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Request for Applications: Research Grant Programme

Deadline: 15-Apr-2026

The NEF Research Grant Programme provides up to 1,000,000 Japanese yen per project to support field-based scientific research on nature conservation, ecosystems, and biodiversity in developing countries across the Asia-Pacific region. Eligible applicants are individual researchers or full-time doctoral students who are nationals of target countries and conduct research locally. Projects must focus exclusively on conservation-oriented field research and be completed within one to two years.

Overview

The NEF Research Grant Programme funds scientific research projects that:

  • Deepen understanding of biodiversity and ecosystems

  • Support evidence-based conservation

  • Strengthen local research capacity in developing Asia-Pacific countries

The programme prioritises research that directly contributes to nature conservation outcomes.

Core Research Focus Areas

Funded projects must centre on living organisms and natural ecosystems.

Eligible Research Themes

  • Ecology and ecosystem dynamics

  • Taxonomy and species identification

  • Biodiversity assessment

  • Wild flora and fauna studies

  • Threatened species conservation

  • Ecosystem recovery and restoration

  • Human–nature relationships

  • Sustainable use of natural resources

  • Wildlife management

  • Economic valuation of ecosystems for conservation action

Not Supported

Projects are not eligible if they focus on:

  • Industrial development

  • Pollution studies

  • Public health research

  • Environmental awareness campaigns

  • Interview-only or non-field-based approaches

  • Research without a clear conservation objective

Grant Amount and Funding Conditions

  • Maximum grant: ¥1,000,000 per project

  • Project duration: 1–2 years

  • Funding model: Exclusive funding under this programme

Allowable Expenses

  • Field survey consumables

  • Local travel for fieldwork

  • Reference materials

  • Essential labour costs directly related to research

Non-Allowable Expenses

Exceptions may be granted only with prior Secretariat approval.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be individual researchers or full-time doctoral students

  • Be nationals of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region

  • Be based in and conduct research within a target country

  • Have sufficient research experience

  • Be capable of managing the project independently

  • Communicate effectively in English

Ineligible Applicants

  • Individuals studying or working outside target countries

  • Applicants with ongoing or recent NEF-funded projects

  • Group or institutional applications

Project Requirements

To qualify, projects must:

  • Be individual research projects

  • Be conducted in the applicant’s current country of work or study

  • Include fieldwork and primary data collection

  • Be original research led by the applicant

  • Be completed within 1–2 years

  • Align explicitly with conservation objectives

The programme does not fund secondary analysis-only research or consultancy work.

Why This Grant Matters

The Asia-Pacific region contains:

  • High biodiversity

  • Critical ecosystems

  • Numerous threatened species

However, many developing countries face:

  • Limited research funding

  • Gaps in conservation data

  • Capacity constraints

This grant strengthens:

  • Local scientific expertise

  • Conservation-based decision-making

  • Evidence-driven ecosystem protection

  • Sustainable biodiversity management

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you:

  • Meet nationality and residency requirements

  • Are not currently funded by NEF

  • Conduct research within a target country

Step 2: Develop a Conservation-Focused Proposal

Clearly define:

  • Research objectives

  • Conservation relevance

  • Methodology

  • Fieldwork plan

  • Expected outcomes

  • Timeline (1–2 years)

Step 3: Prepare Budget

  • Limit funding request to ¥1,000,000

  • Include only allowable expenses

  • Justify each budget line

Step 4: Compile Required Documents

  • Completed application form

  • Research proposal

  • Budget breakdown

  • Recommendation letter

  • Supporting documentation

Step 5: Submit Before Deadline

Incomplete or late applications are not accepted.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

  • Relevance to nature conservation

  • Clarity of research objectives

  • Originality and innovation

  • Methodological soundness

  • Feasibility within timeline

  • Budget justification

  • Applicant’s research experience

  • Strength of recommendation

All submissions undergo plagiarism screening.

Reporting and Compliance Requirements

Grant recipients must:

  • Conduct research ethically

  • Submit a detailed progress report within one year

  • Include photographs and financial report

  • Submit a comprehensive final report with financial documentation

  • Maintain transparency in expenditure

Research or ethical misconduct results in strict penalties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting proposals without strong conservation alignment

  • Including ineligible expenses in budget

  • Proposing research outside target countries

  • Omitting fieldwork components

  • Submitting incomplete documentation

  • Overestimating project scope beyond 2-year limit

Best Practice Tips

  • Clearly connect research findings to conservation action

  • Provide measurable ecological outcomes

  • Use rigorous and feasible methodology

  • Demonstrate prior field experience

  • Ensure budget aligns strictly with programme rules

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding amount?

Up to 1,000,000 Japanese yen per project.

2. Who can apply?

Individual researchers or full-time doctoral students from developing Asia-Pacific countries conducting research locally.

3. Are group projects eligible?

No. Only individual research projects are supported.

4. Is fieldwork mandatory?

Yes. Projects must include field-based data collection.

5. Can the grant cover salaries or tuition?

No. Salaries and tuition fees are not eligible expenses.

6. Can applicants working abroad apply?

No. Applicants must be based in and conduct research in a target country.

7. How long can projects run?

Between one and two years.

Conclusion

The NEF Research Grant Programme provides targeted funding to support field-based conservation research in developing Asia-Pacific countries. With grants up to ¥1,000,000, the programme empowers local researchers to generate critical biodiversity data, strengthen ecosystem management, and advance science-driven conservation.

Researchers with strong field methodologies, conservation relevance, and clear project design are well positioned to secure funding and contribute to protecting nature and biodiversity in their region.

For more information, visit NEF.