Deadline: January 15, 2026
The CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship Program 2025 (Climate, Food and Farming – Global Research Alliance Development Scholarships) is a prestigious international initiative designed to empower early-career scientists from developing countries. The program focuses on advancing research and innovation in climate-smart agriculture, greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, and sustainable food systems.
Jointly organized by the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA), the CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship provides invaluable opportunities for graduate and PhD students to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge agricultural and environmental research across the globe.
The main objective of this fellowship is to strengthen scientific capacity in developing nations by providing emerging researchers with access to international expertise, modern equipment, and advanced research environments that enable impactful contributions to global climate action.
What the CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship Program Supports
The CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship Program 2025 supports short-term research placements (typically lasting between 4 to 6 months) at host institutions around the world. These placements allow selected fellows to participate in advanced training and applied research on key topics such as:
- Measurement, modeling, and mitigation of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions
- Soil carbon sequestration and management
- Livestock emissions and sustainable ruminant production
- Greenhouse gas emissions from rice and paddy systems
- Climate-smart cropping systems and agroforestry
During the fellowship, participants receive training in advanced methodologies such as:
- Remote sensing for agricultural monitoring
- Greenhouse gas emissions measurement and data analysis
- Soil carbon assessment and laboratory techniques
- Rumen microbiology and livestock emission modeling
- Survey design, field experimentation, and data modeling
These skill-building opportunities help fellows develop strong scientific foundations while contributing to real-world agricultural and environmental challenges.
Who Can Apply for CLIFF-GRADS
The program is open to graduate and PhD students from developing countries or low- and middle-income nations who are pursuing research related to climate change, agriculture, or environmental science.
Since its inception in 2017, CLIFF-GRADS has supported over 200 students from more than 40 countries, primarily across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These fellows have conducted research across a range of agricultural systems and topics, all contributing to the broader mission of improving food security while reducing global agricultural emissions.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled in a graduate or PhD program in a relevant field.
- Be a citizen of a developing country.
- Have a strong research interest in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, climate mitigation, or carbon storage.
- Demonstrate commitment to advancing climate-smart agricultural practices in their home region.
Fellowship Benefits
Each selected fellow receives a grant award of approximately USD $10,000–$12,000, which covers living costs, travel expenses, and research-related expenses during the 4–6 month placement.
Beyond financial support, the CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship offers participants the chance to:
- Conduct research in globally recognized institutions.
- Collaborate with top agricultural scientists and climate researchers.
- Gain access to advanced laboratory and field research facilities.
- Build international professional networks.
- Strengthen their capacity to design and implement climate-smart agricultural solutions.
These experiences enable fellows to contribute effectively to the sustainable transformation of agriculture in their home countries, ensuring long-term impact beyond the fellowship duration.
The Global Impact of CLIFF-GRADS
Agriculture contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions but also holds great potential for climate change mitigation through improved management practices and carbon sequestration. The CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship Program 2025 plays a vital role in developing local expertise and fostering innovation in agricultural systems to tackle climate change at its roots.
By equipping early-career researchers with practical knowledge, technical skills, and scientific collaboration opportunities, the program ensures that developing nations have the capacity to lead context-specific, data-driven climate actions.
CLIFF-GRADS alumni often continue to contribute to global climate and food system initiatives, influencing policy, research, and sustainable development goals in their regions.
How to Apply for the CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship Program 2025
Interested applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and prepare their research proposals in alignment with the program’s objectives. Applications typically require submission of:
- A completed online application form
- A detailed research proposal
- A statement of motivation
- Letters of recommendation from academic supervisors
- Proof of enrollment in a graduate or PhD program
Why You Should Apply
The CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship Program 2025 is a unique opportunity for emerging scientists from developing countries to gain exposure, build technical expertise, and become part of an international network working toward climate-resilient agriculture. By participating, fellows contribute to shaping a sustainable future while advancing their academic and professional careers.
Application Links
👉 Apply for the CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship Program 2025
👉 Read More About the CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship Program
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