2026 Fellowship: Conservation Science Capacity and Leadership
Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Uganda
Global human wildlife conflicts are increasing as people and wildlife compete for resources in coupled human and natural systems globally. These conflicts can be costly human wellbeing and detrimental to the survival of wildlife. Strengthening scientific understanding of human-wildlife conflict through interdisciplinarity and collaboration is fundamental in collectively developing solutions to sustainably manage and reduce conflicts while promoting coexistence. For over three decades, WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) has endured its long-time legacy to provide financial support to local leaders and institutions to enhance their education, scientific research, and conservation actions to steward their own natural resources.
With support from Gerald A. & Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation, this master's fellowship aims to deliver on WWF’s long standing commitment in supporting conservation leaders and scientists to enhance capacity in-country. Applications are invited from individuals aiming to pursue graduate level studies (master's degree) with a research focus on developing solutions for human-elephant conflict that is triggered by elephant crop-raiding of agricultural lands around the northern border of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. The individual selected for this master's fellowship will join a research team led by Dr. Robert Montgomery, Associate Professor of Biodiversity and Sustainability at the University of Cumbria.
Applicants may apply for up to two years of funding and request up to $15,000 per year. Funding may be used to support tuition and fees, living expenses, books and materials, and research costs. Final award amounts will be determined based on the scope and needs of each proposal. Notifications of acceptance will be communicated in February 2027.
As a reminder: This application is for individuals applying for a fellowship opportunities to pursue a Masters degree.
Please see Full Guidelines here
The deadline to submit an application is December 15, 2026 by 11:59 PM U.S. ET. The deadline to submit an application is December 15, 2026 by 11:59 PM U.S. ET.