Russell E. Train Fellowships

In an effort to support conservation efforts worldwide, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) offers the Russell E. Train Fellowships through the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN).

These fellowships aim to empower dedicated conservationists from specific target countries by providing financial assistance for their graduate-level studies and field research in conservation.

The program encompasses various grant opportunities, with one of the core options being the Russell E. Train Fellowships. Let’s explore the two eligible competitions held in 2020 for these prestigious fellowships.

1. Building Capacity in the Galápagos: EFN, in partnership with Celebrity Cruises, offers fellowships to female conservationists in Ecuador. The aim is to enable them to pursue graduate-level studies (Masters and PhD) with a focus on advancing marine conservation in the Galápagos Islands. To be eligible, applicants must be Ecuadorian citizens who identify as women and preferably have legal permanent residency in the Galápagos. They should possess at least two years of experience in conservation-related work or research and demonstrate a commitment to marine conservation in the Galápagos. The selected recipients can request funding for up to two years, with a maximum amount of US$30,000 per year.
2. Current & Aspiring University Faculty for Conservation: This category of fellowships is open to current and aspiring university faculty from African, Asian, and Latin American universities. The objective is to support them in pursuing doctoral degrees in conservation-related fields. After completing their degree, the recipients are expected to enhance or establish a graduate-level conservation program at a university in their home country. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years of conservation-related work or research experience and be committed to working in academia within the eligible countries. Priority will be given to individuals affiliated with under-served universities. The fellowship covers a funding period of up to three years, with a maximum grant of US$30,000 per year.

Application Process: Applicants interested in these fellowships can find detailed information on the official WWF website. The application deadline for fellowships beginning no later than January 2021 was on 1st March 2020. Each year, the fellowship competitions are announced in September, so aspiring conservationists are encouraged to stay tuned for future opportunities.

Conclusion:

The Russell E. Train Fellowships under the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program offer a remarkable chance for committed conservationists to advance their studies and research in the field of conservation.

Whether it’s building local capacity in the Galápagos or fostering conservation-focused academia in target countries, these fellowships play a crucial role in promoting sustainable environmental initiatives around the world. By supporting female conservationists in Ecuador and university faculty in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, WWF is actively contributing to the preservation of our planet’s diverse ecosystems and natural resources.