The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) has launched the Global Biofuel Champion Fellowship (GBCF) to empower young researchers and professionals to address critical challenges in biofuels. This fellowship is designed to nurture dynamic leaders, support applied research, and generate solutions that can influence policymakers, industries, and governments worldwide.
Fellowship Objectives
The program aims to:
- Develop a pool of dynamic young biofuel leaders.
- Solve critical biofuel challenges through collaboration with researchers and industries.
- Assign fellows as ambassadors of the Global Biofuels Alliance.
- Support existing research with financial and knowledge resources.
- Generate meaningful impact for policymakers, industries, and governments.
Fellowship Overview
- Duration: 1 year.
- Number of Fellowships: Up to 15 fellows per year.
- Eligibility:
- Students enrolled in Master’s or PhD programs with at least one year remaining.
- Researchers at NGOs or think tanks with strong interest in biofuels, bioenergy, environment, or sustainable development.
- Endorsement required from an academic/research institution, NGO, or think tank.
- Geographic Scope: Open to applicants from any country, with preference for GBA member countries.
- Application Fee: None.
Thematic Areas
Research proposals should focus on real-world problems and implementable solutions in infrastructure and energy sectors. Indicative themes include:
- Process Innovation and Improvement
- Sustainable feedstock variations.
- Advanced catalytic technologies.
- Cost optimization in advanced biofuels.
- Supply chain efficiency.
- Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Market
- Lifecycle analysis of carbon footprints.
- Sustainable feedstock sourcing.
- Integration with carbon credit markets.
- Policy, Community, and Social Impact
- Analysis of historical policies and future frameworks.
- Societal impacts of biofuel adoption.
- Effects on farmers, domestic economies, and underserved communities.
- Strategic Partnerships and Business Models
- Novel business models for biofuel deployment.
- Commercial frameworks with cost savings and new revenue streams.
- Partnerships to scale innovations.
- Market Competitiveness
- Comparative studies of biofuels vs fossil fuels.
- Adoption in aviation and shipping.
- Investment models and financial risk analysis.
Fellowship Support
Funds may be used for:
- Specialized datasets, software, or tools.
- Pilot experiments or proof-of-concept studies.
- Small laboratory equipment and consumables.
- Travel for industrial visits or fieldwork.
- Participation in policy roundtables and conferences.
- Collaborative studies with research labs or universities.
- Preparation of policy briefs, white papers, or technical reports.
- Prototype or pilot-scale technology development.
Ineligible expenses include: personal assets (laptops, phones), routine living costs, salaries, entertainment, or non-research-related expenditures.
Grant Structure
- Lump-sum grant of up to USD $15,000.
- Disbursed in two equal installments (50% each).
- Inclusive of all costs, overheads, and taxes.
- Endorsing institutions may receive up to 15% administrative overhead.
- Travel costs for GBA events covered separately.
Selection Process
Four stages ensure transparency and fairness:
- Online Application Submission
- Desk Screening
- Double-Blind Peer Review
- Final Shortlisting
Key parameters include:
- Relevance of research problem.
- Novelty and practicality of solutions.
- Scalability and replicability.
- Expected impact.
- Applicant’s publications, citations, awards, and recommendations.
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (2 pages).
- Research Proposal (up to 4 pages).
- Letter of Endorsement from institution.
- Letter of Support from proposed mentor.
Candidate Benefits
- Serve as GBA Ambassadors for two years post-fellowship.
- Engage in global networking with experts and policymakers.
- Contribute to high-impact publications and events.
- Gain hands-on experience with real-world biofuel challenges.
- Receive financial support and travel coverage for GBA events.
