The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Young Scientists Awards is one of the most prestigious global funding opportunities for emerging researchers working in ecology, biodiversity conservation, sustainability science, and environmental management. Established in 1989, this award is designed to empower young scientists to conduct field-based and interdisciplinary research that supports ecosystem conservation and sustainable development worldwide.

What is the UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Award?

The UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Awards is an international grant initiative under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which supports research in biosphere reserves around the world.

The award provides financial support of up to:

• USD $5,000 per research project

It is specifically designed to encourage young researchers to work on:

• Ecosystems and biodiversity conservation
• Natural resource management
• Climate change and environmental sustainability
• Human-environment interactions in biosphere reserves

A special component of the program also exists:

MAB Young Scientists Awards – Prince Albert I of Monaco

This supports research focusing on:

• Marine ecosystems
• Island environments
• Coastal biodiversity and sustainability

These areas are especially linked to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Eligibility Criteria for UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Awards

This section is crucial for understanding whether you qualify.

1. Age Requirement

• Applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application deadline.

2. Academic Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be engaged in scientific research or postgraduate studies
• Have a background in disciplines such as:
  • Environmental Science
  • Ecology
  • Biology
  • Geography
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Climate Science
  • Related interdisciplinary fields

3. Research Focus Requirement

Your research must:

• Be interdisciplinary
• Be conducted in or related to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• Contribute to:
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • UNESCO MAB Strategic Action Plans (including the Hangzhou Action Plan 2026–2035)

4. Geographic Eligibility (Countries & Regions)

The program is globally open, meaning:

Eligible Regions:

• Africa
• Asia
• Europe
• Latin America & Caribbean
• North America
• Oceania

Priority Group:

• Developing countries are strongly prioritized

Special Condition:

• Applicants from developed countries are eligible only in exceptional cases, or if collaborating with researchers from developing countries.

5. Institutional Endorsement Requirement

Applicants must:

• Be endorsed by a UNESCO MAB National Committee, OR
• In countries without one, by the National Commission for UNESCO

6. Research Timeline Requirement

• Funded research must be completed within 2 years

7. Financial Eligibility Conditions

• International travel is generally not covered
• Funds must be used strictly for research-related activities such as:
  • Fieldwork
  • Equipment
  • Data collection
  • Publication costs

Objectives of the UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Awards

The program is not just funding—it is designed to build the next generation of global environmental leaders.

Key objectives include:

1. Strengthening Global Environmental Research – Encouraging young scientists to conduct research in biosphere reserves that balance conservation and human development.

2. Promoting International Collaboration – Supporting comparative research across multiple countries and ecosystems.

3. Supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – All research must align with global sustainability priorities.

4. Encouraging Ocean and Coastal Science – Through the Monaco-supported track, marine and coastal research is strongly encouraged.

5. Building Future Scientific Leadership – The program aims to create a global network of young environmental researchers.

Fields of Study Accepted

Applicants from the following academic disciplines are encouraged:

• Ecology and Biodiversity Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Climate Change Studies
• Oceanography and Marine Science
• Forestry and Conservation Biology
• Geography and Geosciences
• Sustainable Development Studies
• Interdisciplinary Environmental Research

Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Prepare Research Proposal

Applicants must submit a clear and concise research proposal, including:

• Research objectives
• Methodology
• Expected outcomes
• Link to biosphere reserves

Step 2: Obtain National Endorsement

Applications must be approved by:

• UNESCO MAB National Committee OR
• National UNESCO Commission

Step 3: Complete Application Form

Forms are available in:

• English
• French

Step 4: Submit Before Deadline

All applications must be submitted before deadline.

Step 5: Selection and Award Notification

Selected candidates receive:

• Funding up to USD $5,000
• Recognition from UNESCO
• Opportunity to publish findings

Apply here

Deadline

7th May 2026

The UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Awards is considered one of the most influential early-career environmental research grants because it:

• Supports real-world field research
• Focuses on biodiversity hotspots
• Strengthens global climate science
• Builds international research networks
• Contributes directly to global sustainability policies

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