Deadline: Ongoing
The Blue Food Futures Research Grant Program 2026 is an exciting new funding initiative designed to advance global understanding of blue-food systems and their role in sustainable food security, climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and equitable development. As the inaugural edition of this programme, the Blue Food Futures Research Grant Program 2026 offers a unique opportunity for early-career researchers and practitioners to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes global policy and food-system transformation.
About the Blue Food Futures Programme
Blue Food Futures is a global research and policy initiative dedicated to elevating blue foods—fish, shellfish, aquatic plants, algae, and other edible species from marine and freshwater ecosystems—within the broader food-systems conversation. While terrestrial agriculture often dominates global food-system planning, blue foods play a critical yet underappreciated role in nutrition, livelihoods, and climate solutions.
The programme brings together researchers, practitioners, and policy leaders to strengthen evidence, inform decision making, and support sustainable, equitable and resilient transitions in aquatic-food systems worldwide.
Overview of the Research Grant 2026
The Research Grant supports innovative, policy-relevant studies with strong scientific grounding and practical application. It is ideal for early-career professionals seeking to deepen their expertise while contributing to a global agenda for food sustainability.
Grant Value and Duration
- Funding Amount: USD 10,000
- Additional Support: Travel support for fieldwork and policy engagement
- Duration: Six months
- Location: Research conducted at the applicant’s current institution
- Mentorship: Grantees work with world-class experts and participate in virtual global collaborations
Areas of Focus
Proposals are invited in themes such as:
1. Climate and Biodiversity Interactions
Research that explores how blue-food systems intersect with climate mitigation, climate adaptation, and biodiversity protection.
2. Sustainable and Equitable Blue-Food Transitions
Innovative solutions enabling blue-food systems to evolve sustainably while supporting fairness, resilience, and community wellbeing.
3. Small-Scale Fisheries and Global Trade
Studies on how small-scale fishers engage with global markets, and the nutritional, economic, and social consequences of such participation.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Early-career researchers or professionals from academic institutions, government bodies, NGOs, or the private sector
- PhD holders (within the last five years) or PhD candidates nearing completion
- Strong background and interest in areas such as:
- Food systems
- Climate resilience
- Biodiversity
- Aquatic-food production and governance
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within global research teams
- Willingness to engage in virtual meetings across different time zones
Required Application Documents
Applicants will need to submit:
- A comprehensive CV
- A cover letter detailing their research interest, academic and professional background, and motivation
- Contact information for three referees, including at least one from the applicant’s current institution
Why This Grant Matters
Blue foods are essential for global nutrition, especially in communities dependent on fish and aquatic plants for protein, micronutrients, and healthy dietary diversity. They also support millions of livelihoods across coastal and inland regions.
Yet, despite their importance, blue-food systems often remain underrepresented in global food-system policy and investment discussions. This grant aims to bridge that gap by:
- Supporting evidence-based research
- Highlighting blue foods in global food-system transformation
- Informing better policy development
- Strengthening inclusion, sustainability, and climate alignment
Who Should Apply
This grant is especially relevant for early-career individuals working in:
- Fisheries science
- Aquaculture
- Marine conservation
- Food-system research
- Climate/biodiversity policy
- Socioeconomic analysis of food systems
- International development related to nutrition or sustainability
It is a strong fit for researchers and practitioners in developing countries, where blue foods often have significant economic and nutritional importance.
Application Status
Applications are currently open, and interested individuals are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for document preparation and review.
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