The International Development Research Centre is offering up to ten Canadian graduate students the chance to take their dissertation research into the field in the Global South, backed by up to CA$30,000 to fund work at the intersection of forest restoration, biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable food systems. The John G. Bene Fellowship is one of Canada’s most targeted environmental research awards and comes with a sharp deadline and exacting eligibility requirements.
About the John G. Bene Fellowship
Administered by IDRC through the Bene Endowment Fund and IDRC funding, the fellowship was created to support practical, community-oriented field research in developing countries. The 2026 call focuses specifically on inclusive, community-led nature-based solutions for forest restoration and food system transformation, aligned with IDRC’s REVIVE Initiative on post-fire forest and landscape restoration. Proposals that connect environmental sustainability with social inclusion, Indigenous knowledge, gender equity, and the lived realities of small-scale farming communities are especially welcomed. Research focused on genomics or genetic modification is explicitly excluded.
Funding Size
- Maximum award: CA$30,000 per recipient
- Number of awards: up to 10
- Field research duration: up to 12 months
- Funds cover eligible field research expenses only; tuition fees are not covered
Who Can Apply
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada
- Enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program at a Canadian university
- Must have completed some coursework in the current program before applying
- Academic background relevant to forests, climate resilience, biodiversity, ecology, or food systems
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Geographic Eligibility
- Canada only for eligible applicants
- Field research must be conducted in one or more eligible developing countries in the Global South
- Research locations subject to Canadian government travel advisories against all travel are not eligible
Sector or Thematic Focus
- Forest restoration and agroforestry
- Climate resilience and ecological sustainability
- Biodiversity conservation and environmental governance
- Sustainable agriculture and food systems
- Gender inclusion and Indigenous knowledge in environmental research
- Community-led nature-based solutions
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through IDRC’s SurveyMonkey Apply platform. The application cannot be submitted until both required academic recommendations have been received, so applicants should arrange references well in advance. The research proposal must cover research questions, methodology, fieldwork schedule, ethical considerations, gender implications, expected results, and dissemination plans. The application is available in English or French.
Required Materials
- Research proposal of 20 to 25 pages excluding bibliography, in English or French
- Letter confirming institutional affiliation in the research country
- Letter of approval from the thesis supervisor
- Official transcripts from the most recently completed degree and current program
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
- Completed online application form including proposed budget
- Two academic recommendations, one of which must be from the thesis supervisor
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 30 November 2026, no later than 16:00 Eastern Time
- Applicants should submit well ahead of the stated time as the system closes at 16:00 ET
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Selection Notes
- Applications are assessed on research quality, feasibility, potential benefit to local communities, gender considerations, ethical safeguards, and the strength of the local institutional partnership
- Proposals aligned with the IDRC REVIVE Initiative carry additional weight
- Genomics or genetic modification research is not eligible under any circumstances
- Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award; up to 10 fellowships are available across all applicants