2027–2029 EDGE Fellowship: A Transformative Global Opportunity for Early‑Career Conservation Leaders

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has officially opened applications for the prestigious 2027–2029 EDGE Fellowship—one of the world’s most impactful capacity‑building programmes for early‑career conservationists dedicated to protecting Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. This fellowship is globally recognised for empowering emerging conservation leaders with the training, funding, and long‑term support needed to implement high‑impact, locally led conservation projects.

The 2027 call introduces a structured two‑stage application process, beginning with an Expression of Interest (EOI). Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to submit a full application. This approach ensures that applicants can clearly articulate their conservation vision while demonstrating the local relevance and urgency of their proposed work.

Understanding the EDGE Fellowship

The EDGE Fellowship is a comprehensive, 28‑month leadership and conservation training programme designed to strengthen conservation action in regions of high biodiversity importance. It supports early‑career conservationists who are committed to safeguarding species that are both evolutionarily unique and globally threatened—species that often receive limited attention despite their ecological significance.

From 2027 onward, each annual cohort will include at least 14 Fellows from countries outside the G12, the European Union, New Zealand, and South Korea. This ensures that conservation leadership is strengthened where it is most needed and where biodiversity loss is most acute.

The fellowship is not simply a training initiative—it is a transformative leadership journey. Fellows gain hands‑on experience in project design, community engagement, scientific communication, budgeting, and long‑term conservation strategy development. They also join a global network of conservation practitioners working to protect some of the world’s most extraordinary and overlooked species.

Eligibility of Species: Using the 2026 EDGE List

Applicants must propose a project focused on an eligible species listed in the 2026 EDGE Species List, which must be downloaded and reviewed before completing the Expression of Interest form.

Species are categorised into four priority levels:

1. Higher Priority
2. Medium Priority
3. Lower Priority
4. Ineligible

While Higher Priority species will receive the strongest consideration, applicants focusing on Medium or Lower Priority species are still encouraged to apply—provided they can clearly justify the conservation importance and local relevance of their proposed work.

Species classified as Ineligible do not appear in the EOI form and cannot be proposed for the 2027 Fellowship.

Note: Species downlisted to NT or LC in the 2026.1 Red List (expected June/July) will not be eligible.

Who Should Apply?

The EDGE Fellowship seeks early‑career conservationists who meet the following criteria:

• Individuals committed to leading conservation action for an eligible EDGE species.
• Nationals or long‑term residents of the country where the project will take place.
• Applicants with strong ties to the specific region or landscape of the proposed project.
• Conservationists who can demonstrate the local need and urgency of their proposed work.
• Individuals ready to participate fully in training, mentorship, and peer‑learning activities.
• Applicants who wish to join a global network of conservation leaders dedicated to protecting unique and threatened species.

What the Fellowship Offers

Each EDGE Fellow will receive a comprehensive package of support over the 28‑month programme, including:

• Six weeks of in‑person training
• Support to develop a detailed and actionable conservation project plan
• A project implementation grant of GBP 15,000
• Ongoing mentorship and professional development opportunities
• Access to a global network of conservation experts and peers

This combination of funding, training, and long‑term support ensures that Fellows are equipped to deliver meaningful, lasting conservation outcomes.

Application Timeline

The 2027–2029 EDGE Fellowship follows a structured timeline:

Applicants must:

1. Download and review the 2026 EDGE Species List.
2. Prepare their Expression of Interest with a clear focus on an eligible species.
3. Submit the EOI through the official online form before the deadline.

 

Apply here

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