Deadline: 31-Dec-2025
The Blue Food Futures Fellowship Program is accepting applications from early-career researchers to advance evidence-based research on blue foods and their role in sustainable, equitable, and resilient global food systems. The six-month fellowship offers USD 10,000 in research and travel funding, global mentorship, and opportunities to influence food, climate, and biodiversity policy. Fellows conduct applied research while joining an international network of blue food scientists, policymakers, and practitioners.
Program Overview
The Blue Food Futures Fellowship Program is designed to empower early-career researchers working at the intersection of blue foods, climate change, biodiversity, and global food systems transformation.
The fellowship supports applied, policy-relevant research that strengthens understanding of how aquatic foods can contribute to sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems worldwide.
Selected fellows are formally designated as Blue Food Futures Fellows and become active contributors to the program’s science–policy agenda.
What Are Blue Foods?
Blue foods refer to edible aquatic organisms, including fish, shellfish, algae, and other species harvested from marine and freshwater environments.
They are increasingly recognized for their potential to:
- Improve global nutrition and food security
- Support climate-resilient food systems
- Contribute to biodiversity conservation
- Sustain livelihoods, particularly in coastal and small-scale fishing communities
Key Research Themes and Focus Areas
Fellows will conduct applied research aligned with one or more of the following priority areas:
Blue Food Pathways and Environmental Goals
- Interactions between blue food systems, climate mitigation, and biodiversity conservation
- Trade-offs and synergies between food production and ecosystem protection
Sustainable and Equitable Blue Food Transitions
- Pathways toward resilient and inclusive blue food systems
- Governance and policy mechanisms supporting sustainability
Small-Scale Fisheries and Global Trade
- Nutritional, social, and economic implications of small-scale fisheries’ participation in global markets
- Equity and engagement challenges in blue food value chains
Research topics are further refined through structured mentorship with the Blue Food Futures Program leadership team.
Fellowship Structure and Duration
- Fixed-term fellowship of six months
- Estimated time commitment of approximately 10 hours per week
- Fellowship conducted at the fellow’s existing research institution
- Regular participation in virtual meetings with a geographically distributed research team
The fellowship model is designed to support place-based research while maintaining strong global collaboration.
Funding, Stipend, and Benefits
Financial Support
The fellowship provides:
- USD 10,000 in research funding
- Travel support for fieldwork and policy engagement
- A six-month research stipend administered through the fellow’s home institution
Professional Development and Networking
Fellows receive:
- Mentorship from leading global experts in blue food science and policy
- Integration into a global network of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners
- Opportunities to present findings at international scientific and policy forums
Roles and Responsibilities of Fellows
Blue Food Futures Fellows are expected to:
- Conduct applied research addressing critical blue food challenges
- Fill key knowledge gaps relevant to food, climate, and biodiversity agendas
- Collaborate within scientific working groups
- Co-develop at least one agreed publication with the leadership team
- Translate scientific findings into actionable, evidence-based policy recommendations
Fellows work closely with assigned mentors from the Science Committee, Policy Committee, and the program manager.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The fellowship is open to early-career professionals from diverse sectors, including:
- Academia and research institutions
- Government agencies
- Non-governmental organizations
- Private sector organizations
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD in a relevant field awarded within the last five years, or
- Be a PhD candidate close to completion
Relevant fields include, but are not limited to:
- Environmental science
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Food systems and nutrition
- Climate change and biodiversity
- Development studies and public policy
Preferred Skills and Experience
While not mandatory, the following are considered advantageous:
- Strong interest in climate change and biodiversity implications of food systems
- Experience working in developing countries
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in international teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
How the Fellowship Works: Step-by-Step
- Applicants submit a proposal aligned with Blue Food Futures research priorities
- Selected fellows are matched with mentors from the Science and Policy committees
- Fellows conduct applied, place-based research over six months
- Regular virtual meetings support progress, collaboration, and guidance
- Research findings are synthesized into policy-relevant outputs
- Fellows co-develop publications and contribute to global policy discussions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Proposing research that lacks policy relevance
- Submitting overly broad topics without a clear research question
- Underestimating the importance of science–policy translation
- Failing to demonstrate alignment with blue food sustainability goals
- Ignoring equity and small-scale fisheries considerations
Why This Fellowship Matters
Blue foods are increasingly central to global debates on food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection.
This fellowship bridges science and policy by supporting research that not only advances academic knowledge but also informs real-world decision-making in food and climate governance.
Fellows play a direct role in shaping evidence-based solutions for sustainable blue food systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the duration of the Blue Food Futures Fellowship?
The fellowship lasts for six months with an expected commitment of about ten hours per week.
2. How much funding does the fellowship provide?
Fellows receive USD 10,000 in research and travel funding, along with a six-month research stipend.
3. Where will the fellowship be conducted?
The fellowship is conducted at the fellow’s existing research institution, with virtual collaboration across the global team.
4. Is international travel required?
Travel may be supported for fieldwork or policy engagement, but the fellowship can be completed primarily through remote collaboration.
5. Who can apply for this fellowship?
Early-career researchers and professionals who have earned a PhD within the last five years or are close to completing one are eligible.
6. What type of research outputs are expected?
Fellows are expected to produce applied research outputs and co-develop at least one publication with the program leadership team.
7. Does the fellowship include mentorship?
Yes. Fellows receive structured mentorship from leading experts in blue food science and policy.
Conclusion
The Blue Food Futures Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to influence global food, climate, and biodiversity agendas through applied, policy-relevant research. With dedicated funding, international mentorship, and access to a global network, the fellowship equips researchers to drive sustainable and equitable blue food system transformations.
For more information, visit Blue Food Futures.