Overview The Caroline Goldman Cassagnol Fellowship supports sustained, high-impact conservation leadership by investing in individuals working at the intersection of research, education, and practice. Established within the WWF Russell E. Train Education for Nature (EFN) Program Endowment, the fellowship reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening conservation capacity worldwide. At a time when biodiversity faces escalating threats, conservation and sustainable development efforts require more than short-term interventions. Effective responses must integrate: Local and traditional knowledge systems Research-driven innovation Education and training Institutional strengthening Inclusive stakeholder engagement The Cassagnol Fellowship builds on three decades of EFN experience, recognising that investing in conservation leaders within their home institutions fosters durable, locally anchored solutions and sustains the next generation of environmental leadership. Fellowship Purpose The fellowship is designed to: Strengthen conservation research and academic leadership Support capacity development for emerging conservation professionals Enhance institutional resilience in biodiversity conservation Promote inclusive and sustainable development approaches By supporting scholars embedded in universities, research centres, and conservation organisations, the programme ensures long-term co-development, collaboration, and measurable conservation outcomes. Eligibility Criteria The fellowship is open to EFN alumni who intend to continue or return to work in: Higher education Academic research Conservation science Outreach and professional training Applicants must: Hold a PhD or Master’s degree in a conservation-focused discipline Have completed their degree (preference for completion within the past five years) Currently hold an academic or research appointment valid throughout the 12-month fellowship Provide institutional support for the fellowship period Identify a primary research mentor and a second mentor at their home institution Submit letters of recommendation from both mentors Preference is given to applicants who have received EFN support within the past five years. Focus Areas Proposals must demonstrate engagement with diverse groups and sectors, with emphasis on: Skills Development and Standards Practical, hands-on approaches Case studies addressing environmental and social risks Strategies to integrate conservation with sustainable development Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement Gender mainstreaming Inclusion of local and Indigenous communities Cross-sector collaboration Professional Network Building Strengthening partnerships with local associations Collaboration with conservation professionals, environmental journalists, planners, and legal experts Regional and interdisciplinary information exchange Institutional Capacity Strengthening Addressing conservation-development trade-offs Enhancing expertise to improve livelihoods Managing cumulative environmental impacts The fellowship prioritises initiatives that bridge biodiversity conservation and development challenges in measurable and inclusive ways. Selection Criteria Fellowship recipients are selected through a competitive review process. Applications are evaluated based on: Academic Excellence Strong doctoral or master’s-level achievement Active conservation research and capacity development Quality of Proposal Innovation and relevance Clear rationale and feasibility Realistic and well-structured budget Impact Potential Short- and long-term outcomes Contribution to emerging conservation leaders Broader influence beyond the fellowship period Leadership and Inclusivity Demonstrated commitment to conservation Evidence of inclusive practice Measurability Clearly defined outputs and outcomes Collaborative Strength Defined stakeholder roles Strong partnerships Recommendation Letters Evidence of institutional and mentor support Application Timeline April 15, 2026: Application deadline April–June 2026: Selection process July 2026: Notification of successful applicants August–September 2026: Contracts signed and grants issued All applications must be submitted through the official portal before the deadline. For inquiries, applicants may contact: efn@wwfus.org Fellowship Legacy The Cassagnol Fellowship was established by Professor Robert Kogod Goldman in memory of his sister, Caroline Goldman Cassagnol. The endowment honours her lifelong dedication to wildlife protection and habitat conservation. The fellowship reflects a central principle: investing in people creates exponential impact. By empowering local conservation champions to lead research, mentor emerging professionals, and strengthen institutions, the programme ensures lasting environmental outcomes. Through sustained financial and institutional support, the fellowship advances: Habitat restoration Wildlife conservation Leadership development Knowledge co-creation Regional and international collaboration The Caroline Goldman Cassagnol Fellowship stands as a strategic investment in conservation leaders whose work will shape biodiversity protection for generations to come. VIEW THE CALL FOR APPLICATION HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.