The EU-FCCB National Component Scholarships and Research

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Project Location: Papua New Guinea 

Implementing Agency: New Guinea Binatang Research Centre (BRC) 

Duration: 28 months

The EU‑FCCB National Component Scholarships and Research Grants Scheme is a landmark initiative designed to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s capacity in Forestry, Climate Change, and Biodiversity (FCCB) research and postgraduate education.

Through this program, 40 Master’s scholarships and 50 faculty‑led research grants have been awarded, creating new opportunities for PNG’s universities, researchers, and communities to build knowledge and leadership in environmental science.

Papua New Guinea is home to nearly 7% of the world’s biodiversity, yet faces challenges in conservation, forestry management, and climate resilience. Through these postgraduate education and applied research, the scheme:

• Builds a new generation of skilled environmental professionals.
• Strengthens research capacity in PNG’s universities and institutes.
• Connects science directly to policy and conservation strategies.
• Promotes gender equity, with half of scholarships reserved for women.
• Creates lasting networks for collaboration across government, NGOs, and international partners.

The scholarships and grants are more than individual awards. hey are part of a broader effort to embed FCCB postgraduate education into PNG’s universities, reduce reliance on external expertise, and ensure that locally trained scientists lead the way in conservation and sustainable resource management.

The scheme strengthens Papua New Guinea’s capacity in Forestry, Climate Change, and Biodiversity (FCCB) research and postgraduate education. It addresses systemic gaps in higher education, weak research infrastructure, and limited integration of science into policy. By investing in postgraduate training and faculty-led research, the program builds a foundation for evidence-based environmental management and inclusive green growth.

• 40 fully funded Master’s scholarships in FCCB-related fields.
• Coverage includes tuition, living allowances, and research costs.
• At least 50% reserved for women, ensuring gender equity in science.
• Students selected through a national, merit-based application process, with outreach to rural and underrepresented communities.
• Training combines coursework, fieldwork in conservation areas, and structured mentorship via the Master’s Supervision Panel (MSP).

• 50 competitive grants awarded to faculty researchers at PNG universities and research institutions.
• Grants fund policy-relevant studies in biodiversity conservation, forestry, and climate change.
• Researchers mentor postgraduate students, integrating them into applied projects as assistants, co-authors, and field researchers.
• Outputs include peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and conservation strategy reports.

• Direct: 40 postgraduate students and 50 researchers.
• Indirect: Universities, government agencies (CEPA, PNGFA), NGOs (WCS, TCA, BRC), local communities in conservation areas, and international research networks.

• Nationwide awareness campaign for scholarship applications.
• Selection, enrolment, and structured mentorship of Master’s students.
• Competitive call for research grants and facilitation of fieldwork.
• Organization of conferences, workshops, and dissemination of findings.
• Establishment of an FCCB alumni network for long-term knowledge sharing.

This initiative will:

• Produce skilled environmental professionals to lead conservation and climate adaptation strategies.
• Strengthen PNG’s research ecosystem and reduce reliance on external expertise.
• Embed FCCB postgraduate education permanently into PNG universities.
• Ensure inclusivity and sustainability through gender equity, institutional partnerships, and alumni networks.