Are you an early-career conservationist with a passion for protecting the planet’s most extraordinary and endangered wildlife? The EDGE of Existence Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications!
This impressive 28-month program offers emerging conservation leaders the opportunity to implement impactful projects targeting Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species — some of the world’s most remarkable yet threatened animals and plants.
Supported by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the EDGE Fellowship equips fellows with funding, in-depth training, mentorship, and professional development support to drive conservation in regions where it’s most urgently needed.
Summary Table: EDGE Fellowship 2026
| Program Element | Details |
| Fellowship Duration | 28 months (January 2026 – May 2028) |
| Fellowship Grant | Minimum of £10,000 for project implementation |
| Training | 6 weeks total: 4-week Conservation Tools Course + 2-week Impact Course in UK |
| Eligibility | Early-career conservationists working on listed EDGE species in eligible countries |
| Key Dates | Expression of Interest: 21 July 2025 Full Application: 01 September 2025 |
| Application Process | Two stages: Expression of Interest & Full Proposal |
| Fellowship Regions | Global (priority to projects outside G10, EU, Australia, NZ, South Korea) |
| Mentorship & Support | Ongoing mentorship, training, and coaching through ZSL & partners |
What is the EDGE Fellowship?
The EDGE Fellowship is a unique leadership development initiative tailored for conservationists at the early stages of their careers.
Spanning over two years, it enables fellows to lead critical conservation projects targeting species on the EDGE Species List — those that are both evolutionarily distinct and facing a high risk of extinction.
Fellowship Benefits
- Comprehensive Training: Fellows attend a four-week Conservation Tools Course and an advanced two-week Conservation Impact Course in the UK.
- Project Funding: Each fellow receives a minimum grant of £10,000 to implement their conservation project.
- Professional Development: The program offers skills development, project management support, and personalized coaching.
- Mentorship: Fellows are paired with experienced conservation professionals from ZSL and partner organizations for guidance throughout the fellowship.
- Funding Support: Access to dedicated mentorship for identifying and applying to additional funding sources.
How to Apply for the EDGE Fellowship 2026
The application process for the EDGE Fellowship consists of two stages:
Stage One: Expression of Interest
- Submit a brief online form by 23:59 (BST) on 21 July 2025.
- Your project must be based on a species from the official 2026 EDGE Species List.
- Download the eligible species list
- Submit your Expression of Interest
Stage Two: Full Proposal
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a detailed project proposal along with supporting documents.
- The deadline for full applications is 01 September 2025.
For more details about the application and other information about the fellowship visit the official page here.
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to apply if:
- You are a national of the country where the proposed EDGE species occurs.
- You are an early-career conservationist with less than 10 years of paid experience in the field.
- Your work focuses on a species listed on the EDGE List for 2026.
Key Fellowship Dates
| Milestone | Deadline / Timeline |
| Expression of Interest Deadline | 21 July 2025 (23:59 BST) |
| Full Proposal Deadline | 01 September 2025 (23:59 BST) |
| Fellowships Awarded | October 2025 |
| Fellowship Commences | January 2026 |
| Fellowship Completion | May 2028 |
Focus Regions and Priority
Although the EDGE Fellowship is open to applicants globally, priority is given to projects based outside of the following regions:
- G10 countries
- European Union member states
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Korea
This ensures conservation leadership is developed in biodiversity-rich areas where resources are often limited.
FAQs
1. What is the EDGE Fellowship 2026?
The EDGE Fellowship 2026 is a 28‑month programme run by ZSL’s EDGE of Existence. It supports early-career conservationists—including grant funding, training, and mentorship—to design and implement species-focused conservation projects for Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be early‑career conservationists with fewer than 10 years of paid experience.
- Be a national (or resident) of a country where the EDGE species occurs, prioritizing those outside the G10, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea.
What support and benefits does the Fellowship provide?
Fellows receive:
- A grant of at least £10,000 for project implementation.
- Six weeks of in‑person training in the UK, split into a four‑week Conservation Tools Course and a two‑week Conservation Impact Course.
- Continuous mentorship, coaching, and training during the 28‑month programme
What is the application process and timeline?
- Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) – submit a short online form by 23:59 BST on 21 July 2025.
- Stage 2: Full application – shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a detailed proposal by 1 September 2025.
Final selection will be in October 2025, with the Fellowship running from January 2026 to May 2028
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