Deadline: March 1, 2020
Applications for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Russell E. Train Fellowships 2020 are now open. The Russell E. Train Fellowships support individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation.
Each year, WWF supports committed conservationists from target countries to receive financial support for their studies and field research. Applicants can apply to attend any university around the world and must return to their home countries to work in conservation for at least two years after completing their degree.
2020 Train Fellowship Competitions
- Building Capacity in the Galápagos: To build local capacity in the Galápagos, EFN in partnership with Celebrity Cruises, is offering fellowships to female conservationists to enable them to pursue graduate-level study (master’s and PhD) with the goal of advancing marine conservation in the Galápagos Islands. Please note: this fellowship opportunity is open to women only. Eligible countries: You must be a citizen of Ecuador. Preference is given to legal permanent residents of the Galápagos.
- Current & Aspiring University Faculty for Conservation: EFN is providing fellowships to support current and aspiring university faculty that are affiliated with or currently employed at African, Asian and Latin American universities to pursue doctoral degrees in conservation-related fields. After completing a degree, the individual must enhance, expand, or establish a graduate-level conservation program at a university in their home country. Select countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. For a full list of eligible countries please review application guidelines.
Eligibility
- You must be a citizen and legal permanent resident of an eligible country
- You must have at least two years of conservation-related work or research experience
- You must have a demonstrated commitment to working in conservation in an eligible country
- Your research or academic program must address one of the focus areas listed in the guidelines
- You must be enrolled in, admitted to, or have applied to a master’s or PhD program anywhere in the world
- You must plan to begin your studies no later than January 2021
- You must commit to working for at least two years in your home country after the completion of your degree
- You must not have received a Train Fellowship or Scholarship in the past. Professional Development Grant recipients are eligible to apply
- You must notify EFN if you are a WWF employee, consultant, or previous EFN grant recipient
- You must submit all required documents by the application deadline (March 1, 2020)
Selection Process
Train Fellows are selected through a competitive, merit-based process. An independent, interdisciplinary panel of experts is convened in each country to review applications and to identify the top candidates based on the following criteria:
- Professional qualifications as evidenced by previous and current conservation-related positions, references from colleagues in the field, publications, and other sources
- Demonstrated leadership through involvement in community and volunteer activities, the workplace, local and national government, and other areas
- Prior academic achievement as shown by grades, academic awards, and references from professors
- Motivation and commitment to contribute to conservation in a participating country and to share what is learned with others in their field and in their home communities
- Potential impact of proposed study/research on conservation efforts in the home country or region
Application
For more information, see FAQ or visit Russell E. Train Fellowships.
