About the opportunity
The International Blue Carbon Institute (IBCI) Fellowship program, hosted by Conservation International, advances the conservation, restoration, and protection of blue carbon ecosystems for their climate mitigation and adaptation benefits. Serving as a global hub translating cutting-edge science into actionable tools and policy, IBCI supports innovative research, capacity building, and multidisciplinary collaboration. In the 2026 cycle, one fellow will be selected for a two-year program spanning scientific research, social sciences, community engagement, policy, communications, or conservation finance across coastal ecosystems including mangroves, salt marshes, seagrasses, and kelp forests.
Funding and benefits
- A grant of USD 60,000 distributed over two years to fund new initiatives or supplement existing research
- Coverage for research costs including laboratory study travel, equipment purchases, field assistants, and publication fees
- Potential travel funding to attend annual International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group meetings convened by the Blue Carbon Initiative and Conservation International
- Access to a global network of blue carbon professionals, current fellows, and program alumni
- Opportunities for laboratory exchange, collaborative research, and skill enhancement training such as science communications
Who can apply?
- Open to blue carbon scientists and practitioners who have surpassed early-career stages, holding advanced Master's or PhD degrees
- Minimum of 5 years of verified expertise actively engaged in pioneering research, publishing papers, or mentoring
- Demonstrated commitment to the protection, conservation, and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems (e.g., mangroves, salt marshes, seagrasses, kelp forests)
- Projects may encompass natural sciences, social sciences, community engagement, policy and law, communications, or conservation finance
- Open to applicants from all regions globally, with strong encouragement for researchers and practitioners from the Global South (particularly Africa for this cycle)
Required documents
- Completed IBCI Fellowship Application Form (using the official template)
- Completed detailed Budget Sheet (using the official template)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of employment or Letter of Support from the applicant's institution
When to apply
- Applications open: October 12, 2026
- Application deadline: November 23, 2026
- Announcement of selected fellow: March 2027
How to apply
- Download the official IBCI Fellowship Application Form and detailed Budget Sheet templates from the program page
- Prepare your CV and secure an official proof of employment or letter of institutional support
- Complete the application form and budget template according to your proposed project activities
- Upload all required application files via the designated Microsoft OneDrive submission link prior to the deadline
- Attend an interview with the IBCI Fellowship Selection Committee if shortlisted
Additional information
- Only one fellow will be selected for the 2026 cycle, though the cohort size may increase in future years
- Uploaded documents cannot be edited after submission
- For inquiries, applicants can contact IBCI@conservation.org
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…
- Mid-career marine ecologists, coastal geomorphologists, or environmental policy practitioners with at least 5 years of post-graduate experience and active publications
- Researchers affiliated with an institution in the Global South—especially in Africa—who can demonstrate clear, tangible benefits for local coastal communities
- Professionals seeking flexible seed funding to scale an existing coastal ecosystem restoration project or launch an applied multidisciplinary study
What should you think carefully about?
- Extremely competitive intake: only a single fellow is selected worldwide for the entire two-year 2026 cycle
- Requires institutional affiliation and formal proof of employment/support, making it unsuitable for fully independent researchers
- Grant funding (USD 60,000 over two years) is intended to support project-specific activities, equipment, travel, and research costs rather than serving as an institutional salary replacement
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is tailored for mid-career conservation researchers looking to establish independent leadership in blue carbon science. It serves as an effective springboard for individuals wanting to expand their international visibility through the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group while obtaining flexible funding to run high-impact field experiments or community-driven coastal initiatives.
Our take
Experienced coastal and marine scientists with institutional backing—especially those leading projects in Africa and other Global South regions—should strongly consider applying. Early-career researchers without 5 years of experience or applicants seeking individual salary support will find it less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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