Application Volume: 2,600 applicants
Deadline for Submission: 11 January 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 edition of the CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship Programme. The Climate, Food and Farming, Global Research Alliance Development Scholarships (CLIFF-GRADS) Programme represents a collaborative effort between the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA), the Global Methane Hub, and the CGIAR Climate Action Program. This fellowship aims to strengthen the research skills of early-career scientists from developing nations, enabling them to engage in applied scientific studies focused on the measurement, modelling, and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions within agricultural systems.
The CLIFF-GRADS Programme is inviting doctoral candidates enrolled in universities located in developing countries to apply for short-term scientific training and research opportunities lasting between four to six months. These projects emphasize work related to quantifying and reducing greenhouse gas emissions or enhancing carbon sequestration in agricultural contexts that are pertinent to developing countries. Additionally, research themes that contribute to improving food security are particularly encouraged.
Who is Eligible?
- Applicants must be nationals of developing countries.
- They should be currently pursuing a PhD at a university based in a developing country.
- Previous recipients of a CLIFF-GRADS grant are ineligible to reapply.
Priority will be given to applicants who seek placements outside their home country or their current country of study. This approach aims to foster international collaboration and expand global research networks among early-career scientists through the fellowship.
How to Apply
Interested candidates need to complete the CLIFF-GRADS Round 7 online application form and compile the required supporting documents into a single PDF file. It is imperative that all submissions be in English, as applications in other languages will not be considered. The application package should include:
- A one-page motivation letter explaining the applicant’s interest and objectives in joining the programme.
- A one-page academic curriculum vitae (CV) or resume that includes current contact information.
- A letter of endorsement from the applicant’s PhD supervisor at their current university.
Selection Process
The selection committee will evaluate applicants based on the following criteria:
- The overall level of research experience demonstrated by the candidate.
- The relevance of the applicant’s PhD research topic or prior research work to the objectives of the CLIFF-GRADS Programme.
- The clarity with which the applicant describes how participating in CLIFF-GRADS will enhance their scientific skills and contribute to their future career development.
Successful candidates will be carefully matched to projects aligned with their research interests and notified by email by Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
Additional Information
For further details about the fellowship programme, application instructions, and updates, prospective applicants are encouraged to Visit the Official Webpage of the CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship Programme.
