Cassagnol Fellowship 2026 for Conservation Leaders Worldwide

The Cassagnol Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications from conservation researchers and academic professionals committed to advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development worldwide. The fellowship supports individuals working in higher education, conservation research, and outreach initiatives that strengthen global conservation leadership. The application deadline for the Cassagnol Fellowship is April 15, 2026, and eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals before this date.

About the Cassagnol Fellowship

The Cassagnol Fellowship was established through the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) to strengthen global conservation capacity by supporting researchers and conservation leaders in their home institutions and communities. The fellowship reflects decades of EFN experience demonstrating that investing in individuals and institutions can create lasting conservation impact.

Conservation challenges continue to grow worldwide due to biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and climate change. Addressing these complex issues requires well-trained conservation professionals capable of bridging scientific research, policy, and community engagement. The Cassagnol Fellowship was designed to help fill this gap by supporting conservation leaders who can train future generations and strengthen conservation institutions.

Through this fellowship, selected scholars will be able to pursue research, teaching, and outreach activities that contribute to sustainable development and biodiversity protection. By supporting researchers within their home countries and institutions, the Cassagnol Fellowship ensures that conservation solutions remain locally relevant while benefiting from global collaboration.

Benefits of the Cassagnol Fellowship

The Cassagnol Fellowship offers several important benefits for conservation professionals seeking to advance their research and leadership capacity.

Key benefits include:

• Financial support to conduct conservation research and outreach activities
• Opportunities to strengthen conservation leadership and training programs
• Support for developing new knowledge and conservation practices
• Collaboration with mentors and research institutions
• Networking opportunities within the global conservation community
• Opportunities to build institutional capacity for conservation programs

By providing resources and mentorship, the Cassagnol Fellowship helps conservation leaders develop innovative approaches to biodiversity protection while strengthening their professional impact.

Focus Areas of the Cassagnol Fellowship

Research proposals submitted for the Cassagnol Fellowship should engage diverse communities and address key conservation challenges. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that strengthen collaboration, knowledge sharing, and sustainable development outcomes.

Priority focus areas include:

Developing Conservation Skills and Best Practices

The Cassagnol Fellowship encourages projects that develop skills, tools, and standards for conservation professionals. This includes practical training activities, case studies, and initiatives that improve environmental management practices and sustainability outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Inclusive Conservation

Projects should demonstrate meaningful engagement with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, indigenous peoples, and gender-focused initiatives. The Cassagnol Fellowship values inclusive approaches that integrate local knowledge with scientific expertise.

Professional Networking and Collaboration

Applicants are encouraged to propose initiatives that strengthen collaboration among conservation professionals, academic institutions, and regional organizations. Partnerships with environmental lawyers, journalists, planners, and other specialists are particularly encouraged.

Strengthening Institutional Capacity

The Cassagnol Fellowship supports initiatives that enhance institutional capacity to address conservation challenges and promote sustainable development. Projects should contribute to building knowledge and expertise within institutions and communities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the Cassagnol Fellowship must meet specific academic and professional requirements.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Applicants must hold a PhD or Master’s degree in a discipline related to conservation.
• Preference is given to applicants who completed their degrees within the past five years.
• Applicants must have an academic or research appointment that will remain active during the fellowship period.
• Applicants must identify a primary mentor to support their research activities.
• Applicants must also identify a second mentor at their home institution.
• Both mentors must submit letters of recommendation as part of the application process.
• Applicants must provide a letter of support from their institution confirming their appointment and support for the fellowship.

Candidates who have completed academic requirements but have not yet received their formal degree may apply if they provide evidence of completion before the fellowship begins.

Selection Criteria

The Cassagnol Fellowship is awarded through a competitive selection process. Applications will be evaluated based on several key criteria.

These include:

• Academic achievement and research experience
• Strength and originality of the proposed project
• Potential impact of the research and outreach activities
• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to conservation
• Feasibility of the proposed work plan and budget
• Strength of partnerships and collaborations
• Quality of recommendation letters and mentorship support

The selection committee will prioritize projects that demonstrate measurable conservation impact and strong collaboration with institutions and communities.

Duration and Fellowship Timeline

The Cassagnol Fellowship follows a structured timeline for application review and fellowship implementation.

Important dates include:

• April 15, 2026 – Application Deadline
• April – June 2026 – Application review and selection process
• July 2026 – Successful applicants notified
• August – September 2026 – Fellowship contracts issued and funding distributed

Applicants should carefully prepare their proposals and submit them before the deadline to ensure consideration.

How to Apply

Applications for the Cassagnol Fellowship must be submitted through the official application portal.

Applicants should ensure that all required materials are submitted before the deadline, including:

• Completed fellowship application form
• Research proposal
• Letters of recommendation from mentors
• Letter of institutional support

Applicants should carefully review the application guidelines before submitting their materials.

APPLY HERE 

Deadline

Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

Late applications may not be considered, so applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

Final Note

The Cassagnol Fellowship represents an important opportunity for conservation researchers and educators to advance their work while strengthening global conservation leadership. By supporting scholars and practitioners in their home institutions, the fellowship helps build long-term conservation capacity and sustainable development outcomes.

For more fellowships, scholarships, internships, and global opportunities, click  here.