Applications are now open for the World Resources Institute (WRI) Lee Schipper Memorial Scholarship 2027, a prestigious international scholarship supporting early-career researchers working on sustainable transport, energy efficiency, and climate solutions. The scholarship provides funding of up to US$12,500 to help young researchers advance innovative projects that contribute to cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable transportation systems worldwide.
Jointly supported by the World Resources Institute (WRI), the Volvo Research and Education Foundations (VREF), the Kuehne Climate Center, and the Schipper Family, the scholarship aims to inspire the next generation of researchers driving climate action through evidence-based transport research.
About the Lee Schipper Memorial Scholarship
The Lee Schipper Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Leon “Lee” Schipper, an internationally respected physicist, transport researcher, and co-founder of EMBARQ (now WRI’s Urban Mobility Program). Throughout his career, Lee championed sustainable mobility, energy efficiency, and data-driven policymaking.
The scholarship supports young researchers whose work has the potential to influence policy, improve transport systems, and accelerate the transition to low-carbon, sustainable mobility.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Funding of up to US$12,500
- Financial support to conduct innovative research
- International recognition from leading global organizations
- Opportunity to contribute to transport and climate policy
- Increased visibility within the global sustainable transport community
- Networking opportunities with researchers and policy experts
- Platform to showcase research with international impact
Scholarship Categories
Five scholarships are awarded each cycle:
- Two International Scholarships
- One African Scholarship
- One International Sustainable Freight Transport Scholarship
- One African Sustainable Freight Transport Scholarship
The programme encourages diverse perspectives and supports research addressing transportation challenges across different regions.
Research Areas
Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals related to:
- Sustainable transport
- Urban mobility
- Energy efficiency
- Climate change mitigation
- Green transportation
- Freight transport
- Sustainable logistics
- Public transport systems
- Transport policy
- Mobility data analysis
- Transport emissions
- Clean energy mobility
- Low-carbon transport
- Transport planning
- Climate resilience in transportation
Projects involving innovative policy analysis, interdisciplinary research, and practical implementation are particularly encouraged.
Funding Focus
The scholarship supports research activities such as:
- Data collection and analysis
- Policy evaluation
- Qualitative and quantitative research
- Comparative international studies
- Sustainable mobility innovation
- Evidence-based policy development
- Research that generates measurable real-world impact
The programme prioritizes bold, transformative ideas capable of influencing transport systems and public policy.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should:
- Be early-career researchers.
- Have five years or less of experience since completing their most recent Master’s or PhD degree.
- Be under 36 years of age at the application deadline (subject to approved eligibility extensions where applicable).
- Submit their application in English.
- Demonstrate strong research potential.
- Propose an innovative and impactful research project.
Researchers from all countries and academic disciplines are encouraged to apply.
African Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants for the African Scholarship must additionally:
- Hold citizenship of an African country.
- Currently live and work in Africa.
- Be affiliated with an African-based institution or an African branch of an international institution.
- Conduct research within Africa.
Freight Transport Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants for the Freight Transport Scholarships should propose research focusing on:
- Sustainable freight transport
- Green logistics
- Freight efficiency
- Supply chain sustainability
- Low-carbon freight systems
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Alignment with Lee Schipper’s vision
- Contribution to sustainable transport
- Innovation and originality
- Potential for real-world impact
- Research feasibility
- Applicant’s academic and professional background
- Quality of references
- Policy relevance
Projects capable of driving measurable improvements in sustainable mobility will receive strong consideration.
Application Process
The scholarship selection takes place in two stages.
Stage One
Applicants submit an Expression of Interest, outlining:
- Research idea
- Expected impact
- Applicant background
- Initial project concept
Stage Two
Shortlisted candidates are invited to submit:
- Detailed research proposal
- Expanded methodology
- Project timeline
- Budget
- Supporting documentation
Final recipients are selected following a comprehensive evaluation.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: Now
- Expression of Interest Deadline: 17 April 2026
- Shortlisted Applicants Notified: May 2026
- Full Proposal Submission: Following shortlisting
- Final Scholarship Awards: August 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.
Why Apply?
The Lee Schipper Memorial Scholarship offers young researchers the opportunity to:
- Advance impactful climate research.
- Influence transport policy.
- Build an international research profile.
- Collaborate with leading organizations.
- Contribute to cleaner, safer, and more sustainable cities.
- Support global climate action through evidence-based solutions.
About the World Resources Institute
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization working to improve people’s lives, protect nature, and stabilize the climate. Through research, innovation, and partnerships, WRI develops practical solutions addressing climate change, sustainable cities, energy, food systems, forests, water resources, and environmental resilience worldwide.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Review the official scholarship guidelines.
- Prepare an Expression of Interest outlining their proposed research.
- Submit the online application before the deadline.
- If shortlisted, prepare a detailed research proposal for the final selection stage.
Conclusion
The World Resources Institute Lee Schipper Memorial Scholarship 2027 provides an outstanding opportunity for early-career researchers to receive funding and international recognition for innovative work in sustainable transport and climate action. By supporting transformative research and policy solutions, the programme empowers emerging researchers to contribute to cleaner, more efficient, and climate-resilient transportation systems around the world.
Researchers passionate about sustainable mobility, climate resilience, and transport innovation are encouraged to submit their applications and help shape the future of global transportation.
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