Selection Criteria
1. Blue Carbon scientists and practitioners from underserved communities
The IBCI fosters a diverse and inclusive scientific community that reflects a broad range of perspectives and experiences. To achieve this goal, we actively encourage blue carbon scientists and practitioners from underserved communities to apply to the IBCI Fellowship. Blue carbon scientists and practitioners are individuals who have completed a master’s degree or PhD in the past 5 years and are actively engaged in scientific research, teaching, direct application of science, or other related activities. Underserved communities may include, but are not limited to, those facing economic challenges, underrepresented geographic regions or are historically underrepresented in the scientific field.
2. Technical criteria for proposed project
The proposed work should be directly related to the advancement of blue carbon conservation and restoration globally. This might include:
- Advancing understanding of blue carbon ecosystems in priority geographies
- Developing techniques and/or tools for assessment and modeling of blue carbon
- Advancing social science, economics or other understudied aspects of blue carbon ecosystems
- Introducing blue carbon techniques and approaches to currently unserved regions
Multidisciplinary and collaborative projects are strongly encouraged.
3. Geographic representation
To ensure geographical representation we encourage applicants from all regions to apply, including from South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. Fellowship applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate how the work supported by the IBCI Fellowship will be impactful for on-the-ground activities and local communities in these regions.
4. Alignment with IBCI priorities
Fellowship applications should be aligned with one or more of the following IBCI priorities:
- Science & Innovation: Global leadership in the translation of innovative science into tools and methodologies for application of blue carbon for climate mitigation and adaptation.
- Capacity Development: Build multi-disciplinary capacity to research, design, implement and verify high-quality blue carbon programs and projects
- Networks & Partnerships: Build a global hub for the exchange of blue carbon expertise, knowledge, and learning among scientists, practitioners, policymakers
5. Potential impact at the local, national and regional level
Fellowship program proposals should outline the anticipated positive impact both in the short-term and long-term, that the prospective fellow will achieve at the local and/or regional level.
Selection Process
The IBCI Fellowship Selection Committee is comprised of Conservation International blue carbon technical experts, members of the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group, and other international blue carbon experts.
Candidate applications will be evaluated on their proposal materials, including technical program content, personal purpose statements and an interview with the selection committee.
Evaluation Criteria
Score (out of 100)
40%
Is the proposal clear and is the sequence of activities and the planning logical, realistic and promise efficient implementation to the project?
20%
Is the proposed work directly related to the advancement of blue carbon conservation and restoration globally?
20%
Is the proposal aligned with at least one of the core IBCI priorities: science and innovation, capacity development, networks and partnerships?
20%
Does the proposal clearly demonstrate the positive impact both in the short-term and long-term that the project will achieve at the local and/or regional level?
Timeline for applications
The IBCI Fellowship Program application and review process timeline is as follows:
- Applications are open from May 1 to June 30
- Fellows announcement in October, 2025