A programme targeting early-career researchers from the polar and high-altitude science communities in Switzerland and Australia.

The Mertz Fellowship for polar and high-altitude research is a collaboration between Switzerland and Australia. The Mertz Fellowship programme is named after Dr Xavier Mertz, the first Swiss polar explorer to set foot in Antarctica, and the only non-Australian/British member of the first Australian scientific expedition in Antarctica. The fellowship aims to intensify collaboration and networking between the polar and high-altitude science communities of Switzerland and Australia through scientific networking and joint projects. The programme is aimed at PhD students and early-career researchers (ECRs) from the polar and high-altitude science communities in both countries.

Deadline for submission is the 26 October 2026, 11PM CET.

Biodiversa+ is pleased to announce that its 6th annual Joint Call for transnational research projects BiodivFuture is now open.

Co-funded by the European Commission, this call, alongside a range of actions under the Biodiversa+ Flagship Programmes, will contribute to achieving one of Biodiversa+’s strategic objectives: producing actionable knowledge to drive transformative change and halt and reverse biodiversity decline.

BiodivFuture focuses on supporting future-looking research and innovation that will address biodiversity and novel ecosystems, as well as their socio-ecological dynamics and consequences relating to the sustainability goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and associated future pathways and trajectories of change.

Deadline for pre-proposals submission 10 November 2026.

Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to encourage international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are mainly intended for talented early career researchers (ECRs) from abroad who have already completed their Master’s degree. The scholarship programme is currently open to applicants.

Four annual awards of £25,000 for experienced researchers, explorers, and storytellers to support impactful field research and expeditions.

The Kensington Fieldwork Grant is designed to support innovative geographical field research and expedition projects with the potential for significant impact.

Projects should combine local and global relevance with a clear purpose to advance knowledge, robust and appropriate methods of data collection, and opportunities to share findings and data widely. Applications should demonstrate strong links and collaborations with local agencies and communities. Projects that use creative, engaging, and impactful approaches to dissemination and storytelling are of particular interest.

Deadline 8 January 2027.

The Humboldt Research Fellowship enables you to conduct your own research at various stages of your career in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of your choice. Hosts may apply for a subsidy towards research costs.

Through the Humboldt Research Fellowship, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe. As a fellow, you will benefit from individual support from the Humboldt Foundation and our diverse sponsorship portfolio.

Corresponding to the three selection rounds per year, there will be three calls for applications annually.