Call for Applications: Blue Food Futures Research Grant Program

The Blue Food Futures Research Grant Program is a six-month funded fellowship supporting early-career researchers conducting applied research on blue food systems, sustainability, climate, biodiversity, and trade. Fellows receive $10,000 in research funding, expert mentorship, and opportunities to translate scientific evidence into global food and climate policy.

The Blue Food Futures Research Grant Program (BFFP) is a six-month international research fellowship designed to support evidence-based research on blue foods, including aquatic plants and animals produced through fisheries and aquaculture. The program connects researchers with policymakers, civil society, and the private sector to help shape sustainable and equitable food system policies.

What Are Blue Foods?

Blue foods refer to edible aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, seaweed, and algae sourced from:

• Marine fisheries

• Inland fisheries

• Aquaculture systems

They play a critical role in:

• Global nutrition and food security

• Climate-resilient food systems

• Biodiversity conservation

• Livelihoods in coastal and inland communities

Program Objectives

The fellowship aims to:

• Generate actionable research on blue food sustainability

• Fill critical global knowledge gaps

• Strengthen the science–policy interface

• Support evidence-based food, climate, and biodiversity policy

Fellowship Structure and Duration

Program Length

• Fixed duration: 6 months

• Time commitment: ~10 hours per week

Fellowship Model

• Fellows remain based at their current institution

• Collaboration occurs through virtual, international research teams

• Research is integrated into ongoing scientific working groups

Funding and Benefits

Financial Support

• $10,000 research stipend

• Additional travel support for fieldwork and policy engagement

Professional Benefits

• Title: Blue Food Futures Fellow

• One-on-one mentorship from BFFP leadership and global experts

• Opportunities to present research at international policy forums

• Access to a global network of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners

Key Research Themes

Fellows conduct applied research in one or more of the following areas:

• Climate impacts on blue food systems

• Blue food pathways and biodiversity goals

• Sustainable and resilient food system transitions

• Trade dynamics and global nutrition

• Equity and inclusion in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture

Research Outputs

Each fellow is expected to:

• Contribute to a co-developed publication

• Produce a peer-reviewed article, policy brief, or white paper

• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Early-career researchers, professionals, or practitioners

• Affiliated with academia, government, NGOs, or the private sector

• PhD awarded within the last 5 years or nearing completion

• Demonstrated interest in blue food sustainability, climate, biodiversity, or trade

• Strong research, communication, and collaboration skills

Preferred Experience

• Direct experience working in developing country contexts

• Applied research linked to policy and real-world implementation

How the Program Works

Step-by-Step Process

1. Submit an application outlining research interests and policy relevance

2. Selection based on expertise, relevance, and impact potential

3. Begin six-month fellowship with assigned mentors

4. Conduct applied research and join scientific working groups

5. Co-develop and publish research outputs

6. Present findings to global policy and stakeholder audiences

Why This Program Matters

• Advances climate-resilient food systems

• Strengthens global nutrition and equity outcomes

• Informs international food, climate, and biodiversity policy

• Elevates early-career researchers into policy-relevant leadership roles

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing purely theoretical research without policy relevance

• Weak linkage between research and blue food systems

• Overambitious project scopes for a six-month timeline

• Limited clarity on expected outputs and impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Blue Food Futures Research Grant Program?
A six-month funded fellowship supporting applied research on blue food systems and policy.

2. How much funding do fellows receive?
Each fellow receives $10,000, plus additional travel support.

3. Where is the fellowship based?
Fellows remain at their current institution and collaborate virtually.

4. Who can apply?
Early-career researchers with a PhD earned within the last five years or nearing completion.

5. Is this a full-time fellowship?
No. The expected commitment is approximately 10 hours per week.

6. What outputs are required?
A co-developed publication such as a peer-reviewed article or policy brief.

7. Does the program prioritize equity and developing countries?
Yes. Preference is given to applicants with experience in developing country contexts.

Conclusion

The Blue Food Futures Research Grant Program offers a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to influence global food, climate, and biodiversity policy through applied blue food research. By combining funding, mentorship, and policy engagement, the program bridges science and decision-making to support sustainable, equitable aquatic food systems worldwide.