Deadline: 18-Dec-2025
The World Wildlife Fund is pleased to announce its Russell E. Train Fellowship Program to support current and aspiring university faculty affiliated with or currently employed at African, Asian, Latin American, and Caribbean universities for doctoral degree study in conservation-related fields.
The fellowship aims to bridge academic excellence and conservation research to provide hands-on experience, learning, and training opportunities. 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 letters: the applicant meets the specific criteria for the fellowship with specific examples which demonstrate the applicant’s abilities.
This opportunity supports doctoral studies in natural and social sciences and other conservation-related fields. WWF emphasizes the importance of strong university faculty who can inspire and mentor students, design curricula, promote learning and collaboration, lead research, and share scientific outcomes. Fellows are expected to enhance, expand, or support intergenerational scientific expertise at a university in their home country or region, thereby building capacity to train future conservation leaders and promoting equitable and accessible conservation education.
Applicants may apply for up to three years of funding and can request up to $30,000 per year, with accepted applicants being notified in June 2026. The fellowship requires that applicants belong to eligible countries, have at least two years of conservation-related work or academic experience, hold an affiliation with a university in an eligible country, and show commitment to working in academia. Applicants must also be enrolled in or admitted to a PhD program, with studies beginning no later than January 2027. Applications close on December 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time.
For more information, visit World Wildlife Fund.
