John G. Bene Fellowship 2026: Up to CA$30,000 for Graduate Research
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is inviting applications for the John G. Bene Fellowship 2026, a research funding opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents pursuing master’s or doctoral studies at Canadian universities.
Funded through the Bene Endowment Fund and IDRC, the fellowship supports graduate students conducting field research on forest, landscape and food systems in developing countries. Up to 10 awards are available, with each award providing a maximum of CA$30,000 to support eligible research expenses.
The fellowship is particularly suited to students whose academic interests combine environmental research with social sciences, including gender and inclusion, Indigenous knowledge, biodiversity conservation and the governance of natural resources.
The application deadline is 30 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
About the John G. Bene Fellowship
IDRC has supported graduate students undertaking international development research since 1982. The John G. Bene Fellowship, established through a bequest from the estate of John G. Bene, continues this work by supporting research that addresses development challenges in countries of the Global South.
The 2026 call focuses on practical field research related to integrated forest, landscape and food systems restoration and management. Research may address difficult environments, including fire-prone, degraded or disputed landscapes.
The programme seeks to strengthen understanding of how nature-based solutions can improve the resilience of communities facing environmental and development challenges.
Research Areas
Applicants should have an academic background that connects environmental or ecological interests with a social sciences perspective.
Relevant research areas include:
- Forest and landscape management, restoration and forestry.
- Agroforestry and sustainable food systems.
- Environmental science and ecology.
- Gender equality, inclusion and community participation.
- Indigenous knowledge and science.
- Biodiversity conservation.
- Governance of nature and natural resources.
- Climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.
The fellowship emphasises research that explores the relationship between climate, food systems and inclusion. Proposed projects should consider how integrated approaches can support smallholder farmers and forest or agroforest communities.
Research focused on genomics or genetic modification is not eligible under this call.
Fellowship Funding and Duration
The John G. Bene Fellowship offers the following support:
- Maximum award: CA$30,000 per recipient.
- Number of awards: Up to 10.
- Duration: 10 weeks to 12 months.
- Funding sources: Bene Endowment Fund and IDRC.
- Research location: One or more countries in the Global South.
The award supports eligible field research undertaken as part of a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation at a Canadian university.
Applicants should consult the detailed call document for the specific expenses covered and any additional funding conditions. The published summary does not provide a complete breakdown of eligible costs.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada who are pursuing master’s or doctoral studies at a Canadian university.
Eligible applicants must propose field research connected to their graduate thesis or dissertation and conducted in one or more countries of the Global South.
Candidates should have relevant academic interests spanning forests, landscapes, environmental issues, ecology or food systems, alongside social science perspectives.
Research proposals should demonstrate a clear development focus, particularly how the proposed work could benefit less privileged communities in developing countries.
Students interested in this opportunity should review the full eligibility requirements before applying, as the published summary refers applicants to the detailed call document for additional conditions.
Priority Research Themes
The fellowship supports practical research into gender-responsive and integrated approaches to forest, landscape and food systems restoration.
Projects may explore nature-based solutions that help communities adapt to climate pressures, improve food-system resilience and strengthen the sustainable management of natural resources.
Particular attention is given to potential benefits for smallholder farmers, women, young people and Indigenous communities.
Applicants may also consider aligning their proposals with IDRC’s REVIVE Initiative, which focuses on post-fire forest and landscape restoration and food-system transformation. Proposals connected to this initiative are welcomed, although applicants should review the official guidance to understand the relevant research priorities.
How to Apply
Applicants should begin by reviewing the official fellowship announcement, detailed call for proposals and frequently asked questions.
Applications are submitted through SurveyMonkey Apply. Candidates who do not already have an account will need to create one before proceeding.
Follow these steps:
- Read the detailed eligibility requirements.
- Develop a research proposal that meets the fellowship’s objectives.
- Confirm that the proposed field research will be conducted in one or more countries of the Global South.
- Review the required application materials and funding conditions.
- Create or access your SurveyMonkey Apply account.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Application deadline: 30 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Final Thoughts
The John G. Bene Fellowship 2026 offers graduate researchers an opportunity to obtain financial support for field research addressing environmental and development challenges in the Global South.
With awards of up to CA$30,000, the programme is particularly relevant to Canadian master’s and doctoral students exploring sustainable forest management, agroforestry, biodiversity, climate resilience and inclusive food systems.
Eligible candidates should review the full call requirements and prepare their applications before the November deadline.
