Applications are now open for the OECD Co-operative Research Programme (CRP) Research Fellowship 2026 — a prestigious opportunity for scientists working in agriculture, forestry, or fisheries to expand their research horizons, collaborate internationally, and contribute to advancing global sustainability.
The CRP Fellowship allows researchers to undertake a 6–26 week research project abroad at a host institution located in another OECD CRP member country. This exchange program fosters international collaboration, the sharing of innovative ideas, and the strengthening of professional networks among scientists dedicated to addressing critical challenges in food production, natural resource management, and environmental stewardship.
In an era where food systems, forestry practices, and fisheries management are increasingly interconnected across borders, the CRP Fellowship plays a vital role in promoting solutions that consider the complex realities of a globalised and multidisciplinary scientific environment. The program brings together experts from diverse backgrounds to tackle pressing issues, respond to the needs of stakeholders worldwide, and shape policies that ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Fellowship Benefits
The OECD CRP Fellowship provides a comprehensive financial package designed to fully support fellows during their stay abroad. The funding covers three key components, collectively referred to as the travel lump sum allowance:
- Travel Costs:
Covers a return economy-class airfare between the Fellow’s home institution and the host institution. This ensures accessibility for researchers from across the participating member countries. - Weekly Subsistence Allowance:
Fellows receive EUR 600 or EUR 650 per week (depending on the host country’s cost of living) to cover accommodation, meals, and everyday expenses during the fellowship period. - Terminal Charges:
A EUR 165 lump sum is provided to help cover transport costs at the start and end of the fellowship (e.g., getting to and from airports or train stations).
This funding structure ensures that financial constraints do not limit the ability of top researchers to participate, allowing them to focus entirely on their work, collaboration, and field engagement.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the OECD CRP Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Institutional Affiliation:
Must be employed by an institution in a participating CRP member country, with the host institution located in another participating country. - Academic and Professional Background:
A minimum of 4 years postdoctoral training is required. While PhD students are not eligible, applicants without a PhD may be considered if they possess equivalent expertise and an extensive publication record. - Employment Commitment:
Applicants must have a contract guaranteeing continued employment after the fellowship. If the contract is less than three years, the home institution must certify an ongoing scientific affiliation with the fellow after completion of the program. - Employer Approval:
Applicants must have the consent of their current employer before applying, ensuring that they are able to take up the fellowship if awarded. - Repeat Applications:
Previous fellowship recipients may reapply, but only after at least five years have passed since their initial award year.
Participating CRP Member Countries
Researchers must be affiliated with institutions from one of the following OECD CRP member countries:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Application Process
- Confirm Eligibility:
Ensure that you and your host institution are based in different CRP member countries. - Prepare Your Proposal:
Develop a clear research plan aligned with CRP’s research themes and demonstrating the project’s multidisciplinary and policy relevance. - Gather Required Documents:
Prepare your CV, list of publications, research plan, letters of support from both home and host institutions, and proof of eligibility. - Submit Your Application:
Apply online via the official OECD CRP portal. Once submitted, applicants receive an automatic confirmation email from the Secretariat.
Important Deadline
The deadline to apply for the OECD CRP Research Fellowship 2026 is 10 September 2025. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline to ensure time for institutional approvals and document preparation.
Official Application Link: OECD CRP Research Fellowship 2026 Application Portal
For more information, visit OECD Fellowship.
