The A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme is a prestigious conservation fellowship designed specifically for African professionals working to protect biodiversity. Hosted at the University of Oxford, the programme provides conservation practitioners, policymakers, and researchers with an opportunity to collaborate with leading experts while accessing world-class academic resources.
Launched in September 2021 and supported by the A. G. Leventis Foundation, the fellowship is run by E. J. Milner-Gulland, the Tasso Leventis Professor of Biodiversity at the Department of Biology. The initiative is coordinated through the Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science (ICCS), which focuses on bridging academic research with practical conservation work.
The fellowship aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation across Africa by enabling professionals to gain advanced training, build global networks, and collaborate with researchers at Oxford.
About the Fellowship Programme
The fellowship offers African conservation professionals the chance to spend up to three months in Oxford, United Kingdom, working closely with researchers and academics. Fellows can join any department within the University as long as their project aligns with biodiversity conservation.
During their stay, fellows benefit from:
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Specialized training courses and workshops
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Opportunities to develop research papers and conservation strategies
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Access to Oxford’s research facilities and academic resources
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Networking with global conservation experts
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Collaboration with leading researchers in biodiversity science
In addition to the in-person residency at Oxford, the programme also provides remote mentoring, training, and networking opportunities both before and after the fellowship visit.
Each year, three fellows are selected for the programme, making it a highly competitive opportunity.
Core Objectives of the Fellowship
The programme is built around three key goals designed to enhance conservation impact in Africa:
1. Strengthening Conservation Leadership
The fellowship supports professionals from NGOs, government institutions, and private sector organizations who are involved in designing and implementing biodiversity conservation initiatives. Participants gain new skills, strengthen their professional networks, and improve their capacity to deliver impactful conservation outcomes in their home countries.
2. Bridging Research and Real-World Conservation
Another major objective is to ensure that academic research at Oxford reflects real conservation challenges. By collaborating with practitioners from Africa, the university ensures its research is practical, relevant, and applicable on the ground.
3. Building Long-Term Partnerships
The programme fosters long-term collaboration between Oxford researchers and conservation practitioners. These partnerships strengthen knowledge exchange and support sustainable conservation strategies across Africa.
Fellowship Activities and Opportunities
The fellowship provides a supportive environment where participants can focus on developing their conservation work. Fellows are encouraged to use their time at Oxford to:
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Analyse and maximise the value of their conservation datasets
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Develop new biodiversity conservation strategies
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Design and test innovative approaches to conservation challenges
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Attend professional training courses
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Build partnerships with international collaborators
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Share knowledge and experiences with Oxford researchers and students
These activities contribute to more effective biodiversity conservation efforts across Africa.
Cultural and Professional Experience in the UK
Beyond academic engagement, the fellowship offers a rich cultural experience in the United Kingdom.
Participants have opportunities to:
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Visit Oxford’s historic colleges and world-renowned museums
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Attend traditional college banquets
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Experience cultural events such as Evensong
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Participate in activities like punting on the River Cherwell
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Explore birdwatching and other nature activities
These experiences allow fellows to immerse themselves in British culture while forming meaningful friendships and professional relationships.
Mentorship and Support System
To ensure fellows receive strong support during their stay, each participant is paired with:
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An Oxford academic mentor who works in their area of expertise
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An early-career researcher “buddy” who provides academic guidance and social support
This mentoring structure helps fellows navigate both academic work and daily life in Oxford while fostering collaborative learning.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme plays a vital role in strengthening conservation leadership across Africa. By connecting practitioners with academic experts and global networks, the programme helps transform research insights into practical conservation solutions.
Ultimately, the fellowship aims to support more effective and sustainable biodiversity conservation across Africa, ensuring long-term protection of ecosystems and wildlife.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is open to a wide range of professionals involved in biodiversity conservation.
Senior Professionals
Senior staff from NGOs, government agencies, and businesses may benefit from stepping away from their daily responsibilities to:
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Develop new conservation strategies
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Strengthen partnerships
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Write policy or research outputs
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Build international collaborations
Early-Career Professionals
Early-career conservation professionals and researchers are also encouraged to apply, especially those who wish to:
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Learn new research and analytical skills
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Analyse and publish their conservation datasets
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Expand their international professional networks
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship has a clear eligibility requirement:
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Applicants must be African nationals.
Candidates should be actively working on biodiversity conservation in sectors such as NGOs, government institutions, academia, or businesses involved in environmental sustainability.
Deadline is 31st March 2026.
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