WACSI Research Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded for West African Biodiversity Researchers
Are you a young researcher from West Africa interested in biodiversity and civil society? The WACSI Research Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded six-month program to build your skills and make a real impact. This opportunity from the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) runs from May to October 2026 and focuses on linking indigenous knowledge with conservation efforts.
What Is WACSI and the Fellowship?
WACSI works to build the strength of civil society organizations in West Africa. It acts as a hub for training, research, policy talks, and sharing experiences. The Research Fellowship picks young scholars to grow their research skills and help civil society grow.
This 2026 program centers on indigenous knowledge in biodiversity and conservation. Indigenous knowledge means traditional practices, beliefs, and ideas passed down in communities. Fellows will study how civil society groups can use these ideas for better environmental work and climate action. They will also look at links between academia and groups in this field, plus share best practices.
Key Research Topics
Proposals should tie into biodiversity and conservation. Some areas include:
- Leadership and governance in civil society groups
- Technology for development
- Ways to raise funds
- How civil society stays strong over time
- Internal work systems
- Managing people in organizations
- Conditions that help civil society grow
- Ways to engage communities
- Fair partnerships between West African groups and global donors
- Building skills for civil society
Make sure your idea connects clearly to nature protection and biodiversity.
Who Can Apply?
This fellowship targets young researchers from Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Nigeria, or Senegal. You need:
- Strong skills in analysis and independent research
- A topic linked to biodiversity and conservation
- Fluency in English or French
- Full commitment to the six months
Staff from groups in biodiversity programs and independent researchers are welcome.
What Do Fellows Get?
The program provides key support:
- A monthly stipend and research allowance
- Mentors to guide your work
- Chances to publish, like reports, policy papers, op-eds, blog posts, or WACSeries items on WACSI’s platform
- Skill growth in research and analysis
- Networking in civil society
- Reach to regional and global audiences
- Free access to WACSI publications
Past fellows say it boosted their confidence, research abilities, and career paths.
What Must Fellows Produce?
During the fellowship, you will:
- Help with WACSI’s research projects
- Write at least one publishable piece on best practices or case studies in biodiversity and conservation
- Create at least one WACSeries publication
These outputs help shape policy and practice in West Africa.
How to Apply
Send these by email to research@wacsi.org and recruitment@wacsi.org:
- A motivation letter with your interest in duration and theme
- Your CV
- A one-page summary of your research idea and methods
- A sample of your writing, like an article or paper
- Proof of past publications, if you have them
The deadline is 1 May 2026. Check the full call for applications here for more details.
This fellowship helps bridge research and real-world action on environmental issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the WACSI Research Fellowship 2026?
Young researchers from Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Nigeria, or Senegal with strong research skills, a topic on biodiversity and conservation, and fluency in English or French can apply. Staff from biodiversity programs and independent researchers are welcome.
What benefits do fellows receive?
Fellows get a monthly stipend, research allowance, mentors, publication opportunities, skill-building, networking, and access to WACSI publications.
What must fellows produce during the program?
Fellows must help with WACSI research projects, write at least one publishable piece on biodiversity best practices, and create at least one WACSeries publication.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Email a motivation letter, CV, one-page research summary, writing sample, and proof of publications to research@wacsi.org and recruitment@wacsi.org by May 1, 2026.