Early Career Researchers Spring School 2026 in South Africa: Fully Funded Climate, Peace and Security Training at the University of Fort Hare ·the University of Fort Hare

Early career researchers in South Africa have an exciting opportunity to participate in a fully funded three-day Spring School on Climate, Peace and Security, taking place from 2–4 September 2026 at the University of Fort Hare’s East London Campus.

Organised by the University of Fort Hare in partnership with the CGIAR Climate Security Team at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and in collaboration with the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of the Free State, this intensive programme is designed to strengthen interdisciplinary research skills while building regional networks among emerging scholars and professionals.

Selected participants will receive full funding covering travel, accommodation, and meals, making this an excellent opportunity for researchers looking to deepen their understanding of the growing links between climate change, peace, security, migration, and sustainable development.

Applications close on 14 August 2026.

About the Climate, Peace and Security Spring School

Climate change is increasingly affecting livelihoods, natural resources, and communities throughout Southern Africa. These environmental pressures are contributing to heightened risks of conflict, displacement, social tensions, and insecurity.

Responding to these complex regional challenges requires professionals and researchers who can work across disciplines and develop practical, evidence-based solutions.

The Climate, Peace and Security Spring School 2026 aims to bridge this gap by equipping early career researchers with:

• Interdisciplinary knowledge
• Practical research skills
• Policy engagement techniques
• Regional collaboration opportunities
• Professional networking experiences

The programme combines academic learning with practical field experiences to help participants translate research into real-world policy and development impact.

What Participants Will Learn

Throughout the three-day programme, participants will engage in interactive sessions led by leading academics, researchers, and practitioners working on climate security across Africa.

The Spring School includes:

• Interactive lectures on climate, peace and security
• Practical research training
• Group-based collaborative projects
• Field visits
• Policy engagement discussions
• Regional networking opportunities
• Peer-to-peer learning

Participants will explore how climate change intersects with:

• Peacebuilding
• Conflict prevention
• Migration
• Natural resource governance
• Sustainable development
• Climate adaptation
• Human security

The programme is specifically designed to encourage interdisciplinary thinking while strengthening participants’ ability to contribute to climate-resilient and peace-positive policies.

Financial Benefits

Successful applicants will attend the Spring School at no personal cost.

The organisers will provide:

• Fully funded travel
• Accommodation
• Meals throughout the programme
• Training materials
• Access to experts and practitioners
• Networking opportunities with researchers from across South Africa

This funding ensures that talented researchers from different regions can participate regardless of financial circumstances.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are invited from early career researchers currently based in South Africa.

Eligible applicants include:

• Master’s students
• PhD candidates
• Postdoctoral research fellows
• Young professionals
• Emerging researchers

Applicants should be working in one or more of the following disciplines:

• Environmental Science
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Political Science
• Migration Studies
• Sociology
• Development Studies
• Climate Change
• Human Geography
• International Development
• Related interdisciplinary fields

Women and applicants from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to submit applications.

Programme Venue and Dates

The Spring School will take place at:

University of Fort Hare – East London Campus

Programme Dates:
2–4 September 2026

Participants will spend three intensive days learning, collaborating, conducting field activities, and building professional networks with fellow researchers and experts.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants must submit the following documents:

• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A cover letter explaining:
  • Their interest in the Spring School
  • How participation aligns with their research or professional work
  • Their motivation for working on climate, peace and security issues

Applicants are encouraged to prepare thoughtful application materials demonstrating how the programme will contribute to their academic or professional development.

Why This Spring School Matters

Climate-related insecurity is one of the fastest-growing policy challenges facing Southern Africa.

Researchers increasingly need interdisciplinary skills that connect environmental science with peacebuilding, governance, migration, and sustainable development.

The Climate, Peace and Security Spring School provides a unique platform where participants can:

• Learn from internationally recognised experts
• Gain practical research experience
• Expand professional networks
• Collaborate across disciplines
• Improve policy engagement skills
• Contribute evidence for climate resilience and peacebuilding

The programme also helps strengthen the next generation of African researchers working to address some of the continent’s most pressing development challenges.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by:

14 August 2026

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the online application form and upload all required documents before the application deadline.

Applicants are also encouraged to download and review the full Call for Applications to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and understand the programme expectations.

Apply Here: https://lnkd.in/eUkyGkeR

About the Organisers

The Spring School is organised by the University of Fort Hare and the CGIAR Climate Security Team at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, in partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of the Free State.

The initiative forms part of the broader CGIAR Food Frontiers and Security Program, which supports innovative research to strengthen food systems, climate resilience, and sustainable development globally.

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Application Summary

Programme: Early Career Researchers Spring School 2026

Location: University of Fort Hare, East London Campus, South Africa

Programme Dates: 2–4 September 2026

Funding: Fully Funded (Travel, Accommodation and Meals)

Eligible Applicants:

• Master’s students
• PhD students
• Postdoctoral researchers
• Young professionals

Eligible Disciplines:

• Environmental Science
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Political Science
• Migration Studies
• Sociology
• Development Studies
• Related fields

Application Requirements:

• Current CV
• Cover Letter

Application Deadline: 14 August 2026

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs 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.

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