About the opportunity
The John G. Bene Fellowship, established through a bequest from the estate of John G. Bene and supported by IDRC, provides funding to graduate students at Canadian universities. The fellowship facilitates practical field research conducted in the Global South for a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation. Candidates should combine an academic background in forests, environment, ecology, and food systems with a social sciences perspective, incorporating elements such as gender and inclusion, Indigenous knowledge, and biodiversity conservation. The programme emphasizes nature-based solutions and approaches that drive transformative change for smallholder farmers, youth, women, and Indigenous communities in developing countries, benefiting less privileged populations facing difficult contexts and challenges. Work focused on genomics and/or genetic modification is ineligible.
Funding and benefits
- Up to ten awards of a maximum of CA$30,000 each
- Funding to cover the costs of field research conducted in one or more countries of the Global South
- Duration ranging from 10 weeks to 12 months
Who can apply?
- Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada
- Must be pursuing master's or doctoral studies at a Canadian university
- Must conduct field research for a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation in one or more countries of the Global South
- Must combine an interest in forests, environment, ecology, and food systems with a social sciences lens
- Work focused on genomics and/or genetic modification is not eligible
Required documents
- Detailed call for proposals document requirements
- Research proposal following programme guidelines
When to apply
- Deadline: Monday, November 30, 2026 at 23:59 ET
How to apply
- Review the detailed call for proposals document and frequently asked questions
- Set up an account on SurveyMonkey Apply if an account does not already exist
- Submit the application through the SurveyMonkey Apply portal
Additional information
- Point of contact for inquiries: benefellowship@idrc.ca
- Proposals that align with IDRC's REVIVE Initiative on post-fires forest and food restoration and food systems transformation are welcome
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Graduate students enrolled at a Canadian university with a strong focus on forestry, ecology, or food systems integrated with social sciences.
- Researchers looking for substantial financial support to carry out practical fieldwork in the Global South.
- Scholars whose master's thesis or doctoral dissertation centers on gender-responsive and community-led nature-based solutions.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents enrolled at a Canadian university, making it unavailable to international students based abroad.
- Field research must take place in the Global South, requiring careful logistical and travel planning for the duration of 10 weeks to 12 months.
- Proposals centered on genomics or genetic modification are explicitly excluded from funding.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship serves graduate students aiming to bridge academic research with practical, community-level impact in developing regions. It is well-suited for researchers seeking to fund fieldwork expenses while advancing their master's thesis or doctoral dissertation on environmental management and food security.
Our take
Canadian master's and doctoral students conducting field-based research on forest and food systems restoration in the Global South should seriously consider applying. Candidates outside of Canadian universities or those whose research focuses on genomics are not eligible.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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