UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Awards 2026 (up to $5,000) – YOA

Deadline: May 7, 2026

Applications are open for the UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Awards 2026. Through the MAB Young Scientists Awards, the MAB programme is investing in a brand new technology of scientists worldwide, as a result of effectively-educated and dedicated younger individuals are key to addressing ecological and sustainability points.

The MAB Young Scientists Award Scheme goals to:

• encourage younger scientists, specifically these from creating international locations, to use MAB analysis, undertaking websites and biosphere reserves of their analysis;
• encourage younger scientists who already use such websites to undertake comparative research in different websites in or exterior their very own nation;
• promote and encourage the trade of data and expertise amongst a brand new technology of scientists;
• contain younger scientist within the implementation of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan 2026-2035 (HSAP);
• improve consciousness amongst younger scientists of the function of analysis within the implementation of the SDGs – specifically when performed in biosphere reserves;
• by the granting of devoted fellowships for research on marine, island and coastal points in biosphere reserves, encourage younger scientists to apply for MAB YSA inside this thematic space and thereby mobilizing younger scientists to have interaction actively within the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

grant

• The MAB Young Scientists awards can grant up to US $5,000 to younger researchers in help of their analysis on ecosystems, pure assets and biodiversity. 

Eligibility

• To be eligible, award purposes should be made on the MAB Young Scientists Award application type (in English or French) and comply with-up technical necessities said there. The application should be endorsed by the applicant’s MAB National Committee, which can endorse solely two purposes per yr from candidates who should not older than 35 years of age (on the deadline of the application).
• Applications should comprise concise data on previous and present analysis in areas involved so as to current linkages, keep away from duplication and make sure that the Award doesn’t finance already accomplished tasks  
• Priority is given to interdisciplinary tasks carried out in biosphere reserves designated underneath 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, candidates shall determine of their purposes if and the way their analysis contributes to the analysis-associated actions of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan and to the SDGs.
• Applicants from developed international locations are eligible for Awards solely in distinctive instances or if working in joint partnership with creating international locations.
• Research supported by an Award must be accomplished inside two years.
• Candidates should agree to submit studies of Award-funded analysis to the MAB Secretariat in Paris and to their MAB National Committees and agree to UNESCO publishing the outcomes of their analysis.
• International journey bills are normally not coated underneath these Awards.

Application

Note that purposes should be acquired by UNESCO no later than the deadline to be eligible.

The application should be endorsed by the applicant’s MAB National Committee. For the international locations during which a MAB National Committee doesn’t exist or is just not absolutely operational, the National Commission for UNESCO will make sure the choice of candidates in accordance to the above standards.

Click here to apply

For extra data, go to UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Awards.