About the Fellowship
The EDGE Fellowship 2026 is a transformative opportunity for early-career conservationists to lead efforts in protecting some of the world’s most evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered species. Administered by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), this 28-month fellowship provides funding, in-person training, and continuous mentorship, enabling fellows to design and implement impactful conservation projects in their home countries. The programme empowers conservation leadership in biodiversity-rich regions where it’s needed most, aligning with global goals for sustainable ecosystems and species preservation. With its focus on hands-on fieldwork, project ownership, and collaboration with world-class conservationists, the EDGE Fellowship is more than a grant — it’s a career-defining platform for rising environmental leaders.
Fellowship / Details
- Position Title: EDGE Fellow
- Host Institution: Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
- Location: London, United Kingdom (training); project location in fellow’s home country
- Research Field(s): Biodiversity Conservation, Wildlife Ecology, Environmental Science, Endangered Species Research
- Fellowship Type: Full-time Fellowship Programme
- Level: Early-career
- Fellowship Duration: 28 months
- Expected Start Date: January 2026
- Working Hours: As per institutional and project norms
- Funding/Compensation: Minimum £10,000 project grant, travel to the UK for training, mentorship, and professional development support
- Required Degree/Diploma: A degree in biological sciences, environmental science, conservation, ecology, or a related field is expected.
Supported Research Fields / Areas
- Conservation Biology
- Wildlife Management
- Evolutionary Ecology
- Environmental Policy
- Species-specific Conservation
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- National of a country where the proposed EDGE species occurs
- Early-career conservationist with less than 10 years of paid conservation experience
- Project focused on an eligible EDGE species from the 2026 curated list
Preferred Qualifications:
- Fieldwork or research experience with threatened species
- Demonstrated commitment to biodiversity conservation
- Publication record or outreach experience is advantageous
Not Eligible:
- Nationals from G10 countries, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea are not prioritised for this call
Fellowship/Job Benefits
- Minimum £10,000 project grant
- All-expenses-paid four-week Conservation Tools Course and two-week advanced Conservation Impact Course in the UK
- Mentorship and coaching support from ZSL and its global network
- Assistance in budget planning and leveraging additional funding
- Professional development, fieldwork training, and networking
Key Responsibilities
- Design and lead a two-year conservation project targeting a selected EDGE species
- Participate in all mandatory training courses in the UK
- Collaborate with local and international conservation experts
- Deliver project outcomes, reports, and impact assessments
- Promote awareness and community engagement related to the EDGE species
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications are submitted in two stages via an online platform.
Submit an Expression of Interest
Required Documents:
- Online Expression of Interest form (Stage One)
- Full Application Form (if shortlisted)
- CV
- Project Proposal
- Letters of Recommendation
- Supporting documents (if required)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Now Open
- Deadline (EOI): 23:59 BST, 21 July 2025
- Full Applications Due: 23:59 BST, 01 September 2025
- Final Results Notification: October 2025
- Fellowship Start Date: January 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: EDGE of Existence :: Evolutionarily Distinct & Globally Endangered
- Official Fellowship Notification: EDGE Fellowship 2026 Call
- Apply Online Here: EDGE Fellowship Application
