Organisation Name:
Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)
Application Deadline:
25 September 2025
About Organisation
The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) is a globally recognised nonprofit organisation dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Established to generate and share interdisciplinary knowledge, ATREE works to address complex ecological and social challenges by combining rigorous research with community-driven solutions. The organisation’s initiatives are grounded in scientific inquiry while being deeply connected to the needs of grassroots communities, policymakers, and civil society. ATREE also prioritises capacity-building by training and mentoring emerging scholars and researchers. Through its focus on collaborative partnerships and evidence-based interventions, the organisation aims to empower communities while promoting ecological stewardship. ATREE’s work extends across various landscapes, emphasising the balance between environmental conservation and human well-being. By facilitating access to scientific knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary approaches, ATREE plays a crucial role in shaping environmental policies, promoting sustainable practices, and advocating for equitable development. Its projects focus on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and nature-based livelihoods, with special attention to regions like the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), where ecological fragility and cultural diversity require nuanced, locally informed strategies.
About the Grant
The MSc Dissertation Fellowship offered by ATREE supports fourth-semester Master’s students in completing their dissertations while contributing to environmental conservation and sustainable development efforts in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). The fellowship is part of the AMP-Himalaya project, which focuses on conserving biodiversity, restoring landscapes, and improving human well-being across three major regions: Ladakh, the Khangchendzonga Landscape (Sikkim and North Bengal), and Arunachal Pradesh. Students are encouraged to explore research themes such as participatory mapping, pastoralism transitions, human-wildlife interactions, bioresource management, traditional ecological knowledge, and climate change impacts. The fellowship offers guidance from faculty at ATREE as well as home institutions, providing students with mentorship and research collaboration opportunities. The program aims to strengthen local knowledge, build research skills, and generate actionable evidence for policymakers and communities alike. Selected students will benefit from access to field sites, expert supervision, and interdisciplinary learning environments. Preference is given to students from the IHR, though all applicants studying in universities within the region are eligible. This fellowship is a unique opportunity for emerging researchers to work on high-impact topics while contributing to ecological and community resilience.
Who can Apply?
The MSc Dissertation Fellowship is open to students pursuing a Master’s degree in any discipline, provided they have completed at least three semesters of coursework. Preference will be given to students enrolled in universities located within the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), though students from other regions may also apply if they meet the criteria. Applicants should ideally be in their fourth semester and planning to undertake dissertation research in their final academic year. Those who have already initiated research in their second or third semester are also encouraged to apply. The fellowship is especially geared toward students with a strong interest in environmental conservation, biodiversity assessment, climate change adaptation, and sustainable livelihoods. A demonstrated passion for conducting field research, collaborating with local communities, and applying scientific methods to real-world problems will strengthen the application. Students must submit an application supported by their institute or university, including academic transcripts and a letter endorsing their participation. The research must align with the thematic areas defined under the AMP-Himalaya project, such as ecosystem services, human-wildlife interaction, traditional ecological knowledge, and policy evaluation in conservation. This fellowship offers an invaluable platform for motivated students from the IHR to gain research experience and contribute meaningfully to ecological and social well-being.
How to Apply?
Interested students must submit the completed application form along with academic documents and a letter of support from their university or institute. Applications should be emailed to ihr.fellowships@atree.org before 25 September 2025. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews with the selection committee. Applicants will be jointly supervised by ATREE faculty and their home institution’s research guides.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 25 September 2025. All required documents, including academic transcripts and support letters, should be emailed before the deadline to ensure consideration for the fellowship.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
