Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant 2025 (Up To $150,000 Grants)

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The Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant seeks to support innovative, African-led research that will contribute to the advancement of environmental and allied sciences; and address relevant, real-world issues of current and future importance.

The Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant (JWO Research Grant) was established to honour the late Mrs Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer and continue her extensive contribution to and passion for Africa, the environment, and science. Applicants’ proposals must demonstrate a strong link to biodiversity and conservation.

Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant Information

A grant of $150,000 will be awarded to one successful applicant.
The grant will support a research project or programme for up to three years.

Eligibility Criteria

The lead applicant should be:

a. An early career scientist

Applicant must already hold a PhD degree and should have no more than seven years of work and/or research experience post-degree (excluding time taken for family responsibilities).

b. Have strong links to a credible African institution

The institution must demonstrate a proven ability to manage funding and subscribe to good financial grant practices. Eligible institutions include academic institutions, research institutions, government institutions, NGOs, and for-profit organisations.

Furthermore, the proposed research should be focused on or in Africa.

Application TOPIC

Applicants’ proposals must demonstrate a strong link to biodiversity and conservation.

What the Judges Look for:

Advances the frontiers of knowledge within the chosen field
Facilitates solutions to African challenges: The research should try and solve an African challenge that occurs in more than one geography and is scalable to other areas. The research should include multiple research sites
Demonstrates innovative methodologies and approaches
Exhibits scientific rigour and excellence
Contributes to human capital development (e.g. mentorship, support, and professional development opportunities) for the next generation of researchers.
Incorporates a holistic perspective and involves inter-and multi-disciplinary collaboration with partners (preference intra-African) to leverage time, expertise, skills, materials, and resources and reduce duplication
Articulates the potential to create impact both during and beyond the grant period
Displays knowledge of associated recent or ongoing work on the continent.
Defines a clear plan for disseminating research outcomes both inside and outside the scientific community
Endeavours to open access publications (popular and scientific
Does not present unacceptable ethical or safety risk