Newcastle University is part of the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP) which will strengthen education, health and climate resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The initiative is inspired by the life’s work of His Majesty King Charles III, who has long championed efforts to address the urgent challenges presented from climate change. The KCFP was developed to empower future leaders in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) by providing them with the opportunity to undertake PhD research focused on critical economic, social, and environmental development challenges.

Naim Ahmad Shaik Joomun is a PhD researcher at Newcastle University’s School of Engineering. He is from Mauritius and has more than 20 years of experience in the geospatial field. He is a professional land surveyor and currently works as a cartographer for the Ministry of Housing and Lands in Mauritius and has set up up the newly created Land Drainage Authority (LDA) in 2018 and worked as GIS Expert under the technical support for the UNDP Climate Promise project.

Naim said: "I am truly grateful to Newcastle University and the University of Mauritius for this incredible opportunity through the King’s Commonwealth PhD Fellowship. It allows me to realise a lifelong dream — pursuing my PhD in Geospatial Technologies for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction in Mauritius.

“As someone from a Small Island Developing State, this Fellowship represents hope and fairness, recognising that while we contribute little to global warming, we face some of its harshest impacts. The support and flexibility of the KCFP make it possible for professionals like me to continue serving my country while advancing meaningful research."

Empowering future leaders in Small Island Developing States

The KCFP programme is designed to upskill academics and professionals living in SIDS, which is essential for these nations' resilience and prosperity. The unique fellowships allow candidates to pursue their PhD studies in their home countries while continuing to work, ensuring their research directly benefits their communities.

Fellows will receive a stipend to support their research, including visits to their dedicated partner universities. Each King’s Fellow will benefit from joint PhD supervision from both their home university in a SIDS and a partner university. Fellows will also gain access to a dedicated online Community of Practice, providing them with professional development support, opportunities to engage with policymakers, public speaking events, and valuable research funding advice.

Applications for the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP) Climate Resilience Fellowships are now open

Applications for the King's Commonwealth Fellowship Programme Climate Resilience Fellowships are now open. Fellows from Small Island Developing States with 5-15 years or equivalent experience of working on the frontline of climate adaptation can now apply for this fully funded blended training programme. Fellows will acquire the practical tools needed to respond to and build long-term resilience against the current climate crisis with near immediate effect.

Applications will close at 13:00 UTC on 19 November.

Find out more and apply.

Adapted with thanks from the Association of Commonwealth Universities.