The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is inviting applications for the John G. Bene Fellowship 2026, a research funding opportunity supporting graduate students conducting fieldwork on forest restoration, climate resilience, biodiversity and sustainable food systems in developing countries. The fellowship offers up to 10 awards, each worth a maximum of CA$30,000, to support eligible master’s and doctoral students undertaking research that addresses environmental challenges while promoting inclusive and community-led development. Applications are open until 30 November 2026. However, the opportunity is specifically available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents enrolled in master’s or doctoral programmes at Canadian universities. Applicants from developing countries who do not meet these citizenship and residency requirements are not eligible. About the John G. Bene Fellowship 2026 The John G. Bene Fellowship is offered by IDRC through the Bene Endowment Fund and IDRC funding. It supports practical field research that contributes to international development, particularly in the areas of forest and landscape management, ecological restoration, food systems and climate resilience. The 2026 call focuses on strengthening inclusive, community-led nature-based solutions for forest restoration and food system transformation. It encourages research that connects environmental sustainability with social inclusion, recognising the importance of local communities in developing solutions to environmental challenges. Research may examine issues such as forest restoration, agroforestry, biodiversity conservation, Indigenous knowledge, environmental governance, gender inclusion and the resilience of smallholder farming communities. The programme places particular emphasis on research that benefits less privileged communities in developing countries, including women, young people and Indigenous communities. Fellowship Benefits and Funding Successful applicants can receive a maximum award of CA$30,000 to cover eligible field research expenses for their master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation. The funding is intended to help students undertake practical research in one or more developing countries, including activities such as collecting field data and samples, conducting interviews and surveys, and organising focus groups or workshops. Key details include: Award value: Up to CA$30,000 per recipient. Number of awards: Up to 10. Research duration: Field research funding can cover a maximum of 12 months. Research location: One or more eligible developing countries in the Global South. Eligible study levels: Master’s and doctoral programmes. Application deadline: 30 November 2026. Funding providers: Bene Endowment Fund and IDRC. The award is a field research grant, not a general scholarship. It cannot be used to pay university tuition fees. Applicants should ensure that their proposed budgets cover eligible research expenses and comply with the fellowship guidelines. Research Areas and Priorities The fellowship welcomes interdisciplinary research connecting environmental issues with social sciences and inclusive development. Relevant academic interests include: Forest management, restoration and agroforestry. Climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Biodiversity conservation and ecological systems. Sustainable agriculture and food systems. Gender equality and social inclusion. Indigenous knowledge and environmental science. Governance of natural resources. Community-led nature-based solutions. Research proposals should demonstrate how the proposed work could improve understanding of environmental challenges and contribute to practical solutions. Proposals aligned with IDRC’s REVIVE Initiative, which focuses on post-fire forest and landscape restoration and food system transformation, are particularly welcome. Research focused on genomics or genetic modification is not eligible under this call. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must satisfy the fellowship’s specific eligibility conditions before submitting an application. Candidates must: Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral programme at a Canadian university. Have completed some coursework in their current programme before applying. Have an academic background relevant to forests, climate resilience, biodiversity, ecology or food systems, including suitable interdisciplinary programmes. Propose field research that contributes to their master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation. Obtain approval of their research proposal from their thesis supervisor. Demonstrate affiliation with an institution or organisation in the country where the fieldwork will take place. Doctoral applicants must also have completed their coursework and passed their comprehensive examinations before taking up the award. The proposed research must take place in an eligible developing country. Research locations subject to Canadian government advisories against all travel cannot be proposed. Applicants should consult the official call documents for the complete eligibility conditions and any additional restrictions. Application Requirements Applicants must submit a complete online application through IDRC’s SurveyMonkey Apply platform. The required documents include: A research proposal of 20–25 pages, excluding the bibliography, written in English or French. A letter confirming affiliation with an institution or organisation in the proposed research country. A letter of approval from the research supervisor. Official transcripts from the most recently completed degree and the current programme. Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. A completed online application form, including the proposed budget. Two online academic recommendations, one of which must come from the research supervisor. The research proposal must clearly explain the research questions, objectives, literature review, methodology, fieldwork schedule, ethical considerations, gender implications, expected results, potential beneficiaries and plans for disseminating the findings. Applicants should begin preparing their documents early, particularly because the application cannot be submitted until both academic recommendations have been received. How Applications Will Be Evaluated Applications will be assessed according to their alignment with IDRC’s mission and the fellowship’s priorities. The selection process considers the quality and originality of the research proposal, the feasibility of the methodology, the potential benefits to local communities, gender considerations, ethical safeguards, the applicant’s research experience and the suitability of the local institutional partner. The proposed budget, fieldwork schedule and potential use of research findings will also be considered. Successful research should offer practical value to the communities involved and contribute to knowledge that can inform environmental management, restoration and sustainable food systems. How to Apply for the John G. Bene Fellowship 2026 Eligible candidates should review the official call for proposals and frequently asked questions before starting their applications. Application deadline: 30 November 2026, at 23:59 Eastern Time, according to the main announcement. The detailed application instructions specify an earlier submission cut-off of 16:00 Eastern Daylight Time on the deadline date, so applicants should submit well before that time. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For questions, contact benefellowship@idrc.ca. The John G. Bene Fellowship offers eligible Canadian graduate students an opportunity to conduct field research that connects environmental restoration with inclusive development. Candidates with strong, community-focused research proposals should review the requirements carefully and prepare their applications before the deadline. 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.