UNESCO Announces MAB Young Scientists Awards 2024 for Interdisciplinary Research in Biosphere Reserves

UNESCO has announced the MAB Young Scientists Awards 2024, aimed at supporting young researchers under the age of 35 who are conducting interdisciplinary research aligned with UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. The awards are open to researchers pursuing studies in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, potential sites, or whose work contributes to achieving the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

The MAB Young Scientists Awards provide grants of up to US$ 5,000 to support research on ecosystems, natural resources, and biodiversity within biosphere reserves. Priority will be given to projects carried out directly in these protected areas. The deadline for submitting applications is May 15, 2024.

Why this matters:The MAB Young Scientists Awards play a vital role in encouraging and supporting the next generation of researchers to engage in interdisciplinary studies that promote sustainable development and conservation of biosphere reserves. By fostering research in these unique ecosystems, the awards contribute to advancing scientific knowledge and informing effective management strategies for these important ecological sites.

Since 2022, the program has received additional support from the Principality of Monaco, enabling five more annual fellowships specifically for studies on marine, island, and coastal issues in biosphere reserves. This expanded support highlights the growing recognition of the importance of research in these critical ecosystems.

The MAB Young Scientists Awards aim to encourage young scientists, especially those from developing countries, to utilize MAB research sites, project sites, and biosphere reserves in their work. The awards also seek to promote the exchange of information and experience among a new generation of scientists, encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing across disciplines and regions.

UNESCO's MAB Programme focuses on the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity, as well as the improvement of the relationship between people and their environment. The program's World Network of Biosphere Reserves serves as a platform for research, monitoring, education, and information sharing on ecosystem management and sustainable development.

The MAB Young Scientists Awards 2024 represent a significant opportunity for young researchers to contribute to the advancement of interdisciplinary research in biosphere reserves. By supporting their work, UNESCO aims to strengthen the scientific basis for conservation and sustainable development efforts in these critical ecosystems, while nurturing the next generation of scientists committed to addressing global environmental challenges.

Key Takeaways

• UNESCO announces MAB Young Scientists Awards 2024 for researchers under 35.
• Grants up to $5,000 for interdisciplinary research in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
• Priority given to projects directly in protected areas, including marine and coastal.
• Aims to support next generation of scientists, especially from developing countries.
• Strengthens scientific basis for conservation and sustainable development in biosphere reserves.