Application Deadline: December 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time
Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 WWF Current and Aspiring University Faculty Fellowship. WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) provides funding support to current and aspiring university faculty that are affiliated with or currently employed at African, Asian, and Latin American and Caribbean universities. This opportunity is for doctoral degree study in natural and social science and other conserva7on-related fields. Strong university faculty is fundamental for effec7ve exchange of knowledge, exper7se 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible.
- You must be an applicant of an eligible country.
- You must have at least two years of conserva7on-related work or research/academic experience.
- You must have an exis7ng affilia7on with a college or university in an eligible country and demonstrate collaboration and strategic partnership with country and/or regional ins7tu7ons. Priority will be given to individuals affiliated with underserved universi7es.
- 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 conserva7on 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 2027.
- 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 applica7on deadline (December 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time).
Application Process
The call for applications will close on December 18, 2025 by 11:59 PM US Eastern Time. An overview of the grant timeline is below.
- December 18, 2025: Deadline for submissions of applica7ons in the portal
- January-April 2026: Selection process
- June 2026: Successful applicants informed
- July-August 2026: Contracts signed, and grants issued
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the WWF Current and Aspiring University Faculty Fellowship
