Applications open for EDGE Fellowship 2025-2027

EDGE work to secure the future of EDGE species is by strengthening, supporting, and diversifying conservation leadership. Each fellowship involves a comprehensive programme of support and professional development opportunities comprising:

• Continuous mentorship and access to training and coaching opportunities with ZSL and the partners: Wrap around mentorship and access to unique training and coaching opportunities with ZSL and the partners.
• Six weeks of training in person: A four-week Conservation Tools Course in the focal region and an advanced two-week Conservation Impact Course in the UK, plus access to additional online training;

Funding Information

• A grant of at least £10,000 for project implementation.

Project Types

• Your proposed project should fit into one or both of the following categories:
  • Applied research and conservation planning 
    • A novel piece of scientific research that fills a knowledge gap and contributes to the conservation of an EDGE species. The key output will be the production (and potential publication) of a scientific study, such as an update of the species’ population, distribution and extinction risk or a social and political situation analysis or work that contributes to a better understanding of local ecological knowledge and human interaction with the species.
    • Development of conservation action planning recommendations arrived at through stakeholder consultation. These recommendations will inform the production of the key output of all EDGE Fellowships: a species conservation strategy known as an “EDGE Survival Blueprint.”
  • Implementation of recommended conservation actions 
    • The implementation of conservation actions to reduce threats to the species and improve the conservation status of the species and its habitat. An appropriate participatory planning process should have recommended the conservation actions. The key output would be a report outlining how the project progressed.

Project Eligibility Criteria 

• The project must focus on species found on the 2024 curated EDGE list.
• Priority is given to EDGE species where limited research has been done and/or currently receives little or no conservation attention.
• Projects should fit into the following categories:
  • applied research and conservation planning;
  • Implementation of recommended conservation actions.
• EDGE fellowships must include both an ecological and a social component. Therefore, they look for both in a successful application.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant Criteria
  • Fellowships are aimed at early-career (less than ten years paid experience) conservationists. No formal qualifications are required, but preference will be given to candidates with at least an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience.
  • Applications will only be accepted from nationals or residents of the countries listed within the target range of the species on the curated list. Unfortunately, if your country is not listed on this list, you will not be eligible to apply. Projects in all countries inside the G10 Nations, the EU, New Zealand, Australia, and South Korea are unlikely to be considered. However, if you are from one of these countries and feel you can justify your need for training.
  • Applicants should be nationals and/or residents of the country where the proposed focal species occurs. If you live in the country where your project will take place but are not a national, you must demonstrate that you will remain there and have a long-term commitment to conservation in that country.
  • They do not usually accept applications from nationals of higher-income countries temporarily residing in an eligible country. If this applies to you and you believe you can make a case for support.
  • Individuals must be able to communicate in English. If the applicant is not a native English speaker, they must provide evidence that their English skills meet the minimum requirements (IELTS score 7.0, or TOEFL score 600, or internet based TOEFL score 100, or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English grade C, or equivalent) OR please ask two referees to comment on your English ability, as well as your ability to work in English. They hold all interviews in English.
  • EDGE Fellowships are awarded as two-year projects and are non-transferable.
  • Support must be provided to the applicant by an in-country supervisor, such as a university project supervisor, senior colleague, or associate. The in-country supervisor must commit to supporting you over the two years.
  • Individuals must be computer literate and able to use basic Microsoft packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

For more information, visit EDGE.