Forge Your Legacy: The 2026 CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship Awaits Tomorrow’s Climate Science Leaders

 

 Forge Your Legacy: The 2026 CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship Awaits Tomorrow’s Climate Science Leaders

A Call to the Architects of Sustainable Food Systems

The defining challenge of our generation unfolds at the intersection of climate change and global food security. As the world seeks solutions, a critical question emerges: who will possess the advanced skills to measure, model, and mitigate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions for a hungry planet? The answer lies in empowering the brilliant scientific minds of developing nations—where the impacts are most acute, and the potential for transformation is greatest. Applications are now open for the 2026 CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship Programme, a prestigious and transformative opportunity designed not just to fund research but to catalyse careers and build the global network of experts our future demands.

Beyond a Fellowship: A Launchpad for Global Impact

CLIFF-GRADS (Climate, Food, and Farming Global Research Alliance Development Scholarships) is a powerful alliance of leading global institutions, including the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA), the Global Methane Hub, and the CGIAR Climate Action Program. This consortium represents the forefront of climate-smart agricultural science. We are seeking ambitious PhD students from developing countries who are ready to take a step onto the international stage. This is not merely a grant; it is an invitation to:

Accelerate Your Research: Gain 4-6 months of fully-funded, hands-on scientific training at a world-class research institution.

Master Critical Skills: Immerse yourself in cutting-edge techniques for the quantification and mitigation of greenhouse gases (like methane and nitrous oxide) or carbon storage in agricultural systems.

Forge Lifelong Connections: Become part of an elite, global cohort of scientists and mentors. Preference is given to applicants seeking opportunities outside their home country, deliberately fostering the international collaborations that spark innovation.

Return Home Empowered: Translate your newfound expertise into actionable solutions that enhance resilience, food security, and sustainability in your home region.

Are You Our Next Fellow?

We seek the dedicated, the curious, and the driven. To be eligible, you must:

Be a citizen of a developing country.

Be currently enrolled in a PhD programme at a university in a developing country.

Have not previously received a CLIFF-GRADS grant.

Possess a research vision that aligns with our mission to build scientific capacity in agricultural climate action.

Your Pathway to Selection: Demonstrate Your Vision

The selection committee looks for future leaders. Your application is your platform to convince us of your potential. We evaluate based on:

The Calibre of Your Research Experience: Show us the depth and rigour of your academic journey so far.

The Relevance of Your Research: How does your PhD thesis or past work directly contribute to quantifying or mitigating agricultural emissions in developing country contexts? Make the connection clear.

The Clarity of Your Purpose: Articulate with precision how this fellowship will be a watershed moment for your capabilities and your long-term career trajectory. How will you use this experience to become a more effective scientist for your country and the world?

How to Apply: Your Blueprint for Submission

Prepare to present your candidacy with clarity and conviction. All applications must be submitted in English via the CLIFF-GRADS Round 7 online application form by the deadline: 11 January 2026.

Your application packet, merged into a single PDF file, must include:

A 1-Page Motivation Letter: This is your narrative. Go beyond your CV—tell us your story, your passion for climate-smart agriculture, and why this fellowship is the essential next step for your impact.

A 1-Page Academic CV/Resume: A concise showcase of your academic achievements, publications, and contact details.

A Letter of Support from Your PhD Supervisor: This external validation underscores your readiness and the alignment of this opportunity with your doctoral work.

Successful applicants will be meticulously matched with a host project that complements their research and will be notified via email by 21 April 2026.

Step Into Your Future

This is more than an application; it is an investment in your potential to shape a sustainable future. The CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship provides the resources, network, and platform to elevate your research from a doctoral project to a cornerstone of global climate action.

Application Deadline: 11 January 2026

Do not let this opportunity pass. Forge your legacy.

For complete details and to begin your application, visit the Official CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship Programme Webpage.

Share this transformative opportunity with a future leader in climate science!