Copyright: Sheffield Hallam University
The Equator Research School 2026 will run from 29th June – 3rd July 2026 at Sheffield Hallam University.
This work, led by Dr Natasha Dowey (Sheffield Hallam) and Prof Sam Giles (University of Birmingham) with oversight from the Equator Steering Committee, is funded by our network of NERC Doctoral Landscape Award holding universities.
What is the 2026 Equator Research School?
This fully-funded, 5-day residential workshop is ringfenced for ethnic minority students, and aims to widen participation, improve access to transferable skills training, and increase awareness of careers in environmental* research.
The 2026 Equator Research School programme includes workshops and talks on PhD applications, grant and fellowship writing, science communication, diverse career paths within environmental research, and more.
All costs are covered – travel to/from Sheffield, accommodation and meals. Participants also receive a £250 bursary to offset any lost earnings during the school.
Applications to join our research school are now open for students studying environmental topics. Please apply by 23:59 on Monday 13th April 2026.
*In Equator’s work, “Environmental research” includes physical geography, earth science, environmental science, ecology, and related multidisciplinary subjects aligned with the UK Natural Environment Research Council areas of interest. Equator is unfortunately not able to support those working purely in human/social disciplines.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must:
- self-identify as being from an ethnic minority background
- be 18 or older
- be undertaking, considering, or a graduate of undergraduate or postgraduate degree studies related to environmental science.
- have a UK bank account
Previous participants in Equator interventions are welcome to apply, especially if you have moved on to a new role since last you last attended (e.g. now studying for a PhD).
International students currently studying in the UK are eligible to apply. Note that a certain percentage of places are reserved for home students.
How to apply?
If you are interested to sign up for this event,
1. Read the information sheet:
2. Complete the application form by 23:59 on Monday 13th April:
Places on the Research School will be allocated to eligible students by lottery.
You can find out more about our past Research Schools in 2022 and 2023 here. For enquiries, please contact EquatorResearchGroup@gmail.com.
Spread the word! Download our 2026 Research School Flyer here: