Deadline: 14-Oct-2026
The NEF Research Grant Programme is inviting applications from researchers and doctoral students conducting scientific research on biodiversity, ecosystems, wildlife, and nature conservation in developing countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
The programme supports field-based scientific research involving living organisms and aims to strengthen conservation knowledge through independently designed research projects.
Focus Areas
The programme supports research related to:
- Ecology and taxonomy
- Biodiversity conservation
- Wildlife conservation
- Threatened species
- Ecosystem recovery
- Sustainable use of natural resources
- Wildlife management
- Human-nature relationships
- Economic valuation of ecosystems
- Conservation science
The programme particularly encourages:
- Field-based research
- Scientific data collection
- Independent research projects
- Conservation-focused studies
Funding Support
Selected projects may receive:
- Up to 1,000,000 Japanese yen
Project duration:
- Between 1 and 2 years
Supported expenses include:
- Field and laboratory supplies
- Local travel for fieldwork
- Research reference materials
- Field assistants and guides
- Other approved research-related costs
Non-Eligible Expenses
The programme does not support:
- Salaries
- Tuition fees
- Institutional renovations
- General-purpose equipment
- International travel
- Conference participation
- Publication costs
- Administrative expenses
- Awareness-only activities
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be nationals of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region
- Work or study in an eligible country
- Be able to communicate in English
Applicants must also be either:
- Full-time researchers with at least 3 years of research experience
or - Full-time doctoral students conducting research at an eligible institution
Applicants must:
- Conduct independent research
- Possess sufficient research experience
- Not hold another ongoing or recently completed NEF-funded project within the past two years
Project Requirements
Eligible projects must:
- Focus on scientific research related to nature conservation
- Primarily involve living organisms
- Include fieldwork and data collection
- Be independently implemented by the applicant
- Be completed within the approved timeframe
- Be funded exclusively through the NEF Research Grant Programme
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Develop a conservation-focused research proposal
- Ensure the project includes field-based scientific research
- Prepare a realistic budget and timeline
- Demonstrate independent research capacity
- Submit the application following programme guidelines
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting non-scientific or awareness-focused projects
- Including ineligible budget items
- Proposing projects without fieldwork
- Applying with institutional or large-scale team projects
- Submitting proposals without clear conservation relevance
FAQ
- What is the maximum funding available?
- Projects may receive up to 1,000,000 Japanese yen.
- Who can apply?
- Full-time researchers and doctoral students from developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
- What type of research is supported?
- Field-based scientific research related to biodiversity, ecosystems, and conservation.
- Are international travel and conference costs covered?
- No, those expenses are not eligible.
- What is the project duration?
- Projects may last between one and two years.
Conclusion
The NEF Research Grant Programme supports young researchers and doctoral students conducting independent scientific research on biodiversity and conservation in the Asia-Pacific region. Through funding for field-based studies, the programme aims to strengthen research capacity and generate scientific knowledge that contributes to nature conservation and sustainable environmental management.
For more information, visit NEF.