The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) is pleased to open the call for submissions for the 2026 CIC Young Opinion Research Award, an annual prize celebrating the very best emerging talent in wildlife research and sustainable use.

Young Opinion (YO), the youth working group of the CIC, represents members under the age of 40 from across the world. Its mission is to support the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and policy thinkers who share the values of sustainable wildlife management rooted in evidence, tradition, and respect for nature. The Research Award is one of its flagship initiatives and offers a unique opportunity for young scholars to bring their work onto the international stage.

Supporting the Next Generation of Conservation Thinkers

The Award recognises research that advances the understanding of sustainable wildlife management. Projects may focus on any of the three pillars that define this field: economic, socio-cultural, or ecological. Many past submissions have explored topics such as habitat management, the ethics and the history of hunting, community-based approaches, harvest strategies, and human–wildlife coexistence.

In keeping with the CIC’s Strategic Plan, projects that contribute to the Global Biodiversity Framework are strongly encouraged. Areas of particular interest include sustainable use, human–wildlife conflict, extinction prevention, invasive species, and the role of wild species in supporting people and landscapes.

What the Winner Receives

Alongside a €750 prize, the winning researcher will be invited to the 2026 CIC General Assembly in Vienna, taking place from 16 to 19 April. All registration, accommodation, and reasonable pre-approved travel costs are covered.

The General Assembly brings together state representatives, scientists, policymakers, land managers, and leading voices in sustainable use. It offers an unparalleled platform for young researchers to present their findings, exchange ideas, and engage directly with figures shaping the future of wildlife conservation.

Who Can Apply

Applications are welcomed from students enrolled in Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral programmes who are under 35 years of age at the time of submission. Those who have applied in the past may submit new or updated work.

Submissions must be written in English and follow these criteria:

• A clear summary of the research aim, methods, and conclusions.

• A focus on sustainable wildlife management, drawing from one or more of the three core approaches: economic, socio-cultural, or ecological.

• Inclusion of the candidate’s name, university, and department of study in the header.

• A maximum length of 3600 characters or two pages.

How to Apply

Please send your submission to yo.research@cic-wildlife.org using the subject line:

Research Award 2026 + Name

Deadline: 18 January 2026

Results will be announced by the end of February 2026.