Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Environmental and Economic Resource Centre (EERC) is inviting applications for its 2026 Cohort 4 fellowship targeting mid to senior-level researchers from Nigerian institutions. The program offers a 9–18 month sabbatical research engagement focused on climate change, agriculture, natural resource management, livelihoods, and related development themes.
Selected fellows receive financial support, accommodation, training opportunities, and access to international research collaborations, while contributing to research, capacity building, and program development within EERC.
Overview of the EERC Fellowship 2026
The Environmental and Economic Resource Centre (EERC) fellowship is a research sabbatical program designed for experienced academics and researchers based in Nigerian institutions.
It supports high-impact research and collaboration in areas aligned with environmental sustainability, economic development, and human capacity building.
The fellowship duration is:
- 9 to 18 months (sabbatical research engagement)
Key Focus Areas
The fellowship supports research across interdisciplinary themes, including:
Agriculture and Food Systems
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Food systems transformation
- Agricultural productivity and resilience
- Rural livelihoods
Environmental and Natural Resource Management
- Natural resource conservation
- Land use change
- Environmental sustainability
- Ecosystem management
Climate and Energy
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Renewable energy systems
- Carbon markets
- Climate risk and resilience
Socioeconomic Development
- Livelihood development
- Rural economic growth
- Poverty reduction strategies
- Human resource development
Cross-Cutting Themes
- Gender and social inclusion
- Conflict and migration
- Health and nutrition
- Capacity building and institutional strengthening
Fellowship Responsibilities
Selected fellows are expected to contribute to:
- Independent research projects
- Program design and implementation
- Supervision of early-career researchers
- Development of research grant proposals
- Collaboration with EERC and partner institutions
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Monthly allowance (in addition to home institution salary)
- Free accommodation at EERC Guest House
- Access to training programs
- Travel opportunities for research and collaboration
- Joint publication opportunities with leading researchers
- International research networking exposure
International Collaboration Opportunities
Fellows may collaborate with globally recognized institutions, including:
- University College London
- World Disaster Centre
- Stockholm Environment Institute
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- PhD in a relevant discipline
- Mid to senior-level research experience
- Current employment in a Nigerian research institution or university
- Proven research leadership experience
- Experience supervising early-career researchers
- Proficiency in statistical or econometric software
- Ability to develop research proposals in at least two thematic areas
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Motivation letter
- Detailed research concept note
- Updated CV with publication record
- Academic qualification certificates
- Institutional ID card
- Reference letters
Gender Inclusion
Female researchers are strongly encouraged to apply as part of EERC’s commitment to gender equity in research and leadership.
Fellowship Timeline
- Expected start date: Late July or early August 2026
- Selection stages: Eligibility screening, proposal review, and interviews
- Final notification: July 20, 2026
Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Application Documents
Ensure all required documents are complete and aligned with fellowship requirements.
Step 2: Develop Research Concept
Prepare a strong research concept aligned with at least two EERC thematic areas.
Step 3: Submit Application
Submit application through EERC’s official process (as specified in the call for applications).
Step 4: Evaluation
Applications will be reviewed based on:
- Academic quality
- Research relevance
- Leadership experience
- Proposal strength
- Alignment with EERC priorities
Step 5: Interview Stage
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
Step 6: Final Selection
Successful candidates will be notified by July 20, 2026.
Key Expectations from Fellows
- Active research contribution during fellowship period
- Collaboration with EERC and partner institutions
- Publication of research outputs
- Capacity building of junior researchers
- Contribution to policy-relevant research
Tips for Applicants
Strong applications should:
- Clearly align research with EERC thematic priorities
- Demonstrate strong publication history
- Show leadership in research projects
- Include realistic and impactful research design
- Highlight interdisciplinary expertise
- Emphasize policy relevance and development impact
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Weak or generic research concept notes
- Lack of alignment with EERC themes
- Missing required documents
- Poorly defined methodology
- Limited evidence of research leadership
FAQ
What is the EERC fellowship?
It is a 9–18 month research sabbatical program for mid to senior researchers from Nigerian institutions focused on environmental and economic development themes.
Who can apply?
PhD holders working in Nigerian research institutions or universities with strong research and supervision experience.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts between 9 and 18 months.
What support is provided?
Selected fellows receive a monthly allowance, accommodation, training, travel support, and research collaboration opportunities.
Are international collaborations included?
Yes, fellows may collaborate with institutions such as University College London and Stockholm Environment Institute.
What are the main research areas?
Key areas include climate change, agriculture, natural resources, renewable energy, livelihoods, and gender inclusion.
When will results be announced?
Final selection notifications will be sent by July 20, 2026.
Conclusion
The EERC 2026 Cohort 4 fellowship is a high-level research opportunity designed to strengthen environmental and economic research capacity in Nigeria. It offers funding, institutional support, and international collaboration opportunities for experienced researchers working on climate, agriculture, and sustainable development challenges.
For more information, visit Environmental and Economic Resource Centre.