The annual COMNAP Early-Career Award (also know as COMNAP Antarctic Fellowship) is an investment in the professional development of talented early-career persons. The scheme, established in 2011, enables award recipients to work with a project team from another country, opening up new opportunities and often creating partnerships that last for many years and over many Antarctic field seasons. By supporting their professional development with a host institute, the award also strengthens international capacity and cooperation.
The Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) work together to support talented early-career researchers, scientists, engineers, environmental managers, and other professionals. The purpose is to strengthen international capacity and cooperation in fields such as climate, biodiversity, conservation, humanities and astrophysics research by providing annual funding opportunities. Read the Announcement of Opportunity 2026 here. In 2026, COMNAP and IAATO will each offer one award & fellowship with funding of up to USD $15,000. The schemes enable early-career persons to join a project team from another country, opening up new opportunities and often creating partnerships that last for many years. The application processes for the COMNAP and IAATO schemes are separate from those for the SCAR Fellowships or CCAMLR Scholarships and the eligibility criteria differ. The deadline for the COMNAP Early-Career Award and IAATO Fellowship applications is 14 June 2026.
Website: COMNAP
