Deadline: 16-Jul-23
The Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) of Existence Programme is pleased to launch a call for applications for the 2024-2026 EDGE Fellowship Program.
One of the most effective ways ZSL’s EDGE of Existence programme works to secure the future of EDGE species is by awarding two year Fellowships to future conservation leaders – EDGE Fellows – who are dedicated to the conservation of poorly-known EDGE species.
Project Type
- Your proposed project should fit into one or both of the following categories:
- Applied research and conservation planning
- A novel piece of scientific research that fills a knowledge gap and contributes to the conservation of an EDGE species. The key output will be the production (and potential publication) of a scientific study, such as an update of the species’ population, distribution and extinction risk or a social and political situation analysis or work that contributes to a better understanding of local ecological knowledge and human interaction with the species.
- Development of conservation action planning recommendations arrived at through stakeholder consultation. These recommendations will inform the production of the key output of all EDGE Fellowships: a species conservation strategy known as an “EDGE Survival Blueprint.”
- Implementation of recommended conservation actions
- The implementation of conservation actions to reduce major threats to the species and improve the conservation status of the species and its habitat. An appropriate participatory planning process should have recommended the conservation actions. The key output would be a report outlining how the project progressed towards achieving its aims and the conservation benefits achieved for the study species.
- Applied research and conservation planning
The two-year Fellowship comprises of:
- A 4-week Conservation Tools training course at the beginning of the programme to provide Fellows with essential training in techniques to plan and implement their project;
- A grant of £10,000 to undertake a 2-year project on a top-priority EDGE species;
- Ongoing technical support via online modules, web-based tutorials/seminars, and field visits throughout the Fellowship;
- One-to-one support from a scientific advisor based at ZSL or a partner organisation;
- A 2-week Conservation Impact training course in London to help Fellows prepare for the next stage of their career.
You may be eligible for an EDGE Fellowship if you:
- Focus your work on an EDGE species included on the 2023 curated list.
- Are an early-career conservationist with less than ten years’ paid experience.
- Are a resident of the country in which the proposed focal species occurs.
Eligibility Criteria
- They are only receiving applications from Latin America, the Pacific & the Caribbean islands in 2023
- Project
- The project must focus on a fish, gymnosperm, mammal, amphibian, reptile, bird, shark or ray EDGE species found on the 2023 curated EDGE list.
- Priority is given to EDGE species where limited research has been done and/or that currently receive little or no conservation attention.
- EDGE fellowships must include both an ecological component and a social component. They therefore look for both components in a successful application.
- Applicants
- Fellowships are aimed at early-career (less than ten years paid experience) conservationists. No formal qualifications are required, but preference will be given to candidates with at least an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience.
- Applications are strongly favoured from areas where conservation capacity is most needed and where support is most likely to have a large impact. Projects in all countries outside of G7 Nations, the EU, New Zealand, Australia, and South Korea will be considered. However, if you are from one of these countries and feel you can justify your need for training.
- Applicants should be nationals and/or residents of the country where the proposed focal species occurs. If you live in the country where your project will take place but are not a national, you must demonstrate that you will remain there and have a long-term commitment to conservation in that country.
- They do not normally accept applications from nationals of higher-income countries who temporarily reside in an eligible country. If this applies to you and you believe you can make a case for support, please contact the EDGE team to check your eligibility.
- Individuals must be able to communicate in English. If the applicant is not a native English speaker, they must provide evidence that their English skills meet the minimum requirements (IELTS score 7.0, or TOEFL score 600, or internet based TOEFL score 100, or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English grade C, or equivalent) OR please ask two referees to comment on your English ability, as well as your ability to work in English. They hold all interviews in English.
- EDGE Fellowships are awarded as two-year projects and are non-transferable.
- Support must be provided to the applicant by an in-country supervisor, for example, a university project supervisor, senior colleague or associate. The in-country supervisor must commit to supporting you over the two years.
- Individuals must be computer literate and able to use basic Microsoft packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
- Those applying for a project that involves diving should:
- Be “fit to dive” and able to pass a PADI diving medical.
- Hold a PADI Advanced open water SCUBA Diving certification or equivalent.
- Have at least 30 logged dives.
Selection Criteria
- Successful projects must:
- Contribute to the vision of the EDGE of Existence programme.
- Propose appropriate research and relevant conservation actions.
- Maximise stakeholder participation.
- Have strong in-country support.
- Provide evidence the project will contribute toward a more favourable conservation status for the species.
- Demonstrate feasibility and value for money.
- Highlight the individual’s leadership quality and dedication to conserving the species.
For more information, visit EDGE Fellowship.