Applications are currently being accepted for the UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Awards
Since 2022, the MAB Young Scientists Awards has received support from the Principality of Monaco enabling additional annual fellowships specifically benefitting studies on marine, island and coastal issues in biosphere reserves. This generous support reinforces the contribution of the MAB Programme towards the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Around the world, more than 200 coastal, island and marine biosphere reserves make a crucial contribution to the Decade by promoting the integrated conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems with sustainable human development supported by research and knowledge exchange. The MAB Programme’s World Network of Islands and Coastal Biosphere Reserves plays a particular global coordinating role in this regard, mobilizing island and coastal biosphere reserves in support of the UN Decade.
Benefits of UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Awards
- The MAB Young Scientists awards can grant up to US$ 5,000 to young researchers in support of their research on ecosystems, natural resources and biodiversity.
UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Awards Requirements
The following criteria are used in the selection of MAB Young Scientists Awards:
- To be eligible, award applications must be made on the MAB Young Scientists Award application form (in English or French) and follow-up technical requirements stated there. The application must be endorsed by the applicant's MAB National Committee, which may endorse only two applications per year from applicants who are not older than 35 years of age (at the closing date of the application).
- Applications must contain concise information on past and existing research in areas concerned in order to present linkages, avoid duplication and ensure that the Award does not finance already completed projects
- Priority is given to interdisciplinary projects carried out in biosphere reserves designated under the Man and the Biosphere Programme or potential biosphere reserves and which contribute to the implementation of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan and the SDGs. In this regard, applicants shall identify in their applications if and how their research contributes to the research-related actions of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan and to the SDGs.
- Applicants from developed countries are eligible for Awards only in exceptional cases or if working in joint partnership with developing countries.
- Awards are set at a maximum of US$5,000 each.
- Research supported by an Award should be completed within two years.
- Candidates must agree to submit reports of Award-funded research to the MAB Secretariat in Paris and to their MAB National Committees*, and agree to UNESCO publishing the results of their research.
- International travel expenses are usually not covered under these Awards.
Application Date and Process
- Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Application Deadline
07 May, 2026
Opportunity Application
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UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Awards
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