CAREERS Environmental Innovators Programme

What would it be like to work in a sector where you can make a real world difference? Become an Environmental Innovator! This programme specifically aims to improve ethnic diversity in the environmental sector and is open only to UK ethnically minoritised undergraduate students.

Every year, thousands of people collect data about the environment through ‘citizen science’ recording schemes. The data is used by government organisations, charities and researchers to understand and manage the environment. We have teamed up with these organisations to develop creative, transdisciplinary projects to address real world environmental problems drawing on your skills.

Apply to be part of a paid programme for 12 undergraduate students interested in exploring the interdisciplinary world of the environmental sciences. The programme will be supported by a training schedule of online webinars, in-person fieldwork residentials and mentoring. You will gain skills in environmental monitoring, citizen science, data science, science communications, equipping you with knowledge and experiences foundational to taking up careers in the environmental sector. No prior environmental science knowledge or experience of environmental fieldwork is needed, but an interest in the environment is vital.

Apply here

Eligibility

The programme is open to students who meet the following criteria:

  • Full or part time undergraduate ethnically minoritised student
  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate programme of study, full time or part time, at the: University of York, University of Leeds, University of Bradford, University of Sheffield or Sheffield Hallam University.
  • Home fee payers; can learn more about fee status on the University of York website
  • Preference will be given to first/ second year undergraduate students

Your commitment

  • Monthly online workshops (1-2 hours in January - June 2027)
  • A weekend residential in Whitby; 2-4th April 2027 (2 nights/2.5 days)

During summer vacation 2027

  • 10 weeks full time working individually or in small teams on projects from 21st June
  • A two week residential in Yorkshire (location TBC) beginning on the 21st June
  • Working from home or host organisations in July and August
  • One week residential in Yorkshire (location TBC) in late August or early September.

Location

York, Whitby and other locations in UK

Payment

Environmental Innovators will be paid for their attendance at training events and for the full time working element of the programme at an hourly rate of £13.09 plus paid holiday. The project will pay for travel and accommodation. Research funding is available to support the development of the Environmental Innovators’ projects.

Application

To apply, please complete our application form.
Application deadline: by 11pm, 19th November 2026.
Here is the evaluation rubric we will use to evaluate applications.
If you have questions, please contact: careers2-project@york.ac.uk.

Webinar

Learn more about the Environmental Innovators Programme during an information webinar from 2-3pm on Tuesday, 10th November 2026. Register for the webinar (on Zoom) by filling out this registration form.

Videos

Hear from three members of the CAREERS team why you might want to apply for the programme and how to do so.

All rights reserved

Department of Environment and Geography
University of York
Heslington
York
YO10 5NG

Funded by

This project is supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) as part of its commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in environmental research.

Note: We use the terms People of Colour and Students of Colour respectfully, while recognising the limitations and complexities of these terms. We value the importance of acknowledging, respecting, and celebrating the cultural and ethnic identities of individuals within the broad categories they describe.