, research experience, publications and professional achievements.
- Completed IBCI Fellowship Application Form: Applicants must download and complete the official application form.
- Completed Budget Sheet: A detailed budget using the template provided by the fellowship organisers.
The application form and budget template are available through the official fellowship webpage:
Applicants should complete both templates and prepare their supporting documents before uploading their application.
Important Application Dates
The application timeline for the 2026 IBCI Fellowship is as follows:
| Application Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 12 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 23 November 2026 |
| Selected fellow announced | March 2027 |
Only one fellow will be selected for the 2026 two-year programme.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early and submit their applications before the closing date.
Editor’s Insight: What Could Make an Application Stronger?
The IBCI Fellowship is a specialised research opportunity, so applicants should pay particular attention to the quality and relevance of their proposed projects.
Having an advanced degree and several years of professional experience may help establish an applicant’s background, but the proposal must also demonstrate how the proposed work supports the fellowship’s objectives.
A strong application should clearly explain the environmental problem being addressed, the research or activities to be undertaken, and the expected contribution to blue carbon conservation.
Applicants working in Africa and other underrepresented regions should also consider explaining how their projects will benefit local communities and support practical conservation activities. This is particularly relevant because the programme has specifically encouraged applications from Africa for the 2026 cycle.
Before submission, candidates should carefully review the application form, budget sheet and supporting documents to ensure that all required information is included.
How to Apply for the IBCI Fellowship 2026
Interested and eligible researchers and practitioners should visit the official International Blue Carbon Institute Fellowship webpage to review the programme information and application instructions.
To complete the application:
- Visit the official IBCI Fellowship webpage.
- Download the IBCI Fellowship Application Form and Budget Sheet.
- Complete both templates with the required information.
- Prepare your CV and proof of employment or institutional letter of support.
- Review all application materials before submission.
- Upload the completed documents through the official Microsoft OneDrive application link provided on the fellowship webpage.
Important: The organisers state that documents cannot be edited after they have been uploaded. Applicants should therefore check their files carefully before submitting them.
Application Deadline: 23 November 2026
🟦 Apply Now (Official Website)
Upload Application Documents (Microsoft OneDrive)
Official Source: International Blue Carbon Institute – Conservation International
For additional enquiries about the programme, applicants can contact the organisers at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the value of the IBCI Fellowship 2026?
The selected fellow will receive a USD 60,000 grant allocated over two years to support a new project or an existing research programme.
2. How many fellows will be selected?
The 2026 programme will select one fellow for the two-year fellowship.
3. Who is eligible to apply?
The fellowship targets experienced blue carbon scientists and practitioners. Its eligibility guidance describes professionals with advanced master’s or PhD qualifications and at least five years of relevant expertise.
4. Can African researchers apply?
Yes. Applications are open globally, and researchers and practitioners from Africa are particularly encouraged to apply for the 2026 cycle.
5. What research areas are supported?
The programme supports multidisciplinary work involving scientific research, social sciences, community engagement, communications, policy and law, and conservation finance.
6. Which ecosystems can applicants focus on?
Projects may focus on mangroves, salt marshes, seagrasses and kelp forests.
7. When is the application deadline?
The deadline for the 2026 application cycle is 23 November 2026.
8. When will the selected fellow be announced?
The selected fellow is expected to be announced in March 2027.
9. Where can applicants submit their documents?
Applicants must upload their completed application materials through the Microsoft OneDrive submission link provided on the official IBCI Fellowship webpage.
10. Where can applicants get further information?
Further information is available on the official International Blue Carbon Institute Fellowship webpage. Applicants can also contact [email protected].