Oceans & Fisheries Fellows
Visiting Fellowship · 2026 Cohort
Where African ocean science surfaces at UBC.
A fellowship for sub-Saharan African scholars advancing ocean and fisheries sustainability, with year spent building research collaborations across the Atlantic and Pacific, including one month in residence at the University of British Columbia.
12 months
UBC affiliation
1 month in residence · 11 months virtual
$5,000
CAD research fund
For the proposed fellowship project
Return airfare
+ per diem
Accommodation & subsistence at UBC
2 fellows
selected 2026
Across sub-Saharan Africa
0 m · the surface
About the programme
The Africa-UBC Oceans and Fisheries Visiting Fellows Program will allow African academics, of different genders, and from different regions of sub-Saharan Africa, working in universities and research institutes in the broad field of Ocean Sustainability, to spend working with University of British Columbia (UBC) partner/hosts and to spent time at UBC's Vancouver Campus. The goal of this exchange is to facilitate diverse, equitable and inclusive research collaborations between researchers based in African institutions and researchers based at the UBC. Building networks for impactful collaborations is the key reason for establishing this fellowship.
A project of your choice
The fellowship is designed to allow exceptional African researchers to build international networks and focus on a project of their choice in collaboration with UBC-based scholars. The goal is to make available to fellows the vast resources available at UBC for research, mentoring and/or collaboration with UBC-based scholars.
Who can apply
The fellowship is open to researchers across all academic fields who are focused on ocean and fisheries sustainability, and how to make the ocean economy work for the people who call sub-Saharan Africa home.
200 m · the sunlit zone
“Building networks for impactful collaborations is the key reason for establishing this fellowship.”
Fellows build international networks and focus on a project of their choice in collaboration with UBC-based scholars — with access to the vast resources available at UBC for research and mentoring.
500 m · the midwater
The waters
1,000 m · the twilight zone
Selection criteria
An applicant for the Africa-UBC Oceans and Fisheries Visiting Fellows award must fulfil the following:
- 01 Hold a PhD or research equivalent
- 02 Hold an appointment in a sub-Saharan African academic or research institution
- 03 Have published a book, or at least two book chapters or peer-reviewed journal articles in internationally-reputable outlets
- 04 Provide two academic references detailing your specific contributions to your field, and how a visiting fellowship will support your career goals and progression
- 05 Include a research proposal that clearly outlines the organizing theme of the proposed work and how the fellowship will lead to its completion
- 06 Have a partner at UBC identified, and contact made, to ensure willingness to work with you.
What fellows are expected to do
- ▸Work with a UBC-based researcher as your future collaborator on the application.
- ▸Make a presentation of your work during your visit to UBC.
- ▸Lead the writing of a collaborative paper for a peer-reviewed journal.
- ▸Possibly start a collaborative grant application.
4,000 m · the deep
How fellows are chosen
Apply
Submit your research proposal, references, proposed UBC host/partner, and documents before the deadline.
Pre-selection
A committee at ACECoR, University of Cape Coast shortlists exceptional candidates.
Final selection
A committee at the University of British Columbia selects the fellows.
Two fellows
Two fellows are selected for 2027 and affiliated with UBC for 12 months.
Applications closed
The application period for the next cohort opens on July 15, 2026
The application window for the fellowship opens on July 15, 2026 and closes on September 30, 2026.
Learn about the programme11,000 m · the trench
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Researchers holding a PhD or research equivalent, with an appointment at a sub-Saharan African academic or research institution, working in ocean and fisheries sustainability.
How long is the fellowship?
Fellows spend one month in residence at the University of British Columbia, and remain affiliated with UBC for twelve months to build research collaborations.
What does the award cover?
The fellowship supports accommodation and subsistence during your time at UBC, along with a research fund to enable the collaboration.
How many fellows are selected?
Two fellows are selected in 2027, following a review by committees at ACECoR, University of Cape Coast, and the University of British Columbia.
What do I need to submit?
A research proposal, two academic references, a potential partner/host based at UBC, and proof of your publication record and institutional appointment.