WWF Current and Aspiring University Faculty Fellowship

This opportunity is for doctoral degree study in natural and social science and other conservation-related fields. Strong university faculty is fundamental for effective exchange of knowledge, expertise and skills, and leadership. Faculty members inspire and mentor students, design curricula, promote learning and idea sharing, lead and collaborate on research, and disseminate scientific outcomes.

WWF Train Fellows must enhance, expand, or support the development of intergenerational scientific expertise at a university in their home country or region. WWF aims to improve the capacity of local and regional faculty to activate the training of current and future conservation leaders, leading to more equitable and accessible conservation science capacity, education, and leadership for the benefit of people and nature. Fellows will also have an opportunity to join the expansive global community of EFN alumni to enable knowledge exchange and collective success.

Focus Areas

• The proposed research topics may cover a wide range of themes. Finalists will be identified through a competitive selection process and scored based on a set of criteria including, but not limited to, the following areas:
  • Academic and professional contributions/potential: applicant’s commitment to their academic, research, and professional development.
  • Strength and quality of the research proposal: uniqueness of proposed topic, relevance, and detailed plan of action. The proposed work demonstrates an understanding of the fellowship’s rationale. The proposed research work highlights the intent to explore solutions at the interface of climate, conservation, people, and sustainable development; the proposed activities are feasible within the proposed work plan and realistic budget.
  • Individual and collective impact: the applicant’s ability to succeed in conservation research and leadership; short and long-term impacts as well as lasting conservation outcomes beyond proposed academic/research timeframe. The proposed work aims to engage diverse stakeholders, including gender mainstreaming and involvement of local and indigenous communities. The applicant demonstrates potential to build partnerships and active engagement with local communities, academic, research, and practitioners.
  • Project measurability: the proposed research has measurable outcomes and outputs.
  • Collaborations: the applicant’s demonstrated potential to enhance partnerships beyond the proposed objectives and timeframe.
  • Recommendation leaders: the applicant meets the specific criteria for the fellowship with specific examples which demonstrate the applicant’s abilities.

Funding Information

• Applicants may apply for up to three years of funding and request up to $30,000 per year.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible.
  • You must be a citizen and legal permanent resident of an eligible country.
  • You must have at least two years of conservation-related work or research/academic experience.
  • You must have an existing affiliation with a college or university in an eligible country and demonstrate collaboration and strategic partnership with country and/or regional institutions. Priority will be given to individuals affiliated with underserved universities.
  • You must have a demonstrated commitment to working in academia in an eligible country; For example, commitment to providing targeted mentorship and guidance to early career conservation leaders and scientists.
  • You must be enrolled in or admitted to a PhD program in-country or anywhere in the world.
  • You must plan to begin your studies no later than January 2026.
  • You must contact EFN if you are a WWF employee, consultant, or previous EFN grant recipient to determine eligibility.
  • You must submit all required documents by the application deadline.

For more information, visit WWF.