MSc Dissertation Fellowships 2026 AMP HIMALAYA by The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment Applications Open, The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) is a non-profit organisation that advances interdisciplinary research to inform environmental policies and practical conservation efforts. Its work focuses on protecting biodiversity while promoting sustainable development, ecological well-being, and social justice.

Through its AMP-Himalaya project, ATREE works to conserve biodiversity, rehabilitate degraded landscapes, and improve the well-being of communities across the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). The initiative focuses on three major areas: biodiversity assessment, monitoring and conservation; restoration of multifunctional landscapes; and the development of nature-based rural livelihoods alongside greater resilience to climate change.

The project operates across three distinct Himalayan landscapes spanning several states and a Union Territory. These include the Khangchendzonga Landscape, which covers the Darjeeling hills of northern West Bengal and Sikkim; the Trans-Himalayan Landscape in Ladakh, where communities depend heavily on rangelands and agro-pastoral and pastoral systems; and Arunachal Pradesh, known for its extensive green landscapes, cultural diversity, and exceptional biodiversity.

As part of this initiative, ATREE is inviting applications from fourth-semester master’s students interested in undertaking dissertation research in the identified Himalayan regions. The programme will provide support to four eligible students whose research aligns with the project’s specified geographical areas and thematic priorities.

If you’re interested in this prestigious fellowship program, we encourage you to read the article carefully and follow the application guidelines closely. Make sure to review all eligibility criteria and submit your application within the specified timeline.

Last Date of Application: 4^th December 2026

Research Themes and Areas of Study for MSc Dissertation Fellowships 2026 AMP HIMALAYA by The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment Applications Open

1. Ladakh

Students interested in conducting research in Ladakh may explore topics related to climate resilience, pastoral communities, biodiversity, and sustainable development. Potential research areas include:

1. Climate change impacts and adaptation strategies.
2. Documentation and mapping of biocultural knowledge and traditional practices.
3. Human–wildlife interactions and coexistence.
4. Educational and pedagogical research related to pastoralism courses.
5. Tourism and its environmental and social implications in Ladakh.
6. Pollination ecology and related biodiversity studies.
7. Developing protocols for long-term ecological monitoring.
8. Evaluating the impacts of environmental, conservation, and development initiatives.
9. Water availability, access, and quality.
10. Extreme weather events and disaster risk management.
11. Developing community protocols for ethical research and engagement.

2. Khangchendzonga Landscape – Sikkim and the Hills of North Bengal

Research in this landscape will focus on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, traditional knowledge, and the effects of environmental change. Suggested themes include:

1. Studying biodiversity across changing landscapes in the Khangchendzonga region.
2. Assessing ecosystem services provided by remaining forest patches.
3. Examining human–wildlife interactions, coexistence, and community well-being.
4. Documenting traditional knowledge and the sustainable use of biological resources.
5. Investigating the effects of climate change on Himalayan biodiversity and ecosystems.
6. Evaluating the economic consequences of land-use changes and biodiversity loss.
7. Exploring restoration ecology and approaches to landscape recovery.

3. Arunachal Pradesh

Students undertaking research in Arunachal Pradesh may focus on community-led conservation, forest management, cultural heritage, and biodiversity protection. The identified research areas include:

1. Assessing the effectiveness of different conservation management approaches.
2. Evaluating community-based conservation initiatives.
3. Documenting biodiversity and biological resources in community forests.
4. Studying traditional ecological knowledge associated with local forest management practices.
5. Exploring the relationship between cultural heritage and conservation.
6. Reviewing policies concerning Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) in Northeast India.

Eligibility Criteria for MSc Dissertation Fellowships 2026 AMP HIMALAYA by The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment Applications Open

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the research support programme:

• Academic background: Students pursuing a master’s degree in any discipline are eligible, provided they have completed three semesters of coursework or are currently in their third semester.
• Institutional requirement: Applicants must be enrolled at a university located in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
• Regional preference: Preference will be given to students from the Himalayan region.

ATREE is committed to diversity, gender equity, and the representation of minority communities. Women and individuals from under-recognised or underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Benefits for MSc Dissertation Fellowships 2026 AMP HIMALAYA by The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment Applications Open

Each selected student will receive a stipend of USD 900 (approximately ₹75,000) to support their dissertation research.

Students will be jointly supervised by faculty members from ATREE and their respective universities or academic institutions, providing an opportunity to benefit from collaborative research guidance.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email their application and supporting documents to ihr.fellowships@atree.org.

Applicants are required to submit the following:

• A completed application.
• An updated curriculum vitae (CV).
• A supporting letter from their university or institute endorsing their fellowship application.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in an interview with the selection committee. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so interested students are encouraged to apply early.

Application deadline: December 4, 2026

For further information or queries about the programme, applicants can contact ihr.fellowships@atree.org.

Learn more about the Fellowship Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the ATREE AMP-Himalaya Dissertation Research Fellowship?

Students pursuing a master’s degree in any discipline can apply if they have completed three semesters of coursework or are currently in their third semester. Applicants must be enrolled at a university located in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).

2. What research areas are covered under the AMP-Himalaya project?

The programme supports dissertation research across three regions: Ladakh, the Khangchendzonga Landscape in Sikkim and the hills of North Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh. Research themes include climate change, biodiversity conservation, human–wildlife interactions, traditional ecological knowledge, ecosystem restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and community-based conservation.

3. How much financial support will selected students receive?

Each selected student will receive a stipend of USD 900, approximately ₹75,000, to support their dissertation research.

4. What documents are required to apply for the ATREE dissertation fellowship?

Applicants should submit their application, an updated CV, and a supporting letter from their university or institute endorsing their fellowship application. Shortlisted candidates may also be invited for an interview with the selection committee.

5. What is the last date to apply for the ATREE AMP-Himalaya Dissertation Research Fellowship?

The application deadline is December 4, 2026. Applications are processed as they are received, so eligible students are encouraged to submit their applications early by emailing ihr.fellowships@atree.org.

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