The African-German Network of Excellence in Science (AGNES) is accepting applications for the 2026 AGNES-BAYER Science Foundation Research Grant, funded by the Bayer Foundation with support from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Doctoral students from sub-Saharan Africa working on biodiversity conservation or sustainable agriculture can receive up to EUR 7,000 for fieldwork or lab research. The deadline is October 16, 2026, 23:59 GMT.
At a glance
| Deadline | October 16, 2026, 23:59 GMT |
| Who can apply | Nationals of sub-Saharan African countries registered for a PhD at a sub-Saharan African university, with at least one indexed publication |
| Grant amount | Up to EUR 7,000, one-time |
| Fields | Biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture |
| Research window | January 11 to March 31, 2027 |
| Official link | AGNES-BAYER Research Grant |
Who’s eligible?
According to the official 2026 call, applicants must:
- Be a national of a sub-Saharan African country.
- Be officially registered for a doctoral degree at a university or tertiary institute in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Have at least one peer-reviewed paper in a SCOPUS or Web of Science indexed, non-predatory journal.
- Work on biodiversity conservation and/or sustainable agriculture, and show clearly how the research is relevant to development in sub-Saharan Africa.
The grant cannot pay for fieldwork that has already been completed. AGNES states that it selects candidates with outstanding academic records and good publications.
What does the grant cover?
Successful applicants receive a one-time grant of up to EUR 7,000 to carry out field experiments, data collection or laboratory studies as part of their doctoral research. Recipients and their supervisors submit progress reports under AGNES reporting guidelines and notify AGNES of resulting publications.
How do you apply?
- Write an original research proposal of up to 5 pages in English.
- Complete your CV using the AGNES template.
- Gather official proof of PhD registration and your academic transcripts, with an explanation of the grading system.
- Compile your publication list with SCOPUS or Web of Science links and the first page of each paper into one PDF.
- Prepare a detailed budget for the planned activities.
- Submit everything (20 MB maximum) through the AGNES online application form before October 16, 2026, 23:59 GMT.
Late and incomplete applications are not considered. Questions go to info@agnes-h.org.
Key dates
- Application deadline: October 16, 2026, 23:59 GMT
- Selection meeting: December 2026
- Research activities: January 11 to March 31, 2027
- Final report: six months after PhD completion
FAQ
Can a master’s student apply?
No. The grant is for students currently registered for a doctoral degree.
Can I apply if I study outside Africa?
No. You must be registered at a university or tertiary institute in sub-Saharan Africa and hold the nationality of a sub-Saharan African country.
Does a conference paper count as a publication?
The call asks for a paper in a SCOPUS or Web of Science indexed, non-predatory journal. Check with AGNES if your paper’s indexing is unclear.
How many grants are awarded?
AGNES does not publish the number of grants for 2026.
More research funding on Impact DOTS: OpenAI AI and Teen Development Research Grants and Mountains ADAPT Small Grants 2026.
Sources: AGNES, AGNES-BAYER Research Grant, AGNES, 2026 call for applications.
