Future Earth has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Early-Career Fellowship (ECF), a global initiative supporting emerging researchers working on interdisciplinary solutions to sustainable development challenges.

Launched in 2022, the ECF is led by the Future Earth Global Secretariat Hub China, with support from the China Association for Science and Technology, the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, and other Future Earth Global Secretariat Hubs. The program promotes innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing in alignment with global sustainability goals.

Designed as a platform for early-career scholars across the natural, social, and human sciences, the fellowship fosters international collaboration and helps build a global network of researchers committed to advancing equitable and resilient societies. Through a transdisciplinary and systems-based approach, Future Earth connects research with real-world impact, generating knowledge that informs policy and practice.

Fellowship Focus and Opportunities

The ECF program supports research in areas including:

• Climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Environmental pollution control
• Ecosystem restoration
• Marine environmental protection
• Human–environment systems
• Artificial intelligence and Earth system science

For the 2026 cohort, 10–15 fellows will be selected. Each will receive a scholarship of 10,000–30,000 RMB to support research-related activities such as travel, conference participation, and other approved academic expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be an early-career researcher, postdoctoral scholar, or final-year PhD student (graduating in 2026 or having earned a PhD after January 1, 2021)
• Work in a field relevant to sustainable development (e.g., social sciences, engineering, earth and life sciences, or interdisciplinary fields)
• Have at least 12 months of overseas study, work, or research experience, or demonstrate plans to gain such experience and return to China

Strong candidates will also demonstrate:

• A solid research background aligned with sustainable development goals
• Experience in, or openness to, interdisciplinary collaboration
• Effective communication skills for both academic and non-academic audiences
• Strong organizational and interpersonal abilities
• Willingness to participate in international exchange and cooperation

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following materials:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including education, work experience, publications, and achievements
• Research Statement: Outlining research interests, methodology, impact, and alignment with sustainable development goals
• Proposed Research Plan: Detailing intended work under the fellowship and plans for international collaboration
• Supporting Letter (recommended): From a supervisor, mentor, or collaborator

Timeline and Selection

• Application deadline: April 15, 2026 (6:00 PM Beijing Time)
• Notification of results: Mid-July 2026

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Research originality and innovation
• Academic productivity and future potential
• Alignment with Future Earth’s mission

The selection process will also aim to ensure balanced representation across disciplines and gender.

Contact

For further information, please contact:
zhongming.gao@futureearth.org