Research Fellowships in Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries @Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has officially opened applications for its 2027 Co-operative Research Programme (CRP) Research Fellowships, offering scientists working in agriculture, forestry and fisheries the opportunity to conduct research projects abroad for periods ranging from six to 26 weeks.

The fellowship programme aims to strengthen international collaboration, promote the exchange of scientific knowledge, and increase researcher mobility across participating countries. Applications are now being accepted, with the deadline set for 10 September 2026 at midnight Paris time.

Supporting International Scientific Collaboration

The OECD’s Co-operative Research Programme on Sustainable Agricultural and Food Systems supports research initiatives that contribute to sustainable and resilient food systems. Through the fellowship scheme, selected researchers will have the opportunity to work with institutions in another participating member country, enabling them to develop new partnerships, access specialized expertise, and contribute to advancing global scientific knowledge.

The programme seeks to encourage innovative research and foster stronger international cooperation among scientists addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food systems.

According to the OECD, the fellowships are designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices while promoting scientific excellence across borders.

Research Priorities for the 2027 Fellowship Cycle

Applications that align with the work of the OECD Committee for Agriculture and related bodies are particularly encouraged. Priority research areas include:

• Sustainable and resilient productivity growth
• Food security and nutrition
• Climate risk management in agriculture and food systems
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture
• Carbon sequestration in agriculture, forestry and land use
• Halting and reversing forest loss
• Preventing land degradation
• Improving livestock sustainability and animal welfare
• Exploring livestock contributions to biodiversity and soil health
• Enhancing ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation
• Improving soil, water and air quality
• Agroecological and innovative farming approaches
• Development and transfer of agricultural knowledge
• Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems
• Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
• Strengthening resilience and productivity in aquatic food systems

These focus areas reflect the OECD’s commitment to supporting research that addresses environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, food security, and ecosystem protection.

Fellowship Duration and Benefits

Successful applicants will be awarded funding to undertake international research visits lasting between six and 26 weeks. During this period, researchers will collaborate with institutions, laboratories, universities, and research organizations located in another participating country.

The programme provides a unique platform for scientists to:

• Expand international research networks
• Access specialized facilities and expertise
• Develop collaborative research projects
• Exchange scientific knowledge and best practices
• Contribute to evidence-based policy development

The fellowships are intended to support both early-career and experienced researchers who are working on topics relevant to sustainable agricultural and food systems.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be residents of one of the countries participating in the OECD Co-operative Research Programme. The programme currently includes 31 participating countries, with Brazil scheduled to become the 32nd member on 1 July 2026 and therefore eligible for fellowships funded in 2027.

Researchers should note several important eligibility updates:

• Brazil is eligible to participate in the 2027 fellowship call.
• Türkiye’s membership concludes on 24 December 2026 and therefore it will not participate in fellowship funding opportunities for 2027.
• Ukraine is currently in the accession stage, and applicants are advised to contact the CRP Secretariat regarding its status.

Participating Countries

The fellowship programme is open to researchers residing in participating countries across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and other regions.

Participating countries include:

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Korea
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Slovak Republic
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States

Country-specific information on research institutes and universities is available through OECD country files and national correspondents.

Application Process

Researchers interested in applying for the fellowship must review the programme guidelines and supporting documentation before completing the online application.

Required application resources include:

• Guidelines and Conditions for CRP Research Fellowship Awards
• Fellowship Selection Criteria
• CRP Action Areas
• Sample Fellowship Applications
• Sample Curriculum Vitae
• Sample Invitation Letter
• Fellowship Application Form

Applications must be submitted through the official OECD online application platform before the September deadline.

Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Research

As climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and environmental degradation continue to challenge global food systems, international scientific cooperation remains essential. The OECD CRP Research Fellowships provide researchers with an opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions while strengthening international partnerships that support sustainable agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food production.

By facilitating cross-border research collaborations, the programme aims to generate knowledge that can inform policy development and advance resilient, productive, and environmentally sustainable food systems worldwide.

Researchers interested in applying are encouraged to begin preparing their applications early and consult the programme documentation to ensure compliance with eligibility and submission requirements before the September 10, 2026 deadline.

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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.