The Earth Fellows Edit for 2026 is live! This annual publication showcases the work of Edinburgh Earth Initiative’s Earth Fellows programme, which gives current students the unique opportunity to work on paid climate and environment projects, engage with professional development events and build a network for collective action on climate change.
This year’s Edit brings together reflections from Earth Fellows and project partners across the University, offering a snapshot of the ideas, skills and collaborations that have shaped the programme this year.
From exploring the carbon impact of anthropogenic fires, to supporting the University’s engagement with international climate negotiations, Earth Fellows have contributed to research, communications, teaching, policy engagement, evidence synthesis and behaviour change.
View the Earth Fellows Edit 2026
Student climate work in action
Earth Fellows contribute vital skills and capacity to climate and environment projects across the University of Edinburgh. The programme is built on collaboration between students, researchers and professional services colleagues, bringing fresh perspectives and practical support to climate and environment work across the University.
This year, Fellows worked with partners on projects spanning climate justice, environmental biotechnology, sustainable forests and landscapes, curriculum development, local climate governance, COP engagement and student sustainability initiatives.
Some Fellows contributed to research projects, helping to review literature, analyse evidence, conduct interviews and develop tools or frameworks for future work. Others focused on communication and engagement, helping to translate climate research into accessible stories, events, publications and digital content.
Together, their work reflects the many different ways students can contribute to climate action: through research, creativity, policy, education, collaboration and community-building.
“Working in such a varied interdisciplinary team and communicating findings from multiple areas gave me more confidence in teamwork and presentation. However, most of all, quickly grasping the fire science, understanding how government approved emission factors are made, or working with uncertainty were all new to me and will be incredibly useful as a skill in any sustainability-related career.” – Sarka Ondrouchova, Earth Fellow
Project partners also reflected on the value Fellows brought to their work.
“Working on the Earth Fellow project has been a very useful and enjoyable experience – and the quality of the research has been impressive. The Fellows have been extremely professional and well-organised, and really driven the project forwards.” – Prof Matthew Brander, Personal Chair of Carbon Accounting, Business School
Building skills, confidence and community
Alongside their project outputs, Fellows reflected on the personal and professional development gained through the programme. Many described the experience as an opportunity to work in new ways, connect with people across disciplines and better understand the role of collaboration in climate action.
For some, the Fellowship helped build new research, communication and project management skills. For others, it offered a sense of connection and hope in the face of the climate and nature crises.
“Sometimes it can be easy to become disillusioned and feel that we are alone in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, but I have learnt that all around us there are people that care deeply and are trying their best to make the world a better, more sustainable place. Through working together, we can create change.” – Gina Constable, Earth Fellow
Read the Earth Fellows Edit 2026 to hear directly from this year’s Fellows and project partners, and explore the projects they helped bring to life.
Future Earth Fellows opportunities
We’re currently hiring for a number of Earth Fellow roles for University of Edinburgh students, with more opportunities to come. Keep an eye on our opportunities page for current and future roles.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh can host Earth Fellows to support their areas of research and contribute to the wider strategic aims at the University of Edinburgh. Length of projects and Earth Fellows contributions are flexible based on your project’s needs.
Get in touch with Earth Fellows Programme Manager, Chloe Francis.
