About the Fellowship
The Baldwin Fellowship at The Leakey Foundation provides fully funded support for graduate students from countries with limited opportunities in human origins research, including paleoanthropology, primatology, and evolutionary anthropology. This fellowship enables scholars pursuing MA, MS, or PhD degrees to cover tuition, travel, living expenses, insurance, and study materials while gaining access to mentoring, professional networks, and institutional collaboration. The programme encourages interdisciplinary learning, international academic mobility, and sustainable scientific leadership by supporting fellows to return to their home countries and contribute to local research capacity. Funding is awarded for up to two years, focusing on educational development rather than specific research projects, and requires guidance from both home and host sponsors. By investing in the next generation of researchers, the Baldwin Fellowship advances global knowledge in human evolution and primate studies while strengthening connections between institutions and fostering careers in human origins research.
Fellowship Details
- Position Title: Baldwin Fellowship
- Host Institution: The Leakey Foundation
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: The Leakey Foundation
- Location: San Francisco, California, USA
- Research Field(s): Human origins, paleoanthropology, primatology, human evolution
- Fellowship Type: Graduate Fellowship
- Level: Early-career / Graduate
- Fellowship Duration: Up to 2 years
- Expected Start Date: Not specified by the foundation
- Working Hours: As per host university programme requirements
- Funding/Compensation: Up to USD $15,000 per year
- Required Degree/Diploma: Admission to or enrolment in an MA, MS, or PhD programme
Supported Research Fields / Areas
- Human evolution and origins research
- Primate behaviour and biology
- Paleoanthropology and fossil studies
- Evolutionary anthropology and related disciplines
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Acceptance to or enrolment in a graduate programme related to human origins research
- Citizenship in a country with limited access to advanced training in relevant fields
- Commitment to return and work in the home country after completing studies
- Support from both a Home Sponsor and a Host Sponsor
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong academic background in evolutionary sciences
- Commitment to long-term research development in the home region
Not Eligible:
Applicants seeking funding solely for independent research projects without degree enrolment
Fellowship Benefits
- Annual funding of up to $15,000 for educational expenses
- Support for tuition, travel, living costs, insurance, and study materials
- Access to professional mentoring and global academic networks
- Institutional collaboration between home and host universities
Key Responsibilities
- Pursue full-time graduate study in an approved human origins field
- Engage with academic mentors and institutional training opportunities
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress during the fellowship period
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Submit the application through The Leakey Foundation’s official online portal
- Prepare all required supporting documents before submission
- Ensure the application is completed before the relevant deadline
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic transcripts and programme acceptance proof
- Sponsor statements or institutional endorsements
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Annually (dates announced by the foundation)
- Deadline: 15 February for new applicants; 1 March for returning fellows
- Fellowship Start Date: בהתאם to the university academic calendar
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: The Leakey Foundation
- Official Fellowship Notification: Click here
- Apply Online Here: Leakey Foundation Application Portal
Contact for Queries: grants@leakeyfoundation.org
