2027 IBCI Fellowship: Apply for the USD 60,000 Blue Carbon Research Grant - ApplyNOW

About The Ibci Fellowship 2027

Applications are open for the 2027 International Blue Carbon Institute (IBCI) Fellowship, which supports scientists and practitioners working to protect, restore and conserve coastal blue carbon ecosystems.

The fellowship provides a USD 60,000 grant over two years to support innovative research, conservation projects and practical blue carbon solutions.

Applications are welcome worldwide, with researchers and practitioners from Africa particularly encouraged to apply.

One fellow will be selected for this cycle.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows will receive:

• USD 60,000 in project funding over two years.

• Access to an international network of blue carbon scientists and practitioners.

• Opportunities for laboratory exchanges and research collaboration.

• Skills development, including science communication training.

• Opportunities to participate in international scientific meetings.

• Potential additional funding to attend International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group meetings.

The grant can support existing or new projects, research equipment, laboratory travel, field assistants, publication costs and other eligible research expenses.

Eligible Research Areas

The fellowship welcomes multidisciplinary proposals covering:

• Scientific research and innovation.
• Social sciences.
• Community engagement and collaboration.
• Communications.
• Policy and law.
• Conservation finance.

Projects may focus on mangroves, salt marshes, seagrasses, kelp forests and other blue carbon ecosystems.

Eligibility

The fellowship targets experienced blue carbon scientists and practitioners committed to advancing coastal ecosystem conservation and restoration.

Applicants should demonstrate relevant expertise, strong project proposals and potential impact on local communities and ecosystems.

The programme particularly encourages applications from the Global South, including Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Selection Process

Applications will be assessed based on technical quality, alignment with IBCI priorities, potential local and regional impact, and geographic representation.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews with the fellowship selection committee.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Proof of employment or a letter of support from their institution.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Completed IBCI Fellowship Application Form.
• Completed fellowship Budget Sheet.

How to apply

Applicants should download and complete the required templates before uploading their documents through the official application portal.

Application resources:

• Official Fellowship Information and Application Instructions
• Download Fellowship Application Form
• Download Budget Sheet
• Upload Application Documents

Application Deadline: 23 November 2026.

For enquiries, contact IBCI@conservation.org.

The fellowship welcomes multidisciplinary proposals covering:

• Scientific research and innovation.
• Social sciences.
• Community engagement and collaboration.
• Communications.
• Policy and law.
• Conservation finance.

Projects may focus on mangroves, salt marshes, seagrasses, kelp forests and other blue carbon ecosystems.

The fellowship targets experienced blue carbon scientists and practitioners committed to advancing coastal ecosystem conservation and restoration.

Applicants should demonstrate relevant expertise, strong project proposals and potential impact on local communities and ecosystems.

The programme particularly encourages applications from the Global South, including Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.