Applications are now open for the 2027–2029 EDGE Fellowship, a global conservation leadership programme led by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). The upcoming cohort marks a milestone year, coinciding with ZSL’s 200th anniversary and the 20-year celebration of the EDGE initiative.

The fellowship supports passionate early-career conservationists dedicated to safeguarding some of the planet’s most evolutionarily unique and highly threatened species — particularly those that receive limited conservation attention despite their ecological importance.

About the EDGE Fellowship

The EDGE Fellowship is an intensive capacity-building and leadership programme designed to empower locally based conservation professionals to lead impactful conservation initiatives in their own countries.

Participants join an international network of conservation practitioners working to protect Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species through science-based, community-driven action.

The programme combines funding, training, mentorship, and long-term professional development to help fellows design and implement meaningful conservation solutions.

Eligible Project Focus Areas

Proposed projects must focus on species included in the official EDGE List. Eligible groups include:

• Amphibians
• Angiosperms (flowering plants)
• Birds
• Crocodylians
• Gymnosperms
• Mammals
• Ray-finned fish
• Sharks and rays
• Snakes, lizards, and tuatara
• Testudines (turtles and tortoises)

Projects centred on higher-priority EDGE species are particularly encouraged, though strong proposals addressing medium- and lower-priority species remain eligible.

Application Process

The 2027 EDGE Fellowship uses a two-stage selection process:

Stage 1 — Expression of Interest

Applicants submit an initial concept outlining their proposed conservation project.

Expression of Interest Deadline:
10 June 2026 (17:00 BST)

Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to submit a full application.

Key Timeline

Why This Fellowship Matters

The EDGE Fellowship goes beyond traditional training by investing directly in conservation leaders working in biodiversity-rich regions where support is often limited. Fellows gain practical skills in project design, science communication, community engagement, and conservation leadership while delivering measurable impact for overlooked species.

By strengthening local expertise and leadership, the programme contributes to long-term conservation outcomes worldwide.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply now.