Call for Proposals: RECOFTC & Wyss Academy Research Fund 2025
Scholars and graduate students engaged in advancing community forestry practices in Southeast Asia now have the chance to secure funding from the RECOFTC and Wyss Academy for Nature. This initiative supports innovative field research that fosters sustainable forest management and addresses community needs.
Proposals are open exclusively to those affiliated with Kasetsart University—either as faculty or graduate students—who are conducting research in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on projects in Lao PDR and Thailand.
About the RECOFTC & Wyss Academy Partnership
The Regional Community Forestry Training Center (RECOFTC) has long championed sustainable forestry as a key driver of landscape resilience across the Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, the Wyss Academy for Nature works to address critical global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and land use transitions.
Together, these organizations aim to empower researchers to explore integrated solutions that strengthen ecosystems while meeting the needs of local communities.
Through this grant, the partnership supports field-based projects that emphasize participatory methods and align with global sustainability goals.
Funding Details
Grants range between $5,000 and $10,000 and will cover direct field research expenses only. Funding cannot be used for:
- Human resources or consultancy fees.
- Honoraria or compensation.
- Capital investments exceeding $1,000.
Up to four grants will be awarded, with an emphasis on projects in Lao PDR and Thailand. Applicants must submit a detailed budget clearly outlining how each expense supports specific stages of the proposed research.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Affiliation with Kasetsart University: Candidates must be either affiliated faculty or enrolled graduate students in relevant disciplines such as forestry, agriculture, or environmental science.
- Regional Focus: Research must address community forestry in Southeast Asia, with preference given to projects based in Lao PDR or Thailand.
- Community Involvement: Proposals must demonstrate participatory methodologies that engage local communities in every stage of the research process.
- Knowledge Sharing: Researchers should plan to disseminate findings to stakeholders, including policymakers and community members.
Application Guidelines
Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application by 3:00 PM Bangkok time on December 31, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.
Your application must include:
- Motivation Letter: Outline your interest and qualifications for the grant.
- Research Plan: Up to six pages, covering:
- Title
- Background and rationale
- Research aims and partners
- Methodology
- Timeline
- Expected outcomes
- Detailed budget
- Support Letter: From your academic advisor.
All applications should be sent to research@recoftc.org.
Why Apply?
This funding opportunity is a chance to bring your research to life, contribute to sustainable forestry in Southeast Asia, and engage communities in building a more resilient future.
For additional details, visit the official pages of RECOFTC and the Wyss Academy for Nature.
