Equator 2026 Research School & Mentoring Network: Fully Funded Opportunity for Aspiring Environmental Researchers in the UK

Nana Anima Ampofo

3 months ago

The Equator 2026 Research School and the Equator 2026 Mentoring Network are now open for applications! 🤝 Interested in building new relationships, expanding your network, and receiving personalised career support from both an academic and an industry mentor? Or would you like to share your expertise with the next generation of students? Our mentoring network, which runs from April to August, could be for you! 💡 Are you an undergraduate or Master’s student seeking training to understand PhD study and how to access it? Or a postgraduate researcher/early career postdoc wanting to grow your network and learn about the grant‑writing process? Apply to our Research School, which will be at Sheffield Hallam University from 29th June-3rd July 2026! These fully funded opportunities are open to students from ethnic minority backgrounds based in the UK who are interested in careers in environmental research. Find our eligibility criteria and apply on our website: https://lnkd.in/evkrxr6d Equator is led by Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Birmingham. These activities are funded by our network of NERC: Natural Environment Research Council Doctoral Landscape Award-holding universities. Equator is supported by Black Geographers, Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), The Geological Society, Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), and British Geological Survey.

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Applications are now open for the Equator 2026 Research School and Mentoring Network, a fully funded initiative led by Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Birmingham.

Designed to support students from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK, this programme offers a unique pathway into environmental research, combining mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.

About the Programme

The Equator initiative is focused on increasing diversity in environmental research by supporting students at different stages of their academic and professional journeys.

It offers two key opportunities:

1. Equator Mentoring Network (April – August 2026)

This programme connects participants with both academic and industry mentors, creating a supportive environment for career growth and professional development.

Participants can:

Build meaningful professional relationships
Receive personalised career guidance
Expand their academic and industry networks
Gain insights into career pathways in environmental research

It is also open to professionals who want to mentor and support the next generation.

2. Equator Research School (29 June – 3 July 2026)

Held at Sheffield Hallam University, this intensive programme is designed to prepare participants for advanced research pathways.

Participants will:

Learn how to access and succeed in PhD programmes
Develop skills in grant writing and research design
Engage with experts in environmental science
Build a strong academic and peer network

Who Should Apply

The programme is ideal for:

Undergraduate and Master’s students interested in pursuing a PhD
Postgraduate researchers and early career postdocs
Individuals looking to build careers in environmental research

Benefits

Fully funded participation
Access to academic and industry mentors
Practical training in research and grant writing
Opportunities to build long-term professional networks
Exposure to leading institutions and research communities

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Equator programme is more than just training, it is a targeted effort to create inclusive pathways into environmental research. By combining mentorship with practical learning, it helps participants gain the confidence, skills, and connections needed to thrive in academia and beyond.