AUST Researchers Spotlighted for Global Soil Science Opportunities Through ISTRO Travel Grants and Scholarships

The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, has highlighted a range of international funding opportunities available to its researchers and postgraduate students through the International Soil Tillage Research Organization, aimed at supporting participation in major global conferences on soil science and sustainable land management.

The opportunities are tied to the Global Symposium on Soil Compaction 2026 (GSSC 2026), scheduled to take place in Denmark, as well as the ISTRO 2027 Conference to be hosted in Abuja, Nigeria. These initiatives are supported by leading organisations including the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Independent Research Fund Denmark, underscoring growing international collaboration in advancing soil research.

For GSSC 2026, several travel grants have been made available to support early-career researchers and PhD students. Early-career applicants must be within seven years of completing their PhD and based in low- or middle-income countries, while PhD candidates must typically be in their second year or beyond. The grants include five ISTRO Travel Grants valued at €850 each for members, ten Novo Nordisk Travel Grants worth €650, and two DFF Travel Grants of €650 for early-career researchers.

Although conference registration is free, the grants are intended to offset travel and accommodation costs. Applicants are required to demonstrate financial need, provide a letter of support from their Head of Department, and submit key documents including a motivation letter, curriculum vitae, relevant publications, and an abstract of their intended presentation. The application deadline is 1 June 2026, with successful candidates to be notified by 1 July 2026.

In addition, ISTRO has announced an extensive scholarship scheme for its 2027 international conference in Abuja, presenting a significant opportunity for AUST scholars to engage with global experts on home soil. The scholarships include two flagship awards—the Cees van Ouwerkerk Scholarship and the Elsevier Scholarship—each valued at $2,000 and open to young researchers under the age of 40. These awards cover registration and accommodation, with remaining funds allocated for travel.

Further support includes thirteen ISTRO Scholarships worth $1,200 each, targeting a mix of young researchers and doctoral students, with particular consideration given to applicants from low- and middle-income countries. An additional thirty registration support scholarships valued at $315 are reserved for ISTRO members residing in Nigeria and across Africa who have accepted papers for presentation.

Eligibility for the 2027 scholarships requires applicants to be active ISTRO members, demonstrate financial need, and show evidence of institutional support for participation. Applications must include a motivation letter, CV, up to three publications, a conference abstract, and proof of financial backing for any additional costs. Submissions are due by 31 October 2026.

AUST has encouraged its academic community, particularly those in environmental science, agriculture, and related fields, to take advantage of these opportunities. The University noted that participation in both GSSC 2026 and ISTRO 2027 will not only enhance research visibility but also strengthen international partnerships and contribute to advancing sustainable soil management practices in Africa and beyond.