International Blue Carbon Institute Fellowship Application Process

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.

The IBCI Fellowship Program application and review process timeline is as follows:

• Applications are open from May 1 to June 30
• Fellows announcement in August

Evaluation Criteria

Score (out of 100)

Timeline for applications

The call for applications for the Blue Carbon Fellowship Program will be open from May 1 to June 30 2024. Fellows selected will be announced in August 2024.

To apply:

Step 1: please prepare the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae (PDF)
• Letter of recommendation from current employer (PDF)
• Download and complete application form (Microsoft Word .docx)
• Download and complete budget form (Microsoft Excel .xlsx)

Step 2: Once you have gathered and completed the documents outlined above, please upload the finalized documents via Microsoft OneDrive following these steps:

1. Please confirm that each file is final as you can not edit files after they are uploaded.
2. Upload via Microsoft OneDrive (does not require Microsoft account). 
3. Click the "Select Files" button.
4. Find the document on your device (this may be easier on your desktop computer). Click "Open".
5. If you didn't select all four files on the first step, please click "Add more files" and navigate to the next file you'd like to upload.
6. Input your first name and last name as they appear in your application.
7. Once you confirm all four files are selected, click "Upload."

If you have issues with OneDrive, please email the files directly to ibci@conservation.org.