The International Blue Carbon Institute (IBCI), in collaboration with Conservation International and the wider blue carbon research community, is inviting applications for its 2026 IBCI Fellowship Programme, which supports experienced researchers and practitioners working to conserve, restore and protect blue carbon ecosystems. The fellowship offers a US$60,000 grant allocated over a two-year programme to support new projects, existing research and practical initiatives that advance blue carbon science and climate action. Applicants can work across scientific research, social sciences, community engagement, communications, policy, law and conservation finance. Applications are welcome from all regions, with particular encouragement for researchers and practitioners from Africa and other Global South regions. The programme aims to strengthen research, build professional capacity and scale solutions that benefit coastal communities and the environment. The application period runs from 12 October to 23 November 2026, with selected fellows expected to be announced in March 2027. IBCI Fellowship 2026: Overview Fellowship: International Blue Carbon Institute Fellowship Host organisation: International Blue Carbon Institute Associated organisation: Conservation International Opportunity type: Research and professional fellowship Funding: US$60,000 per selected fellow over two years Number of fellows: One fellow for the 2026 cycle Duration: Two years Eligible applicants: Experienced blue carbon researchers and practitioners Geographic eligibility: All regions worldwide Priority applicants: Researchers and practitioners from Africa and other underserved Global South regions Application opening date: 12 October 2026 Application deadline: 23 November 2026 Selection announcement: March 2027 Application method: Online submission of required documents About the International Blue Carbon Institute Fellowship The IBCI Fellowship is designed to advance the science, innovation and 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 fellowship also welcomes work involving kelp forests. These ecosystems contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, support biodiversity and provide important benefits to coastal communities. Their protection and restoration can strengthen environmental resilience while supporting sustainable livelihoods. The programme seeks to connect experienced professionals, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and translate scientific knowledge into practical conservation and climate action. Fellowship Objectives The programme has three central objectives: Advance blue carbon science: Support innovative research and the implementation of effective blue carbon solutions. Build professional capacity: Strengthen the expertise needed to conserve, restore and protect blue carbon ecosystems. Scale effective solutions: Encourage multidisciplinary collaboration, knowledge sharing and initiatives with the potential to achieve wider climate and conservation impacts. Who Is Eligible to Apply? The fellowship is intended for experienced blue carbon scientists and practitioners who demonstrate a strong commitment to the research, protection, conservation or restoration of blue carbon ecosystems. According to the programme’s frequently asked questions, suitable candidates should have advanced qualifications, such as a Master’s degree or PhD, and at least five years of relevant expertise. Applicants are expected to be beyond the early stages of their careers, with experience contributing to scientific knowledge, publishing research and, where relevant, mentoring others. Applicants from all geographical regions may apply. However, the programme particularly encourages applications from: Africa Latin America and the Caribbean South and Southeast Asia Pacific Island countries and communities Other underserved or underrepresented scientific communities Applicants working in Africa are particularly encouraged to apply for the 2026 cycle. The fellowship welcomes proposals involving mangroves, salt marshes, seagrasses and kelp forests. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed work aligns with IBCI priorities and could produce meaningful benefits for local communities or regional climate and conservation efforts. The published information does not provide a complete list of eligible nationalities, institutional requirements or exclusions. Prospective applicants should consult the official application materials for any additional conditions. What Does the US$60,000 Fellowship Cover? Each selected fellow receives a grant of US$60,000 to support research, programmes or projects over two years. Funding may be used for eligible activities such as: Developing new blue carbon research programmes or projects. Supplementing ongoing research initiatives. Travel associated with laboratory studies or research collaboration. Purchasing necessary research equipment. Paying eligible publication fees. Supporting field assistants and other additional research costs. Establishing or strengthening programmes to improve their continuity and long-term impact. In addition to the grant, fellows may receive funding to attend annual International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group meetings convened by the Blue Carbon Initiative and Conservation International. The fellowship announcement does not specify a monthly stipend or salary. The US$60,000 award is intended to support eligible programme and research activities rather than being presented as personal income. Research Areas and Professional Development The fellowship supports multidisciplinary projects across several fields, including scientific research, social sciences, community engagement, communications, policy and law, and conservation finance. Selected fellows may also benefit from professional development opportunities, including: Joining a network of current blue carbon fellows and alumni. Connecting with the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group. Exploring laboratory exchanges and research collaborations. Participating in training to strengthen professional skills, including science communication. Attending scientific meetings and other relevant international forums. Sharing knowledge and learning from researchers and practitioners working in different regions. These opportunities are intended to help fellows strengthen their work, build collaborations and increase the practical impact of blue carbon research. Required Application Documents Applicants must prepare and submit the following materials: Proof of employment or institutional letter of support confirming the applicant’s institutional affiliation or support. Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining qualifications, relevant experience, research contributions and publications. Completed IBCI Fellowship Application Form using the official template. Completed Budget Sheet detailing the proposed use of the fellowship funding. Applicants should download the application form and budget template from the official fellowship website and complete them before uploading their documents. How to Apply for the IBCI Fellowship 2026 Interested candidates should follow the official online application process. Visit the International Blue Carbon Institute website and review the fellowship requirements. Download the official application form and budget sheet. Prepare a clear proposal explaining the research or programme, its objectives, methodology and expected outcomes. Demonstrate how the proposed work aligns with IBCI priorities and could benefit blue carbon ecosystems, climate resilience and local communities. Complete the CV, institutional support documentation, application form and budget sheet. Upload the required files through the designated Microsoft OneDrive application link provided on the official fellowship page. The programme states that uploaded documents cannot be edited after submission. Applicants should therefore check all files carefully before uploading them. Selection Process A selection committee comprising Conservation International blue carbon technical experts, members of the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group and other international blue carbon specialists will review applications. Applications will be assessed according to the technical quality of the proposal, alignment with IBCI priorities, potential local and regional impact, and geographic representation. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with the selection committee. Applicants should be prepared to explain the feasibility of their proposed work, the expected outcomes and how the funding would help establish or strengthen a successful programme. Application Deadline The application window is 12 October to 23 November 2026. Selected fellows are expected to be announced in March 2027. Applicants should submit their complete documents before the closing date and confirm any final submission instructions on the official website. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For fellowship details, application templates and the designated submission link, visit the International Blue Carbon Institute fellowship page through Conservation International’s official website or contact the programme directly at IBCI@conservation.org. How to Strengthen Your Application Applicants should present a focused, achievable proposal supported by relevant experience, a realistic budget and clear expected outcomes. Strong applications should explain how the project will advance blue carbon science or practical conservation, and how the results could benefit local communities or inform policy and implementation. Researchers and practitioners from Africa and other underrepresented regions should clearly describe the local challenges their work addresses and how the fellowship could strengthen ongoing activities or enable a promising initiative to continue and grow. The IBCI Fellowship is a valuable opportunity for experienced blue carbon professionals seeking financial support, research collaboration and international visibility for work protecting coastal ecosystems and advancing climate action. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.