Apply: Early Career Researchers Spring School 2026
Early career researchers in South Africa are invited to a fully funded three-day Spring School exploring climate, peace and security through interdisciplinary learning, practical training, fieldwork and regional networking. Applications close 14 August 2026.
- climate security
- Early Career Researchers
- Research Training
Climate, Peace and Security in Southern Africa
The University of Fort Hare and the CGIAR Climate Security team are inviting early career researchers based in South Africa to a three-day Spring School on climate, peace and security from 2 to 4 September 2026. Travel, accommodation and meals will be covered for selected participants.
Across Southern Africa, climate change is increasing pressure on livelihoods, resources and communities. These pressures can deepen social tensions, insecurity, conflict and displacement. Yet researchers and practitioners working on these connected challenges often have limited opportunities to build the interdisciplinary skills and regional networks the work demands.
The Climate, Peace and Security Spring School is designed to help address that gap. The University of Fort Hare and the CGIAR Climate Security team at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT are organising the programme in collaboration with the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of the Free State.
The Spring School will give early career researchers interdisciplinary knowledge, practical skills and regional connections to generate evidence and inform climate-resilient and peace-positive policy and practice.
Who the Spring School is for
The programme is open to early career researchers, including Master's and PhD students, postdoctoral research fellows and young professionals.
It welcomes applicants working in environmental science, peace and conflict studies, political science, migration, sociology, development studies and related fields.
Applicants must currently live in South Africa. Women and applicants from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Three days of learning, practice and connection
Participants will learn from leading academics and practitioners through interactive lectures and hands-on training in climate, peace and security.
Group projects and a field visit will connect the training to practical contexts. The programme will also create opportunities for participants to build regional research and professional networks.
Travel, accommodation and meals will be covered for every selected participant.
How to apply
The Spring School will take place from 2 to 4 September 2026 at the University of Fort Hare's East London Campus in South Africa.
To apply, complete the online application form and submit:
- A current CV
- A cover letter explaining your interest in the Spring School and how it relates to your research or professional work
Application deadline: 14 August 2026
For complete eligibility and application information, download the full call for applications.
[Download the call for applications]
This work is carried out with support from the CGIAR Food Frontiers and Security Program. We would like to thank all funders who supported this research through their contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund: https://www.cgiar.org/funders/