The A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme provides African conservation professionals with the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and institutions in the field of biodiversity conservation. Hosted by the University of Oxford, the programme supports professionals working in conservation-related roles across NGOs, government institutions, academia, and private sector organisations.

The fellowship is led by E. J. Milner-Gulland, the Tasso Leventis Professor of Biodiversity at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science within the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford. It aims to strengthen collaboration between African conservation practitioners and Oxford-based researchers to advance effective biodiversity conservation.

The programme is funded by the A. G. Leventis Foundation, enabling selected fellows to spend up to three months in Oxford each year.

Fellowship Overview

The A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme offers a unique opportunity for African professionals to engage in research, training, and collaboration within one of the world’s leading academic environments.

Key features of the fellowship include:

Duration: Up to three months
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Number of fellows: Three per year
Target participants: African nationals working in biodiversity conservation

During their stay, fellows collaborate with Oxford researchers, attend specialised training courses, develop research outputs, and expand their professional networks.

Fellowship Objectives

The programme has been designed to strengthen conservation practice by connecting practitioners and researchers.

The fellowship focuses on three core goals:

Strengthening conservation expertise: Supporting NGO professionals, government officials, researchers, and private-sector practitioners in building skills, capabilities, and professional networks.
Enhancing research relevance: Ensuring academic research at the University of Oxford is informed by real-world conservation challenges and practitioner experience.
Building long-term partnerships: Developing sustainable collaborations between African conservation practitioners and Oxford-based researchers.

These goals help ensure that conservation strategies developed through the programme have meaningful impact on biodiversity protection.

Fellowship Experience

Participants in the A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme receive a comprehensive experience that combines academic engagement, professional networking, and cultural immersion.

Key activities include:

Conducting collaborative research with Oxford scholars
Developing conservation strategies and research outputs
Writing academic papers and policy briefs
Attending training courses and workshops
Participating in academic seminars and conferences

Fellows also benefit from remote engagement with Oxford researchers before and after their residency.

Mentorship and Academic Support

Each fellow is paired with an academic mentor working in their field of interest within the University of Oxford.

In addition, fellows are assigned an early career researcher “buddy” who provides support throughout the fellowship.

This mentorship structure ensures fellows have:

Academic guidance on research and project development
Practical support navigating university systems
Cultural and social integration within the Oxford community

The mentoring model helps create lasting academic partnerships and professional networks.

Cultural and Professional Immersion

The fellowship experience extends beyond academic collaboration to include cultural activities that help fellows engage with life in the United Kingdom.

Participants may take part in activities such as:

Visiting Oxford’s historic museums and colleges
Attending traditional college banquets
Participating in Evensong services
Exploring local nature and birdwatching sites
Experiencing British cultural traditions

These experiences allow fellows to build friendships and international collaborations while immersing themselves in the academic culture of Oxford.

Funding and Financial Support

The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support to ensure participants can fully focus on their research and professional development.

Funding covers:

International flights to and from the United Kingdom
Visa application and related costs
Accommodation in Oxford
A daily allowance for food and local travel

Fellows are provided with guidance on how to claim expenses and manage their allowances in accordance with university policies.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open exclusively to African nationals working in biodiversity conservation or related fields.

Eligible applicants may include:

Conservation professionals working in NGOs
Government officials involved in conservation policy
Researchers at universities or research institutions
Professionals developing corporate biodiversity strategies

Both senior professionals and early-career practitioners are encouraged to apply.

Senior professionals may benefit from the opportunity to step away from their daily responsibilities to:

Develop strategic conservation approaches
Write research papers or policy reports
Build international partnerships

Early-career professionals may benefit from opportunities to:

Develop new technical skills
Analyse and publish research data
Expand their international research networks

Application Process

Applicants interested in joining the A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme must first submit an Expression of Interest.

Application requirements include:

A short written statement explaining interest in the fellowship
A curriculum vitae outlining education and professional experience

Key application details include:

Expression of interest deadline: 31 March 2026
Shortlisting and review: April 2026
Full application invitations: May 2026

Applications must be submitted in English.

Fellowship Timeline

Selected fellows typically spend their residency in Oxford during the spring or early summer.

Most fellows arrive in April of the fellowship year, though arrival dates may vary depending on visa processing timelines.

Impact of the Fellowship

The programme has contributed to numerous successful outcomes for past fellows.

Examples of impact include:

Publication of peer-reviewed conservation research papers
Participation in international conservation conferences
Successful applications for research grants and scholarships
Progression to advanced academic degrees and leadership roles

Some fellows have gone on to receive international recognition for their conservation work, demonstrating the programme’s long-term impact on biodiversity leadership.

Conclusion

The A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme offers a valuable opportunity for African conservation professionals to collaborate with leading researchers, expand their skills, and develop innovative approaches to biodiversity conservation.

By connecting practitioners with the academic resources and global networks of the University of Oxford, the programme helps strengthen conservation efforts across Africa while building lasting international partnerships.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme – Apply Before 31 March 2026 @Unknown