Who can apply
- MSc students from eligible regions
- PhD students from eligible regions
- Postdoctoral researchers from eligible regions
- Junior faculty members from eligible regions
- Researchers based in Africa
- Researchers based in Latin America and the Caribbean
- Researchers based in Ukraine
- Researchers from Small Island Developing States
- Applicants with a clearly defined research project or innovative idea
- Applicants with strong proficiency in English
Focus areas
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Data science
- High-performance computing
- Computational modelling
- Life sciences
- Environmental health
- Digital innovation
- Astrophysics
- Geophysics
- Materials science
- Quantum technologies
- Biophysics
- Open science
- Data-intensive scientific research
Requirements
- Be an MSc student, PhD student, postdoctoral researcher or junior faculty member
- Be from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Ukraine or a Small Island Developing State
- Have a clearly defined research project or innovative idea
- Demonstrate strong proficiency in English
- Explain how access to AI or high-performance computing infrastructure will support the proposed work
- Complete the official UNESCO online application form
- Provide all research, academic and technical information requested in the application
- Agree to the applicable UNESCO application and data-use conditions
Application steps
- Read the official UNESCO call and confirm that you meet the academic and regional eligibility requirements
- Define the research project or innovative idea that requires AI or high-performance computing resources
- Prepare clear information about your research objectives, computational needs and expected outcomes
- Open the official UNESCO online application form
- Complete all required academic, research and technical information
- Submit the application before 31 August 2026
Global Grants Hub strategic note
This opportunity is best suited to young researchers who already have a clear project but lack access to sufficient AI or high-performance computing infrastructure. It is not a cash grant. The main value is access to advanced computing resources, technical expertise, mentoring and collaborative training. Strong applicants should explain exactly what they want to research, why significant computing capacity is needed and what outputs the remote access will help them produce. General interest in AI without a defined research project is unlikely to be competitive.