Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation (OGRC) has opened applications for its annual Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research Grant.
This prestigious grant provides early-career African scientists with the resources to pioneer transformative solutions that will shape the future of sustainability, biodiversity, and conservation. Now in its seventh year, the JWO Research Grant continues to champion environmental research on the African continent and is seeking applications from visionary scientists whose work will bring clarity, innovation, and sustainable solutions to Africa’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Upon opening applications, Dr. Duncan MacFadyen, Head of Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation, noted:
“This is a unique award which addresses an important gap in the development of young African scientists. Whilst annually, there can be only one winner, we would encourage those who have previously applied to the JWO Grant to apply again. We are confident that the winning contributions will continue to not only enhance how we better manage our natural environment but also ensure the continued advancement of impactful science on our continent. We strongly believe this grant enables early career scientists to pursue their work and propose new and innovative solutions that help develop Africa in a sustainable way.”
The Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant (JWO Research Grant) was established in 2019 to honour the legacy of the late Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer, a distinguished pioneer in African education and environmental science. Since its inception, the JWO Research Grant has been instrumental in advancing vital research initiatives across the continent, with early-career scholars and scientists specialising in various environmental disciplines such as biodiversity, microplastics, and disease vectors all eagerly seeking this grant to explore innovative research topics aimed at addressing the unique challenges confronting Africa’s natural environment.
As it approaches almost a decade of existence, the JWO Research Grant is aiming to attract an even greater number of early-career scientists to apply in 2025, offering them the opportunity to receive a transformative award.
Applications are open until to the 2nd of May 2025. The 2025 JWO Research Grant of $150,000 (USD) will be awarded to one successful applicant and will support a research project or programme of up to three years. The grant recipient will be announced at the Oppenheimer Research Conference on the 16th of October 2025.
Those wanting to apply for the grant should follow this link – https://jworesearchgrant.org/
Grant Eligibility
- The lead applicant should be an early-career African scientist with strong links to a credible African institution and proposing to conduct research on the continent.
- The 2025 JWO Research Grant encourages transdisciplinary research applications that demonstrate a strong link to biodiversity and conservation.
- The applicant must hold a degree (PhD) and should have no more than seven years of work and/or research experience post-degree (excluding career breaks, including family-related breaks).
- The institution must have a proven ability to manage funding and subscribe to good financial grant practices.
- The institutional affiliation may be academic, research, government, NGO, or for-profit organisation.