Are you passionate about marine conservation, climate resilience, and ocean science? The IRD ARTS PhD Bursary in Marine Science 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity to conduct high-impact research across France and Kenya. This three-year doctoral project focuses on marine protected areas and climate change resilience in East Africa.
Quick Facts
- Host Countries: France & Kenya
- Study Level: PhD
- Funding Type: Fully Funded Bursary
- Eligible Countries: Developing countries (IRD partner nations)
- Deadline: March 10, 2026
About the IRD ARTS PhD Bursary in Marine Science
The IRD ARTS PhD Bursary in Marine Science 2026 supports doctoral research under an international collaboration between the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) and the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI).
The selected PhD candidate will work on a research project titled:
“Marine connectivity in a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a key factor for assuring climate change resilience in the marine ecosystems of East Africa.”
The research forms part of the broader MESCAL Project, a major international initiative examining how marine protected areas contribute to long-term ecosystem sustainability in the Western Indian Ocean.
The student will spend approximately half of each year in France (at MARBEC in Sète) and half in Kenya (at KMFRI in Mombasa), with fieldwork and collaboration opportunities in Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa.
This opportunity is officially offered by the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), and applicants should apply through the official application portal.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a developing country that is a partner nation of IRD
- Hold a Master’s degree in marine science, ecology, bioinformatics, oceanography, or a closely related field
- Demonstrate academic preparation in marine population dynamics, modeling, statistics, or population genetics
- Show proficiency in scientific writing and communication in English
- Be willing to live and conduct research in France, Kenya, and other East African partner countries
Candidates from Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa are strongly encouraged to apply.
Benefits
The IRD ARTS PhD Bursary in Marine Science 2026 provides:
- Monthly stipend (adjusted to cost of living in host country)
- Health insurance coverage
- One round-trip airline ticket per year between France and Kenya
- Full research funding through the MESCAL project
- International fieldwork and collaboration opportunities
- Supervision from leading marine scientists in Europe and East Africa
This structure ensures financial security while enabling high-level scientific training in an international research environment.
Who Should Apply
This PhD is ideal for early-career researchers who:
- Aspire to work in marine conservation or climate resilience science
- Have experience in ecological modeling or population genetics
- Are comfortable using R, Python, or Matlab
- Want to contribute to sustainable fisheries and biodiversity protection in East Africa
If your long-term goal involves academic research, marine policy, or environmental leadership, this opportunity offers strong professional grounding. For researchers interested in other high-level scientific opportunities, you can also explore the NIST Precision Measurement Grant Program 2026.
Application Process
To apply:
- Prepare a motivation letter explaining your interest in the project and your academic background.
- Update your detailed academic CV.
- Gather contact information for 2–4 professional references.
- Include your most recent academic transcripts and class rankings.
- Email all documents before the deadline with the subject line:
“MESCAL ARTS connectivity PhD application”
Send your application to: david.kaplan@ird.fr
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a video conference interview with the selection committee.
How to Apply for IRD ARTS PhD Bursary in Marine Science 2026
Interested candidates should prepare their materials carefully and submit their application before March 10, 2026. Given the competitive nature of this international PhD bursary, early preparation is strongly recommended.
Submit via email to david.kaplan@ird.fr
For more details, visit the IRD ARTS PhD Bursary in Marine Science.
