Young researchers in West Africa have a chance to boost their skills and make a real difference in environmental work. The WACSI Research Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded six-month program from May to October 2026. This program helps emerging scholars build research abilities while focusing on civil society and biodiversity issues.
About WACSI
The West Africa Civil Society Institute, or WACSI, works to build up civil society groups in the region. It acts as a main center for training, research, policy talks, and sharing ideas. WACSI started this fellowship to find and train young researchers who can support both schools and community groups.
Fellowship Focus for 2026
This year’s program centers on indigenous knowledge in biodiversity and conservation. Fellows will study how civil society groups can use traditional community practices to improve environmental efforts and fight climate change. Indigenous knowledge includes time-tested ways of living, beliefs, and ideas passed down through generations. These can help with sustainable land use and building strength against climate threats. The work will link school research with real actions by groups in biodiversity fields.
Research Areas of Interest
Proposals should tie into biodiversity and conservation. Key topics include leadership in civil society groups, technology for growth, ways to raise funds, group sustainability, work systems, staff management, supportive settings for groups, community involvement, fair ties between local and global donors, and building group skills. Every idea must connect clearly to nature protection.
Who Can Apply
The fellowship targets young researchers from Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Nigeria, or Senegal. You need strong research skills, a topic linked to biodiversity, skill in English or French, and full commitment for six months. Staff from groups in biodiversity programs and independent researchers are welcome.
What Fellows Get
Selected participants receive a monthly stipend and research funds. They work with mentors for guidance. The program leads to published work like reports, policy papers, issue papers, op-eds, blog posts, or WACSeries items on WACSI’s known platform. Fellows gain better research skills, networks in civil society, and access to WACSI resources. They also reach regional and global audiences.
What Fellows Must Do
Fellows join WACSI research projects and write at least one publishable piece on best practices or cases in biodiversity. They also create one WACSeries publication.
Application Steps
Send these by email to [email protected] and [email protected]: a motivation letter with your time frame and theme, your CV, a one-page research outline with methods, a sample of your writing, and proof of past publications if you have them. The deadline is 1 May 2026. Check the full call for details in the official PDF.
Past fellows say the program built their confidence, sharpened research skills, and opened doors in policy and new topics like social investments. This fellowship connects school learning with community action to shape West Africa’s environmental future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WACSI Research Fellowship 2026?
It is a fully funded six-month program from May to October 2026 for young researchers in West Africa to build skills in civil society and biodiversity issues, focusing on indigenous knowledge for conservation.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Young researchers from Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Nigeria, or Senegal with strong research skills, English or French proficiency, and a biodiversity-related topic can apply, including staff from biodiversity groups and independent researchers.
What benefits do fellows receive?
Fellows get a monthly stipend, research funds, mentor guidance, published works, improved research skills, networks, and access to WACSI resources and audiences.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Email a motivation letter, CV, one-page research outline, writing sample, and proof of publications to [email protected] and [email protected] by May 1, 2026; check the official PDF for full details.
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