Applications are now open for the 2027-2029 EDGE Fellowship.
The EDGE Fellowship supports early-career conservationists working to protect some of the world’s most evolutionarily distinct and globally threatened species. Through training, mentorship, funding and ongoing technical support, the Fellowship helps emerging conservation leaders develop and deliver locally led conservation projects for EDGE species.
The 2027 call will use a two-stage application process. Applicants should first submit an Expression of Interest using the form below. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to submit a full application.
Before you apply
Please download and check the 2026 EDGE species list for the 2027 Fellowship application before completing the Expression of Interest form.
* Species downlisted to NT or LC in the 2026.1 Red List (expected in June/July) will not be eligible for support under the fellowship
Your proposed project must focus on an eligible EDGE species included in the application list. Species in the list have been assigned an overall priority category of Higher, Medium, Lower or Ineligible based on programme-level considerations. Applications focused on Higher priority species are likely to be prioritised, but applications for Medium and Lower priority species are still welcome, provided applicants can clearly explain the conservation importance and local relevance of their proposed work.
Species classified as Ineligible are not included in the Expression of Interest form and are not eligible for the 2027 EDGE Fellowship call.
Who should apply?
We are looking for early-career conservationists who:
- are committed to leading conservation action for an eligible EDGE species;
- are nationals or long-term residents of the country where the project will take place with strong links to the specific region or landscape;
- can demonstrate the local conservation need for their proposed work;
- are ready to take part in training, mentoring and peer learning as part of the Fellowship;
- want to become part of a global network of EDGE Fellows working to protect extraordinary and overlooked species.
About the EDGE Fellowship
The EDGE Fellowship is a comprehensive capacity-sharing initiative designed to drive conservation action through strategic support to early-career conservationists from regions of high biodiversity importance. From 2027 each annual cohort will include at least 14 EDGE Fellows from countries outside the G12, EU, New Zealand, and South Korea.
The 28-month Fellowship equips participants with the skills, resources, and networks needed to deliver impactful conservation for Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. More than just a training programme, the EDGE Fellowship is an immersive leadership experience. It empowers emerging conservationists to take on leadership roles in their countries and regions. The fellowship is carefully designed to build real-world conservation skills: from designing and managing projects and budgets to communicating science, engaging communities, and implementing lasting conservation strategies.
Through the Fellowship, we aim to build a global network of highly skilled, locally grounded leaders who can spearhead conservation action where it is most needed and for species that receive the least attention.
The EDGE Fellowship is 28-months long and each EDGE Fellow can expect:
- Six-weeks of training in-person
- Support to develop a comprehensive project plan
- A grant of GBP 15,000 for project implementation
- Wraparound mentorship and professional development opportunities
Application timeline
| Stage | Date |
| Expression of Interest opens | Wednesday 13 May 2026 |
| Expression of Interest deadline | 17:00 BST Wednesday 10 June 2026 |
| Shortlisted applicants invited to submit full application | Wednesday 8 July 2026 |
| Full application deadline | 17:00 BST Wednesday 12 August 2026 |
| Interviews and final selection | 14 September – 1 October 2026 |
| Shortlisted applicants notified of outcome | w/c 12 October 2026 |
| 2027 EDGE Fellowship Dates | January 2027 – May 2029 |
Apply
Please read the guidance carefully before submitting your Expression of Interest.
Questions about the application process can be sent to: EDGEFellowship@zsl.org