Deadline: 05-Jan-2026
The Asia-Pacific Network (APN) is hosting a Proposal Development Training Workshop (PDTW) for Southeast Asia from 26–30 April 2026 in Penang, Malaysia. The workshop focuses on climate change, climate variability, and disaster risk reduction, and aims to build proposal development and research capacity among early career professionals. Applications close on 5 January 2026, with financial sponsorship available for selected participants.
Programme Overview
The APN Secretariat has announced the Proposal Development Training Workshop (PDTW) for Southeast Asia, to be held from 26 to 30 April 2026 in Penang, Malaysia.
This five-day, in-person training programme is designed to strengthen research and proposal development capacity among early career professionals working on climate change and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the Southeast Asia region.
Thematic Focus Areas
The SEA-PDTW focuses on Climate Change and Variability and Disaster Risk Reduction, with particular emphasis on:
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Integrating climate information into DRR planning
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Enhancing early warning systems
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Assessing heat stress and health vulnerabilities in urban areas
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Promoting nature-based and ecosystem-based approaches to risk reduction and climate adaptation
These themes align with APN’s strategic research priorities and the Southeast Asia sub-regional focus under the APN Call for Proposals.
Objectives of the Workshop
The workshop aims to:
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Strengthen scientific understanding of climate-related risks
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Build institutional and individual capacity for proposal development
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Improve community preparedness for climate-resilient societies
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Support early career researchers in developing competitive, fundable research proposals
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Foster regional collaboration and science–policy engagement
Workshop Structure and Learning Approach
The PDTW uses a highly interactive and practical training model, combining:
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Thematic expert presentations
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Group discussions and peer learning
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Practical proposal development exercises
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Research gap identification and question formulation
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Methodology design and proposal writing sessions
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Proposal review and feedback exercises
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Science–policy dialogue and networking opportunities
The programme concludes with a field trip, following the official closing session.
Dates and Venue
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Dates: Sunday, 26 April to Thursday, 30 April 2026
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Location: Penang, Malaysia
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Duration: 5 days (full-time, in-person participation required)
Who Is Eligible?
Participation is open to early career professionals from Southeast Asia who meet the following criteria:
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Aged 40 years or under at the time of application
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Actively working or researching in fields related to climate change, climate variability, or disaster risk reduction
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Meet relevant academic or professional experience requirements
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Possess a good working knowledge of English
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Able to commit to attending the entire five-day programme
Why This Workshop Matters
The APN PDTW plays a critical role in strengthening research capacity in Southeast Asia by:
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Improving access to proposal development skills
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Supporting early career researchers to engage with regional and international funding opportunities
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Encouraging interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research
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Building a network of climate and DRR professionals across the region
Number of Participants and Selection
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Approximately 14 participants will be selected
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Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to eligibility and quality
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Selection is competitive due to limited financial and logistical capacity
Financial Support and Costs
For selected eligible participants from APN Southeast Asia member countries, the programme provides:
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Economy-class international airfare
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Accommodation for the duration of the workshop
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Meals
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Local transportation
There is no registration fee for participation.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must complete the following steps:
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Complete the application form via the Asia-Pacific Network Information System
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Upload a concise curriculum vitae (CV)
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Submit a motivation essay outlining:
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Research interests
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Career goals
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Relevance of the workshop to professional development
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Provide a letter of recommendation from a supervisor endorsing participation and future engagement in regional global change research
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline
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Deadline: Monday, 5 January 2026 at 23:59 JST
Early submission is strongly recommended due to the first-come, first-served selection approach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without meeting the age or regional eligibility criteria
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Submitting an incomplete application package
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Weak or generic motivation essays
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Missing the application deadline
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Inability to commit to full participation for all five days
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the APN PDTW 2026?
Early career professionals from Southeast Asia aged 40 or under and working in climate change or DRR-related fields may apply.
2. Is there a registration fee?
No. Participation in the workshop is free of charge.
3. Is financial support available?
Yes. Selected participants from APN Southeast Asia member countries may receive full financial sponsorship.
4. What language is the workshop conducted in?
The workshop is conducted entirely in English.
5. How many participants will be selected?
Approximately 14 participants will be selected due to capacity constraints.
6. Is attendance for the full workshop mandatory?
Yes. Participants must commit to attending all five days of the programme.
7. What happens after the workshop?
Participants gain proposal development skills, regional networks, and improved readiness to apply for APN and other global change research funding opportunities.
Conclusion
The APN Proposal Development Training Workshop 2026 for Southeast Asia offers a valuable opportunity for early career professionals to strengthen proposal writing skills, deepen understanding of climate change and disaster risk reduction, and connect with regional research networks. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply early and submit complete applications by 5 January 2026 to be considered for this competitive, fully supported capacity-building programme.
For more information, visit APN.