Russell E. Train Fellowships
Russell E. Train Fellowships support individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation and related fields. Each year, WWF supports committed conservation leaders and scientists from target countries to receive financial support for their studies and research.
WWF Conservation Futures Fellowship
WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) invites applications from aspiring and experienced researchers, practitioners, and leaders to pursue graduate-level studies (master’s and PhD) with a focus on research that increases understanding of key topics related to conservation and cultivates the knowledge, skills, and capacities of Indigenous peoples and local communities.
The Conservation Futures Fellowship is designed to support individuals who are committed to fostering genuine partnerships where local voices play a central role in conservation research and outcomes, promoting the co-creation of knowledge, engagement tools, and solutions with communities, and emphasizing the value of local and traditional knowledge in developing place-based conservation strategies.
Fellows will also have an opportunity to join the expanding global community of conservation leaders within EFN, working alongside Indigenous peoples and local communities.
The fellowship is open to applicants from eligible countries within WWF-US priority areas who are already enrolled/are interested in enrolling in a master’s or PhD program.
Eligible countries include: Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Dem. Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Fiji, French Guiana, Gabon, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Republic of Congo, Suriname, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia.
The deadline to submit an application is April 15, 2026 by 11:59 PM US Eastern Time. Applicants may apply for funding for a duration of up to two years for master’s degree programs and up to three years for PhD programs, requesting up to $30,000 per year. This funding can cover a range of expenses, including tuition and fees, living costs, books and materials, as well as research-related expenses. The final amount approved will vary based on the specifics of each individual proposal.
Notifications of acceptance will be communicated in July 2026. Any questions about the application process or program should be directed to [email protected].
Applications for this opportunity are now CLOSED.
View full grant guidelines in PDF version:
Enhancing Conservation Science Capacity and Leadership
Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Uganda
EFN invites applications from the current and next generation of conservation scientists, leaders, and practitioners to pursue graduate level studies (master's degree) focused on dimensions of human-wildlife conflict and coexistence in Uganda. The growth of human populations combined with expansion of settlements and agricultural land has increasingly resulted in widespread conflicts between people and wildlife. Long-term resolution of human-wildlife conflict and co-existence calls for effective multifaceted, interdisciplinary, practical, and socio-culturally relevant approaches and solutions. This competitive fellowship aims to strengthen the in-country capacity of outstanding and well-trained experts, natural and social scientists, and practitioners to undertake academic and field-based training to address issues of human-wildlife conflicts.
This fellowship is open to Ugandan nationals enrolled in, admitted to, or have applied to a master’s program at an accredited institution of study in Uganda and that already possess a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (i.e., biology, ecology, conservation, zoology, geography). The master's research will focus on developing solutions for human-elephant conflict that is triggered by elephant crop-raiding of agricultural lands around the northern border of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.
The deadline to submit an application is April 15 by 11:59 PM U.S. ET. Applicants may apply for up to two years of funding and request up to $15,000 per year. Funding may be used to support tuition and fees, living expenses, books and materials, and research costs. Final award amounts will be determined based on the scope and needs of each proposal. Notifications of acceptance will be communicated in July 2026. Any questions about the application process or program should be directed to [email protected].
Applications for this opportunity are now CLOSED.
For more information
For more information, please e-mail us at [email protected]. EFN's Facebook page is also an opportunity to learn about grant availability and other program news.