Application Deadline: December 15, 2026 by 11:59 PM U.S. ET.
Applications are now open for the 2027/2028 WWF’s Russell E. Train Fellowships. EFN invites applications from the current and next generation of conservation scientists, leaders, and practitioners to pursue graduate level studies (master’s degree) focused on dimensions of human-wildlife conflict and coexistence in Uganda. The growth of human populations combined with expansion of settlements and agricultural land has increasingly resulted in widespread conflicts between people and wildlife. Long-term resolution of human-wildlife conflict and co-existence calls for effective multifaceted, interdisciplinary, practical, and socio-culturally relevant approaches and solutions. This competitive fellowship aims to strengthen the in-country capacity of outstanding and well-trained experts, natural and social scientists, and practitioners to undertake academic and field-based training to address issues of human-wildlife conflicts.
Requirements
- This fellowship is open to Ugandan nationals enrolled in, admitted to, or have applied to a master’s program at an accredited institution of study in Uganda and that already possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (i.e., biology, ecology, conservation, zoology, geography).
- The master’s research will focus on developing solutions for human-elephant conflict that is triggered by elephant crop-raiding of agricultural lands around the northern border of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Citizenship or residency: Applicant must be from Uganda.
- Professional experience: Applicant must have at least two years of conservation-related work, research, or academic experience.
- Commitment to conservation: Applicant must demonstrate a clear commitment to working in conservation in an eligible country.
- Program start date: Applicant must plan to begin studies no later than January 2028.
- Academic status: Applicant must be enrolled in, admitted to, or have applied to a master’s program at an accredited institution of study in Uganda and have already attained a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (i.e., biology, ecology, conservation, zoology, geography).
- WWF affiliation: Applicant must contact the EFN team if you are a current or former WWF employee, consultant, or previous EFN grant recipient to determine eligibility.
- Application completeness: Applicant must submit all required application materials by the stated deadline of December 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time.
Funding
- Applicants may apply for up to two years of funding and request up to $15,000 per year. Funding may be used to support tuition and fees, living expenses, books and materials, and research costs.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the WWF’s Russell E. Train Fellowships
