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UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Awards

Last verified 21 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Awards support early-career researchers working on ecosystems, natural resources, and biodiversity, with a focus on interdisciplinary projects within biosphere reserves.

Provider
UNESCO
Host country
Multiple
Deadline
Expected May 7, 2027 (annual cycle)
Region
Africa

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
To be eligible, award applications must be made on the MAB Young Scientists Award application form (in English or French) and follow-up technical requirements stated there. The application must be endorsed by the applicant's MAB National Committee, which may endorse only two applications per year from applicants who are not older than 35 years of age (at the closing date of the application). Applicants from developed countries are eligible for Awards only in exceptional cases or if working in joint partnership with developing countries.
Funding
Up to US$5,000
Study level
Postdoc
Deadline
Expected May 7, 2027 (annual cycle)

Key eligibility criteria

  • To be eligible, award applications must be made on the MAB Young Scientists Award application form (in English or French) and follow-up technical requirements stated there. The application must be endorsed by the applicant's MAB National Committee, which may endorse only two applications per year from applicants who are not older than 35 years of age (at the closing date of the application). Applicants from developed countries are eligible for Awards only in exceptional cases or if working in joint partnership with developing countries.

Recorded funding information

  • Up to US$5,000

About the UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Awards (2026)

## Overview The UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Awards are designed to empower a new generation of scientists globally, fostering research that is critical for understanding and preserving our planet's ecosystems. This prestigious award supports early-career researchers engaged in projects focused on ecosystems, natural resources, and biodiversity. A key emphasis of the program is on interdisciplinary research conducted within UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves or potential Biosphere Reserves. For 2026, UNESCO will grant 11 awards, including dedicated awards for studies related to marine, island, and coastal environments. This initiative aligns with the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals, prioritizing projects that contribute to these global objectives. The awards aim to advance the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme by supporting innovative and impactful research. ## Benefits Successful applicants will receive a grant of up to US$5,000. This funding is intended to support research activities, with the expectation that projects are completed within two years. While the award provides significant financial support for research, it generally does not cover international travel expenses. ## Eligibility To be considered for the UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Awards, applicants must meet the following criteria: * **Age:** Must not be older than 35 years of age at the application deadline. * **Application Form:** Applications must be submitted using the official MAB Young Scientists Award application form, available in English or French, and adhere to all specified technical requirements. * **Endorsement:** The application must be formally endorsed by the applicant’s MAB National Committee. Each National Committee can endorse a maximum of two applications per year. * **Research Focus:** Projects should provide concise information on past and existing research to ensure originality and avoid duplication. Priority is given to interdisciplinary projects conducted within UNESCO Biosphere Reserves or potential Biosphere Reserves. Research should also contribute to the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals. * **Geographic Focus (for Developed Countries):** Applicants from developed countries are eligible only under exceptional circumstances or if their research is carried out in joint partnership with developing countries. ## Required documents The application process requires the submission of specific documents: * A completed MAB Young Scientists Award application form (in English or French). * An official endorsement from the applicant’s MAB National Committee. ## Application steps 1. **Complete the Application Form:** Fill out the MAB Young Scientists Award application form thoroughly in either English or French. 2. **Secure Endorsement:** Obtain formal endorsement from your respective MAB National Committee. This is a crucial step, as applications without this endorsement will not be considered. 3. **Submit Application:** Submit the endorsed application according to the instructions provided on the official grant page. Awardees are required to submit reports of their funded research to the MAB Secretariat in Paris and their MAB National Committees. They must also agree to UNESCO publishing the results of their research. ## Key dates * **Application Deadline:** May 7, 2026 * **Project Duration:** Research supported by the award should be completed within two years from the grant date. ## Selection criteria While specific selection criteria are not explicitly detailed beyond eligibility, the following points are highly prioritized: * **Relevance to MAB Programme:** The project

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Up to US$5,000

UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Awards eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • To be eligible, award applications must be made on the MAB Young Scientists Award application form (in English or French) and follow-up technical requirements stated there. The application must be endorsed by the applicant's MAB National Committee, which may endorse only two applications per year from applicants who are not older than 35 years of age (at the closing date of the application). Applicants from developed countries are eligible for Awards only in exceptional cases or if working in joint partnership with developing countries.

UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Awards document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Awards 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://unesco.org/en/mab/young-scientists to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: To be eligible, award applications must be made on the MAB Young Scientists Award application form (in English or French) and follow-up technical requirements stated there. The application must be endorsed by the applicant's MAB National Committee, which may endorse only two applications per year from applicants who are not older than 35 years of age (at the closing date of the application). Applicants from developed countries are eligible for Awards only in exceptional cases or if working in joint partnership with developing countries.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: Expected May 7, 2027 (annual cycle). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Awards deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: Expected May 7, 2027 (annual cycle). This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      Expected May 7, 2027 (annual cycle)

      Provider deadline information: Expected May 7, 2027 (annual cycle). Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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    Editorial verification note

    Imported from afterschoolafrica.com editorial listing.
    Last checked 5/21/2026

    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Awards?+

    To be eligible, award applications must be made on the MAB Young Scientists Award application form (in English or French) and follow-up technical requirements stated there. The application must be endorsed by the applicant's MAB National Committee, which may endorse only two applications per year from applicants who are not older than 35 years of age (at the closing date of the application). Applicants from developed countries are eligible for Awards only in exceptional cases or if working in joint partnership with developing countries.

    What funding does the UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Awards offer?+

    Listed funding: Up to US$5,000. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: Expected May 7, 2027 (annual cycle). Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://unesco.org/en/mab/young-scientists to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: To be eligible, award applications must be made on the MAB Young Scientists Award application form (in English or French) and follow-up technical requirements stated there. The application must be endorsed by the applicant's MAB National Committee, which may endorse only two applications per year from applicants who are not older than 35 years of age (at the closing date of the application). Applicants from developed countries are eligible for Awards only in exceptional cases or if working in joint partnership with developing countries.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Expected May 7, 2027 (annual cycle). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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