Applications Invited for Current and Aspiring University Faculty Fellowships

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About the Organization

WWF knows that investing in training and education is critical for biodiversity conservation. That's why for 30 years the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) has been providing financial support to conservation leaders in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to gain the skills and knowledge they need to address the conservation challenges in their home countries. EFN supports conservationists to pursue graduate studies, attend short-term training courses, and train local communities in WWF priority places.

Started in 1994 to honor the late Russell E. Train, founder, president, and chairman of the board of WWF. EFN upholds Mr. Train’s vision of putting ownership of natural resources in local hands in the work it does every day.

About the Fellowship

While progress has been made to address the shor2all of adequate exper7se at higher educa7on in many countries, locally led and relevant solu7ons are s7ll needed to recruit, retain, scale, and sustain academic and research exper7se at ins7tu7onal and country levels.

WWF’s Russell E. Train Educa7on for Nature Program (EFN) provides funding support to current and aspiring university faculty that are affiliated with or currently employed at African, Asian, and La7n American and Caribbean universities. This opportunity is for doctoral degree study in natural and social science and other conservation-related fields. Strong university faculty is fundamental for effective exchange of knowledge, expertise and skills, and leadership. Faculty members inspire and mentor students, design curricula, promote learning and idea sharing, lead and collaborate on research, and disseminate scientific outcomes.

WWF Train Fellows must enhance, expand, or support the development of intergenerational scien7fic expertise at a university in their home country or region. In doing so, WWF aims to improve the capacity of local and regional faculty to activate the training of current and future conservation leaders, leading to more equitable and accessible conservation science capacity, education, and leadership for the benefit of people and nature. Fellows will also have an opportunity to join the expansive global community of EFN alumni to enable knowledge exchange and collective success.

Applicants may apply for up to three years of funding and request up to $30,000 per year. The amount of funding approved will vary. Accepted applicants will be notified in June 2026.

Focus Areas

The fellowship aims to bridge academic excellence and conserva7on research to provide hands-on experience, learning, and training opportunities. The proposed research topics may cover a wide range of themes. Finalists will be identified through a completive selec7on process and scored based on a set of criteria including, but not limited to, the following areas:

• Academic and professional contributions/potential: applicant’s commitment to their academic, research, and professional development.
• Strength and quality of the research proposal: uniqueness of proposed topic, relevance, and detailed plan of action. The proposed work demonstrates an understanding of the fellowship’s rationale. The proposed research work highlights the intent to explore solu7ons at the interface of climate, conservation, people, and sustainable development; the proposed activities are feasible within the proposed work plan and realistic budget.
• Individual and collective impact: the applicant’s ability to succeed in conservation research and leadership; short and long-term impacts as well as lasting conservation outcomes beyond proposed academic/research 7meframe. The proposed work aims to engage diverse stakeholders, including gender mainstreaming and involvement of local and indigenous communities. The applicant demonstrates potential to build partnerships and active engagement with local communities, academic, research, and prac77oners.
• Project measurability: the proposed research has measurable outcomes and outputs.
• Collaborations: the applicant’s demonstrated potential to enhance partnerships beyond the proposed objectives and timeframe.
• Recommenda7on leZers: the applicant meets the specific criteria for the fellowship with specific examples which demonstrate the applicant's abilities.

Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible.

• You must be an applicant of an eligible country.
• You must have at least two years of conservation-related work or research/academic experience.
• You must have an existing affiliation with a college or university in an eligible country and demonstrate collaboration and strategic partnership with country and/or regional institutions. Priority will be given to individuals affiliated with underserved universities.
• You must have a demonstrated commitment to working in academia in an eligible country. For example, commitment to providing targeted mentorship and guidance to early career conserva7on leaders and scientists.
• You must be enrolled in or admiZed to a PhD program in-country or anywhere in the world. § You must plan to begin your studies no later than January 2027.
• You must contact EFN if you are a WWF employee, consultant, or previous EFN grant recipient to determine eligibility.
• You must submit all required documents by the application deadline (December 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time).

How to Apply

The call for applica7ons will close on December 18, 2025 by 11:59 PM US Eastern Time. An overview of the grant 7meline is below.

• December 18, 2025: Deadline for submissions of applications in the portal
• January-April 2026: Selec7on process
• June 2026: Successful applicants informed
• July-August 2026: Contracts signed, and grants issued

How to Apply: Applicants can access the online application and guidelines at www.worldwildlife.org/efn. Applicants may apply in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese.  The application deadline is December 18, 2025 by 11:59 PM US Eastern Time.

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