Do you work to protect mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass or kelp forests? The International Blue Carbon Institute is accepting applications for its IBCI Fellowship 2026. One selected fellow receives a 60000 US dollar grant over two years to run research and practical projects on blue carbon. The programme especially encourages experts from Africa and other parts of the Global South.
Applications for the IBIC Fellowship program are open from 12 October to 23 November 2026.
Last Information Checked: 19 October 2026
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
| Fellowship | IBIC Fellowship |
| Host | International Blue Carbon Institute (IBCI) |
| Partner | Conservation International |
| Type | Research and professional fellowship |
| Grant | 60000 US dollars over two years |
| Number of fellows | One for the 2026 cycle |
| Length | Two years |
| Who can apply | Experienced blue carbon researchers and practitioners from all regions |
| Priority | Africa and other underserved Global South regions |
| Applications open | 12 October 2026 |
| Deadline | 23 November 2026 |
What the Fellowship Is
Blue carbon is the carbon that coastal and ocean ecosystems capture and store. These ecosystems include mangroves, salt marshes and seagrass meadows. The fellowship also welcomes work on kelp forests.
These ecosystems help fight climate change. They also protect nature and support coastal communities. The IBCI Fellowship supports experienced people who want to protect, restore and study them.
The fellowship is open across many fields. These include scientific research, social sciences, community engagement, communications, policy and law and conservation finance.
What the Fellowship Aims To Do
- Advance blue carbon science. Support new research and effective solutions
- Build professional skills. Strengthen the expertise needed to conserve, restore and protect these ecosystems
- Scale what works. Encourage teamwork across fields and sharing of knowledge so more people benefit
Fellowship Benefits
- A grant of 60000 US dollars over two years
- Funding for new blue carbon research programmes or projects
- Funding to add to research you already run
- Travel for lab studies or research partnerships
- Research equipment
- Publication fees
- Field assistants and other research costs
- Support to start or strengthen a programme so it lasts longer
- Funding to attend the yearly International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group meetings run by the Blue Carbon Initiative and Conservation International
- A place in a network of current blue carbon fellows and alumni
- Contact with the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group
- Chances for lab exchanges and research partnerships
- Training to build skills such as science communication
- Entry to scientific meetings and international forums
- A chance to share knowledge with experts from different regions
Who Can Apply
The fellowship is for experienced blue carbon scientists and practitioners. You should have a strong commitment to research, protection, conservation or restoration of these ecosystems.
According to the programme FAQ, a good candidate has:
- A Master’s degree or PhD
- At least five years of relevant experience
- Experience adding to scientific knowledge and publishing research
- Experience mentoring others where this applies
Applicants from every region may apply. The programme especially encourages people from:
- Africa
- Latin America and the Caribbean
- South and Southeast Asia
- Pacific Island countries and communities
- Other underserved or underrepresented scientific communities
Applicants working in Africa are especially encouraged for the 2026 cycle.
Your work should involve mangroves, salt marshes, seagrasses or kelp forests. You must show how it fits IBCI priorities and how it can help local communities or regional climate and conservation work.
The published call does not list eligible nationalities or other conditions in full. Read the official application materials for any extra rules.
Documents You Need
| Document | Notes |
| Proof of employment or institutional letter of support | Confirms your affiliation or your institution’s support |
| CV | Qualifications, experience, research contributions and publications |
| IBCI Fellowship Application Form | Use the official template |
| Budget Sheet | Shows how you plan to use the grant. Use the official template |
How Selection Works
A selection committee reviews every application. It includes Conservation International blue carbon technical experts and members of the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group. Other international blue carbon specialists join them.
The committee looks at:
- The technical quality of your proposal
- How well it fits IBCI priorities
- The local and regional impact it can have
- Geographic representation
Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview. Be ready to explain how realistic your plan is and what results you expect. Also explain how the funding will help build or strengthen a successful programme.
How To Apply
- Visit the International Blue Carbon Institute website and read the fellowship rules.
- Download the official application form and budget sheet.
- Write a clear proposal. Explain your research or programme, your goals, your method and the results you expect.
- Show how your work fits IBCI priorities and helps blue carbon ecosystems, climate resilience and local communities.
- Complete your CV, your institutional support document, your application form and your budget sheet.
- Upload the files through the Microsoft OneDrive application link on the official fellowship page.
- Submit before 23 November 2026.
You cannot edit documents after you upload them. Check every file before you submit.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Applying with less than five years of relevant experience
- Writing a proposal that does not match IBCI priorities
- Not explaining the benefit for local communities or the region
- Sending a budget sheet that does not match your plan
- Uploading files with mistakes because they cannot be edited later
- Waiting until the last days to finish the form
- Assuming the grant is a salary. The call lists no monthly stipend. The grant supports programme and research activities
- Skipping the official page. The call does not list every rule so check for extra conditions
Key Dates
- 12 October 2026: Applications open
- 23 November 2026: Application deadline. The call gives no closing time so check the exact time on the official page
- After the deadline: Interviews for shortlisted candidates
- March 2027: Selected fellow announced
The Bottom Line
The IBCI Fellowship gives one experienced expert 60000 US dollars over two years to protect and study blue carbon ecosystems. Competition will be strong because only one fellow is chosen for 2026. Match your proposal to IBCI priorities. Show the benefit for local communities. Check every file before you upload it. Then submit before 23 November 2026.