The Early-Career Fellowship (ECF) is an annual research award run by the Future Earth Global Secretariat Hub China, with support from the China Association for Science and Technology, the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), and Sun Yat-sen University. Launched as a pilot in 2022, it backs early-career researchers whose work speaks to global sustainable development — from climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration to marine conservation, human-environment systems, and AI applications in Earth science. Fellows stay at their home institutions and use the award for research activities; the hub also runs regular online and offline sharing sessions to build visibility and long-term collaboration across the cohort. The 2025 round selected 17 fellows from institutions in China, India, Switzerland, Germany, and Spain. The 2026 cycle closed on 15 April 2026, with results notified by mid-July 2026.
Benefits & funding
- Award of 10,000–30,000 RMB per fellow, for 10–15 fellows in the 2026 round.
- Funds cover research-related expenses such as professional travel and conference participation; other uses need pre-approval.
- Regular online and offline sharing sessions organized by the hub to expand research impact and visibility.
- Membership in a growing international cohort working on Sustainable Development Goals research.
Eligibility
- Early-career researcher, postdoctoral scholar, or final-year PhD student: graduating in 2026, or holding a doctorate earned after 1 January 2021.
- Working in social sciences, engineering sciences, earth and life sciences, or interdisciplinary fields clearly relevant to global sustainable development.
- More than 12 months of overseas study, work, or research experience — or a demonstrated plan to gain such experience abroad and return to China.
- Open to applicants of all nationalities; the 2025 cohort spanned institutions in five countries.
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Application process
- 1Prepare a CV, a description of research interests, and a proposed research plan including international exchange and cooperation details.
- 2Obtain a supporting letter from a current supervisor, mentor, or collaborator (recommended).
- 3Submit everything through the online application form linked from the official call.
- 4Await notification of results by mid-July.
Program timeline
2026 call for applications announced
Mar 26, 2026
Application deadline (6:00 PM Beijing Time)
Apr 15, 2026
Results notified
Mid-July 2026
Next annual cycle expected to open (estimated)
Spring 2027