Four international research grants for 2026 are now open

Four international research grants for 2026 are now open:

1. NEF Research Grant Programme (Nature, Ecosystems and Biodiversity) (Deadline: 14 Oct 2026)

2. NEF Publication Programme (Deadline: 14 Oct 2026)

3. Holohil Grant Program (Deadline: 15 Oct 2026)

4. Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (Deadline: 15 Oct 2026)

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1. NEF Research Grant Programme (Nature, Ecosystems and Biodiversity)

The NEF Research Grant Programme provides financial support for scientific research projects that deepen our understanding of nature, ecosystems, and biodiversity in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This programme aims to enhance the research capabilities of young researchers in the region. It is open to individual researchers and doctoral students who prepare and implement their research proposals independently.

Funding Organization: Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF)

Research Scope: Nature, ecosystems, and biodiversity

Eligibility:

The target countries in the Asia-Pacific region include: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Kiribati, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.

An applicant must:

• be a national of target countries;

• be either of the following:

o a researcher with at least three (3) years of research experience and sufficient achievement in their field of study, working full-time at a research institution or relevant organisation in one of the target countries, OR

o a full-time doctoral student enrolled at a research institution in one of the target countries

• have research experience and skills sufficient to conduct and manage the proposed research project;

• be able to communicate in English;

• not have another application to the NEF;

• not have another ongoing NEF-funded project at the time of application submission; AND

• not have had another NEF-funded project for the past two years.

A proposed research project must:

• be scientific research contributing to the NATURE CONSERVATION of the country where the applicant currently works or studies;

• focus primarily on LIVING ORGANISMS;

• be carried out in the country where the applicant currently works or studies;

• involve fieldwork for data collection;

• be the applicant’s OWN research work (team project is ineligible.);

• achieve its objective(s) and submit interim and/or final reports within a scheduled project period of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years; AND

• be exclusively funded by the NEF Research Grant Programme.

Awards: The maximum grant size is 1,000,000 Japanese yen per project, with a maximum duration of two years.

Application Process: Application documents should be submitted to the NEF Secretariat by e-mail (secretariat@nagaofoundation.or.jp).

Application Deadline: 14 October 2026

Further Information: https://www.nagaofoundation.or.jp/e/research/research.html

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2. NEF Publication Programme

The NEF Publication Programme supports scientific publications which are derived from applicant’s own research work and will expand knowledge of nature conservation in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Funding Organization: Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF)

Research Scope: Nature conservation

Eligibility:

An applicant must:

• be a national of target countries;

• be a researcher/scientist working full-time and conducting research at a research institution or relevant organisation in one of the target countries;

• be the sole author or the first author of the proposed publication if it has multiple authors;

• be able to communicate in English; AND

• not submit multiple applications nor have other ongoing NEF-funded projects at the deadline.

A proposed publication must:

• focus on the topic of NATURE CONSERVATION (e.g., natural environment, its conservation and sustainable use, or other topics related to living organisms) in the Asia-Pacific region;

• be published as a printed book (not as a journal article, report, or brochure);

• be derived from the applicant/co-author(s)’s research work;

• be expected to advance knowledge among the general public, local communities, and/or academic communities;

• be written i) in English, ii) bilingual (English and the applicant’s national language) in one or separate volumes, or iii) in the national language with English title and summary;

• have no copyright issues; AND

• be published within one (1) year as scheduled.

Awards: The maximum grant amount is 1,000,000 Japanese yen per project, with a maximum duration of one year.

Application Process: Email all application documents to the NEF Secretariat: secretariat@nagaofoundation.or.jp.

Application Deadline: 14 October 2026

Further Information: https://www.nagaofoundation.or.jp/e/research/publication.html

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3. Holohil Grant Program

The Holohil Grant Program is available to conservation professionals and researchers from anywhere in the world to conduct research and educational work on endangered species. Each quarter, Holohil will be supporting projects by donating up to CAD$2,500.00 toward the purchase of Holohil transmitters.

Funding Organization: Holohil

Research Scope: Wildlife conservation, endangered species

Eligibility

Holohil Grant Program would like to support projects that generally meet the following criteria:

• The project makes significant use of Holohil transmitters for data collection.

• The project aims to advance scientific knowledge.

• The project contributes to conservation.

• The project engages/educates the public.

• The project involves underrepresented study species of high research or conservation value.

Awards: Up to CAD$2,500.00 toward the purchase of Holohil transmitters

Application Process: Applicants must download, complete, and submit the Holohil Grant Program application form to grantprogram@holohil.com anytime to be included in the current quarterly evaluation cycle.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted four times a year. Next deadline is 15 October 2026.

Further information: Additional information and application forms can be found at https://www.holohil.com/grant-program/

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4. Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund

The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund supports individuals and organizations working to conserve threatened species.

Funding Organization: Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund

Research Scope: Field-based conservation actions such as research, habitat restoration, and community engagement, with priority given to critically endangered, endangered, and data-deficient species

Eligibility: The application is open anyone directly involved in species conservation.

Awards: The maximum grant size is $25,000, and any application asking for more than this will be rejected.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted online via the Fund portal.

Application Deadline: 15 October 2026

Further information: https://www.speciesconservation.org/biodiversity-nature-people/conservation-philanthropy/grants/

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For more information, please contact

Ms. Panida Suwannatheerak and Ms. Mananchaya Pissaparn

Tel. 0-2470-9654

Email: researchfollowup@kmutt.ac.th