Deadline: March 31, 2026
The A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme is a prestigious opportunity designed to support African professionals working in biodiversity conservation. Hosted by the Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, the programme provides conservation practitioners and researchers with the chance to collaborate with leading academics, expand their expertise, and strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts across Africa.
The A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world conservation practice. Through intensive training, networking, and collaborative research opportunities, fellows gain access to Oxford’s world-class research environment and resources.
Each year, the programme hosts a small number of selected fellows who spend time at Oxford developing new conservation strategies, analysing research data, and building international collaborations that contribute to sustainable biodiversity conservation in Africa.
Overview of the A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme
The fellowship was launched in September 2021 and is run by Professor E. J. Milner-Gulland, Tasso Leventis Professor of Biodiversity in the Department of Biology, alongside her team at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science.
The programme provides a unique opportunity for professionals from NGOs, government agencies, businesses, and academic institutions who are actively working in biodiversity conservation. It enables participants to collaborate with Oxford researchers, attend training programmes, and develop innovative ideas that can enhance conservation practices in their home countries.
Through this fellowship, participants spend up to three months at Oxford, where they can attend training courses, network with global experts, write research papers, and develop collaborative conservation initiatives.
Beyond the in-person experience in Oxford, the programme also offers remote training, mentoring, and networking opportunities before and after the visit, ensuring fellows receive continued support and long-term collaboration opportunities.
Only three fellows are selected each year, making the programme highly competitive and prestigious.
Objectives of the A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme
The programme focuses on three core objectives aimed at strengthening biodiversity conservation across Africa.
1. Strengthening Conservation Capacity in Africa
The fellowship supports conservation practitioners working in NGOs, government agencies, and private organisations developing biodiversity strategies. By providing access to advanced training and research resources, the programme enhances participants’ professional capabilities and enables them to contribute more effectively to conservation initiatives in their home countries.
2. Connecting Research with Real-World Conservation Challenges
Another important objective is to ensure that academic research at Oxford is informed by practical conservation challenges faced on the ground. Fellows bring real-world conservation experiences to the university environment, helping shape research that directly addresses biodiversity issues in Africa.
3. Building Long-Term International Collaborations
The programme fosters strong partnerships between African conservation practitioners and Oxford researchers. These long-term collaborations create opportunities for joint research, policy development, and conservation initiatives that continue long after the fellowship has ended.
What Fellows Can Expect During the Programme
Participants in the A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme experience an immersive academic and professional environment designed to strengthen their knowledge and expand their networks.
During the fellowship, participants may:
- Attend specialised training courses and workshops
- Analyse and publish research datasets
- Develop conservation strategies and policy ideas
- Write academic papers and grant proposals
- Participate in seminars and knowledge-sharing events
- Collaborate with Oxford researchers and students
- Build international networks in biodiversity conservation
Fellows are also paired with an Oxford academic mentor who works closely with them on their project throughout their stay. In addition, early-career researchers may act as “buddies,” providing both academic and practical support during the fellowship.
This mentoring system ensures fellows receive guidance on research development while also helping them adapt to the academic and cultural environment at Oxford.
Cultural and Networking Opportunities
The programme is designed to offer more than academic development. Fellows are also introduced to the cultural and social environment of Oxford and the United Kingdom.
Participants may have opportunities to:
- Visit museums and historic colleges in Oxford
- Participate in traditional college events
- Attend academic talks and seminars
- Engage in cultural activities and excursions
- Network with scholars from around the world
These experiences contribute to building lasting friendships and professional relationships that extend beyond the fellowship period.
Fellowship Duration
Successful applicants typically spend up to three months in Oxford, usually between spring and early summer.
Fellows generally arrive in April, although the exact timing may depend on visa processing and travel arrangements.
The programme maintains flexibility in scheduling to accommodate visa timelines and other logistical considerations.
Fellowship Funding and Benefits
The A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme is fully funded, ensuring that fellows can focus entirely on their professional development and research activities.
Funding typically covers:
- International flights to and from the United Kingdom
- Visa application costs
- Accommodation in Oxford
- A daily allowance for food and local transportation
- Access to training programmes and seminars
- Mentorship from Oxford academics
- Networking opportunities with global conservation experts
These benefits make the programme accessible to professionals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to spend time working at one of the world’s leading research universities.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is open to professionals working in biodiversity conservation across Africa.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Staff members of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on conservation projects
- Government officials involved in conservation policy development
- Professionals from businesses implementing biodiversity strategies
- Academic researchers working on biodiversity and conservation science
The programme welcomes both senior professionals and early-career practitioners.
Senior professionals may use the fellowship to step away temporarily from their organisational responsibilities and focus on developing new conservation strategies or partnerships.
Early-career professionals may benefit from the academic environment, gaining new research skills, analysing datasets, and building international collaborations.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be African nationals
- Applicants should be actively working in biodiversity conservation or a related field
- Applicants should demonstrate how the fellowship will support their career development and conservation impact
- Applicants should be able to collaborate with researchers and contribute to conservation initiatives during the programme
The fellowship is designed specifically for professionals who are committed to advancing biodiversity conservation across Africa.
Previous Achievements and Impact
The programme has already contributed to significant research outputs and conservation achievements.
Participants from previous biodiversity fellowship schemes have:
- Presented at international conservation conferences
- Published research papers in leading scientific journals
- Developed collaborative conservation initiatives
- Secured research grants and academic scholarships
- Advanced their careers in conservation leadership
Some fellows have also gone on to pursue advanced academic programmes or receive prestigious conservation awards following their fellowship experience.
Application Timeline
Applications for the fellowship typically open annually.
For upcoming cycles:
- Applications for 2027 fellowships are expected to open in early 2026
Interested applicants should monitor the official programme page for updates regarding the application form and deadlines.
Because the programme selects only a small number of fellows each year, applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials early and ensure their proposals clearly demonstrate their conservation impact and goals.
Why You Should Apply for the A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme
The A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme is one of the most valuable opportunities available to African conservation professionals.
By participating in the programme, fellows gain access to:
- A world-class research environment at Oxford
- Advanced training and academic mentorship
- Global networking opportunities
- The ability to develop impactful conservation strategies
- Long-term international research collaborations
For professionals dedicated to protecting biodiversity and addressing environmental challenges in Africa, the fellowship offers a transformative platform for professional growth and global engagement.
Final Thoughts
The A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme continues to play an important role in strengthening conservation capacity across Africa. By bringing together practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, the programme fosters innovative solutions to biodiversity challenges and promotes sustainable environmental management.
Through training, mentorship, and international collaboration, fellows gain the tools and networks needed to make lasting contributions to conservation efforts in their home countries.
Application Links
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