Building global capacity in ecosystem modelling
Ecopath International Initiative is committed to expanding global capacity in ecosystem-based modeling and management. Through our sponsorship program, we aim to empower early-career researchers, students, and professionals—particularly those from underrepresented regions—to engage with the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) framework.
We believe that broad participation and equitable access to scientific tools are essential for advancing sustainable ocean stewardship. Sponsorships help remove financial barriers so that diverse voices can contribute to ecosystem science and policy.
Who should apply
This opportunity is for:
- Graduate students or postdoctoral researchers in marine ecology, fisheries science, or related fields
- Individuals who demonstrate a commitment to applying EwE in their home regions and sharing their knowledge locally
- Citizens and residents of countries in the Global South may get preference to facilitate capacity building
What the sponsorship covers
Each sponsorship can cover up to €1000 in course-related expenses, including:
- Travel costs (e.g., flights, train tickets)
- Accommodation
- Course fees are fully waived for sponsored participants
Note: We cannot issue direct cash payments in advance. All sponsorship support is provided in the form of direct payments or reimbursements for incurred travel-related costs.
Terms and conditions
To comply with Spanish regulations, the following apply:
- Recipients must sign a sponsorship agreement acknowledging the conditions of support.
- EII can directly pay for travel expenses or lodgings, or we reimburse via receipts and supporting documentation.
- Any remainder of the sponsorship, up to €100, will be given in person during the course.
- Sponsorships are limited in number, and awarded competitively based on motivation, financial need, and alignment with EII capacity building goals.
Responsibilities for elected candidates
The elected candidate should attend the course and introduce their work in a brief presentation
How to apply
Reply to the pre-registration confirmation email that you received, and attach the following documentation:
- A CV (max 4 pages)
- A short statement of purpose (max 500 words)
- Two letters of recommendations
- If possible, evidence of prior use of EwE or related tools
Applications are reviewed based on academic merit, relevance to local or regional marine issues, and commitment to sharing knowledge post-course.
We must have received a request for sponsorship no later than 10 weeks before the start of the course. You will hear back from us 8 weeks before the start of the course.
For questions, please email us at sponsorship[at]ecopathinternational.org. You can also find more about our upcoming courses here: ecopathinternational.org/courses-workshops
A commitment to equity
EII is committed to making Ecopath with Ecosim knowledge and tools accessible to all. Our sponsorship program is one step toward ensuring that those most in need of ecosystem modelling tools can use them to build more sustainable futures.