Deadline Date: Ongoing
Applications are now invited to submit applications for Blue Food Futures Research Grant Program, a six-month initiative that supports researchers conducting blue food research in collaboration with civil society, private sector actors, and governments to shape evidence-based policy.
Awarded researchers will receive a research stipend from BFFP and hold the title of Blue Food Futures Fellow. Fellows contribute to research that addresses critical questions around blue foods, helps fill key knowledge gaps, and generates actionable insights for global food and climate initiatives. A core aim of the program is to bridge science and policy by translating research findings into evidence-based recommendations.
The fellowship runs for a fixed six-month term and requires an anticipated commitment of approximately ten hours per week. Throughout the program, fellows receive close mentorship from the BFFP leadership team and leading global experts in blue food research and policy, ensuring both academic rigor and policy relevance.
Fellows gain opportunities to present their research findings at international policy fora and become integrated into a global network of blue food researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. The grant includes $10,000 in research funding, along with travel support for fieldwork and policy engagement, enabling fellows to deepen their research and extend its real-world impact.
During the fellowship, successful applicants undertake applied research on pressing challenges related to blue foods, including climate impacts, trade dynamics, and equity considerations. Fellows join ongoing scientific working groups and focus their work on key topic areas such as the interaction between blue food pathways and climate and biodiversity goals, sustainable and resilient transitions, or the role of small-scale fisheries in global trade and nutrition.
Fellows also co-develop a publication in collaboration with the BFFP leadership team, which may take the form of a peer-reviewed article, policy brief, or white paper. Close collaboration with assigned mentors and program managers supports both research development and effective communication of findings.
The opportunity is open to early-career researchers, professionals, and practitioners from academia, government, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector. Eligible applicants must have earned a PhD within the last five years or be close to completing their doctoral degree in a related field, and demonstrate a clear interest in blue food sustainability, climate, biodiversity, and trade.
The fellowship is conducted at the fellow’s existing research institution, with collaboration taking place through virtual meetings across geographically distributed teams. Strong communication skills, independence, collaboration, and a proactive approach to managing multiple projects are essential. Preference is given to candidates with direct experience working in developing country contexts, reflecting the program’s global focus and commitment to equity.
For more information, visit Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions.
