CGIAR Early Career Researchers Spring School 2026: Fully-funded Opportunity in South Africa

The CGIAR Early Career Researchers Spring School 2026 is inviting early career researchers based in South Africa to a three-day event focused on climate, peace, and security. This fully-funded opportunity offers valuable interdisciplinary knowledge, practical skills, and regional connections to help researchers address the growing challenges of climate change in Southern Africa.

Application Closing Date: August 14, 2026
Location: East London Campus, University of Fort Hare, South Africa
Programme Duration: 3 days (September 2-4, 2026)
Stipend: Travel, accommodation, and meals covered
Minimum Qualification: Early career researcher (Master’s, PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, young professionals)
Opportunity Type: Spring School / Training Event

About the CGIAR Early Career Researchers Spring School

This Spring School is designed to help early career researchers develop the interdisciplinary skills and regional networks needed to understand and address the complex links between climate change, peace, and security. Across Southern Africa, climate change is increasing pressure on resources and communities, which can lead to social tensions, conflict, and displacement. The programme aims to bridge the gap between researchers and practitioners working on these interconnected issues.

The event will provide participants with interdisciplinary knowledge, practical skills, and regional connections. These tools will help them generate evidence and inform policies and practices that promote climate resilience and peace. It is a collaborative effort between the University of Fort Hare, the CGIAR Climate Security team, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and the University of the Free State.

About CGIAR

CGIAR is a global research partnership committed to reducing poverty, enhancing food security, improving human health and nutrition, and managing natural resources sustainably. It brings together diverse research centres and organizations working on agricultural development and related fields. CGIAR’s work focuses on finding solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change and food security.

Available Opportunities

This event is a specific training opportunity, not a list of different learnerships or job roles. The focus is on the Spring School itself.

What the Spring School Offers

Successful applicants will benefit from:

• Fully-funded participation: Travel, accommodation, and meals will be covered for all selected participants.
• Interdisciplinary knowledge: Gain insights into the connections between climate change, peace, and security.
• Practical skills: Develop skills to research and address these complex issues.
• Regional connections: Network with other early career researchers and practitioners from South Africa.
• Evidence generation: Learn how to create evidence to inform policy and practice.
• Career development: Enhance your research capabilities and professional profile.

Programme Duration and Location

The Spring School will take place over three days, from September 2 to 4, 2026. The venue for this event is the University of Fort Hare’s East London Campus in South Africa.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the CGIAR Early Career Researchers Spring School, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an early career researcher. This includes Master’s and PhD students, postdoctoral research fellows, and young professionals.
• Work in relevant fields such as environmental science, peace and conflict studies, political science, migration, sociology, development studies, or related areas.
• Currently reside in South Africa.
• Women and applicants from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Competencies Required

While specific competencies are not listed, participants are expected to have a strong interest in the intersection of climate, peace, and security. The ability to engage in interdisciplinary research and contribute to discussions will be beneficial. A willingness to learn and collaborate is also important for this type of training event.

Who Should Apply?

This Spring School is ideal for early career researchers in South Africa who are actively involved in or interested in the complex relationship between climate change and security. If you are a Master’s student, PhD candidate, postdoctoral researcher, or a young professional working in fields like environmental science, political science, or development studies, and you want to deepen your understanding and skills in this critical area, this opportunity is for you. It is particularly relevant for those looking to build regional networks and contribute to peace-positive climate action.

Required Documents

Applicants need to prepare the following documents for their application:

• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A cover letter that clearly explains your interest in the Spring School and how it relates to your current research or professional work.

How to Apply

To apply for the CGIAR Early Career Researchers Spring School 2026, you need to complete the online application form.

Click here to apply for the CGIAR Early Career Researchers Spring School 2026

Ensure you have your CV and cover letter ready before you start the application process. Submit your application before the closing date of August 14, 2026.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Ensure your application is complete and all information is accurate.
• Applications must be submitted by the deadline of August 14, 2026.
• This opportunity is specifically for early career researchers residing in South Africa.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications for the CGIAR Early Career Researchers Spring School 2026 is August 14, 2026.

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