Deadline: 16-Nov-2026
The Royal Geographical Society is inviting applications for the Walters Kundert Fellowship to support post-PhD field research in Arctic and high mountain environments. The fellowship provides £15,000 annually for physical geography research focused on environmental change and field-based studies in remote mountain and polar regions.
Overview of the Fellowship
The Walters Kundert Fellowship was established in 2017 through support from the Walters Kundert Charitable Trust. The programme supports field-based physical geography research that improves understanding of Arctic and high mountain environments and environmental change.
The fellowship encourages innovative geographical research with strong scientific and environmental relevance.
Fellowship Focus Areas
The programme supports research related to:
- Physical geography
- Arctic environments
- High mountain environments
- Field-based environmental studies
- Climate and environmental change
- Past and present environmental processes
Preference is given to projects focused on environmental change in Arctic or mountainous regions.
Funding Support
Selected Fellows will receive:
- Grant Amount: £15,000
- Duration: Annual fellowship support
The funding is intended to support field research activities and associated research costs.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Post-PhD researchers
- Researchers affiliated with a UK Higher Education Institution
- Researchers from equivalent research establishments
- Royal Geographical Society Fellows and members working outside the UK
Applicants should have strong research capacity and fieldwork experience relevant to the proposed project.
Why the Fellowship Matters
Arctic and high mountain environments are among the most climate-sensitive regions in the world. Research in these areas helps improve understanding of:
- Climate change impacts
- Environmental transformation
- Ecosystem changes
- Glacial and landscape processes
- Sustainability in fragile environments
The fellowship supports scientific research that contributes to global environmental knowledge and long-term environmental management.
How to Apply
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Review the Royal Geographical Society grant guidance
- Prepare a detailed research proposal
- Demonstrate the significance of the field research
- Submit the application by email to the Society
Applications and related enquiries must be submitted directly to the Royal Geographical Society.
Tips for a Strong Application
Strong proposals should:
- Clearly explain the environmental research question
- Demonstrate fieldwork feasibility
- Show scientific relevance and impact
- Include realistic timelines and budgets
- Highlight contribution to geographical knowledge
Projects with strong environmental change components may receive priority consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Walters Kundert Fellowship?
It is a research fellowship supporting post-PhD field research in Arctic and high mountain environments.
How much funding is available?
The fellowship provides £15,000 annually.
What type of research is supported?
The programme supports physical geography and environmental change research involving field studies.
Who can apply?
Post-PhD researchers affiliated with eligible research institutions can apply.
Are researchers outside the UK eligible?
Yes, Royal Geographical Society Fellows and members employed outside the UK may apply.
What regions are prioritized?
Arctic and high mountain environments are the primary focus areas.
Conclusion
The Walters Kundert Fellowship 2026 provides valuable support for post-PhD researchers conducting field-based environmental research in Arctic and high mountain regions. By funding innovative physical geography studies, the programme contributes to greater scientific understanding of environmental change and the sustainability of fragile ecosystems.
For more information, visit Royal Geographical Society.