Women in Environmental Science Training (WEST- 2026)

Paniyeli Poru: Tracing nature’s connections across land, river and forest

On 24 July 2026, a team of eleven participants, from the WEST Project, conducted an educational field visit to Paniyeli Poru, a unique landscape renowned for its rich mosaic of interconnected ecosystems, including riverine habitats, tropical forests, rocky outcrops, and riparian vegetation. The visit was organized to provide participants with hands-on exposure to biodiversity assessment, species identification, and ecosystem observation in a natural setting.

Throughout the excursion, participants documented a wide variety of flora and fauna using modern biodiversity documentation tools such as iNaturalist and Merlin Bird ID. These applications facilitated the identification of numerous species of birds, insects, butterflies, fungi, and other organisms encountered during the survey. Among the noteworthy observations were the Tropical Cup Fungus (Cookeina spp.), Bristly Tropical Cup Fungus (Cookeina tricholoma), several species of butterflies, diverse insect communities, and a variety of native bird species, highlighting the remarkable biodiversity supported by the area

As Paniyeli Poru is a protected ecological landscape, the team adhered to conservation guidelines and did not collect water, soil, or biological samples. Instead, the visit focused on non-invasive ecological observations, species documentation, habitat assessment, and understanding the ecological interactions within the ecosystem. This approach emphasized the importance of responsible field practices and ethical biodiversity monitoring in protected areas.

The participants also examined the area's distinctive geological features, observing an array of naturally sculpted rocks exhibiting diverse colours, textures, and weathering patterns. These geological formations, shaped by the continuous flow of the Periyar River over thousands of years, contribute significantly to the landscape's ecological and aesthetic value.

The field visit provided valuable insights into the structure and functioning of tropical ecosystems, enabling participants to better understand the relationships between different habitats, their associated flora and fauna, and the importance of conserving such biologically rich environments. It also strengthened participants' skills in field observation, species identification, ecological documentation, and the use of digital biodiversity platforms, fostering a greater appreciation for ecosystem conservation and sustainable environmental stewardship.

Kuzhuppilly beach: Unveilling a haven of polychaete diversity

On 28 July 2026, a team of eleven participants, of the WEST Project, undertook a comprehensive field visit to Kuzhuppilly Beach, one of Kerala's ecologically significant sandy beach ecosystems. The visit was designed to provide participants with practical training in coastal field sampling techniques while enhancing their understanding of the ecological characteristics and biodiversity of sandy shore habitats

During the field exercise, participants systematically collected water, sand, and macroplastic samples using standardized ecological sampling methods. Bucket sampling was employed to collect water samples for subsequent analysis, while core sampling was used to obtain sediment samples from different sections of the beach. To assess anthropogenic impacts on the shoreline, the quadrat method was utilized to quantify and document the distribution of macroplastic debris within designated sampling areas.

In addition to environmental sampling, the team documented the rich biological diversity of the beach by observing and collecting representative specimens of polychaetes, crabs, insects, and other intertidal organisms. Kuzhuppilly Beach is particularly recognized for its abundance of polychaetes, making it an ideal site for studying the ecological significance of these benthic organisms and their role in coastal ecosystem functioning‍.

The field visit offered participants valuable hands-on experience in ecological survey techniques, species observation, and sample collection. It also provided an opportunity to understand the flora and fauna, habitat diversity, ecological interactions, and the environmental challenges affecting the coastal ecosystem, including pollution, habitat fragility, and human-induced disturbances. Through this immersive experience, participants developed a deeper appreciation of the importance of conserving coastal ecosystems and the need for scientific monitoring to support their sustainable management.

Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute; where science meets the Sea.

On 28 July, a team of eleven participants, of the WEST Project, visited the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, for an educational exposure aimed at enhancing their understanding of marine biodiversity, fisheries research, and sustainable livelihood practices.

During the visit, the team had the opportunity to:

1.   Attend an informative lecture on the history and evolution of CMFRI, highlighting its pioneering contributions to marine fisheries research, coastal ecosystem conservation, and current advancements in sustainable fisheries and marine livelihood development.

2.   Explore the Marine Biodiversity Museum, which houses an extensive collection of preserved marine specimens, including seagrasses, a wide variety of fish species, marine snakes, and several other organisms that showcase the diversity of India's marine ecosystems.

3. Observe the institute's remarkable collection of rare and significant specimens, including various coral samples, whale vertebrae, diverse shell collections, a preserved penguin specimen, and the complete skeletal system of a whale, providing valuable insights into marine taxonomy, anatomy, and evolutionary biology.

4.   Visit the aquarium section, where participants observed a diverse range of edible and ornamental fish species while learning about their biology, ecological importance, aquaculture practices, and their role in supporting sustainable fisheries and the aquarium trade.

The Women in Environmental Science Training Program (WEST–2026) is a fully funded six-month hybrid training and internship program designed to support and strengthen women’s participation in ecology, environmental science, and sustainability research across India.

Supported through the British Ecological Society Research Equity Fund, (RE: Research Equity Fund 2026  – EF26/1174 to Mr. Jishnu Panamoly Ayyappan - Founder and Director ECOR Foundation) WEST–2026 focuses on building practical ecological skills, research capacity, scientific communication, and professional networks for women students and early researchers. 

The program combines:

1. Online learning and mentoring

2. Hands-on ecological training

3. Research workshops in Kerala

4. Field-based assignments

5. Scientific writing and publication support

Only 20 women participants from across India will be selected for the 2026 cohort.

About WEST–2026

WEST–2026 aims to reduce barriers faced by women entering environmental and ecological sciences by providing structured mentorship, field exposure, and research training in an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.

The program is designed for motivated undergraduate and postgraduate students who are passionate about:

1. Ecology

2. Biodiversity conservation

3. Climate and sustainability

4. Environmental monitoring

5. Nature-based research

6. Community ecology

7. Scientific communication

Participants will gain practical experience in ecological methods while developing long-term research and professional skills.

Program Highlights

Fully Funded Opportunity

1. No application fee

2. No program fee

3. Training support provided

4. Workshop participation support included

Hybrid Learning Model

1.  Online sessions throughout the program

2.  In-person ecology workshops and field training in Kerala

Hands-on Ecology Training

Participants will receive practical exposure to:

1. Biodiversity assessment

2. Field ecology techniques

3. Ecological data collection

4. Environmental monitoring

5. Scientific documentation

6. Research ethics and reporting

Mentorship & Research Guidance

1. Guidance from researchers and environmental professionals

2. Career development support

3. Scientific writing mentorship

Publication & Assignment Support

Participants will complete:

1. A post-internship assignment/project

2. A scientific article, report, or publication-oriented output

Eligibility

Applicants must: Identify as women

Be currently pursuing or recently completed:

1. Undergraduate (UG) studies, or

2. Postgraduate (PG) studies

3. Have an interest in ecology, environment, sustainability, or conservation

4. Be available for the full six-month duration

5. Be willing to actively participate in online sessions and workshops

6. Commit to regular reporting and assignment submission

Students from all regions of India are encouraged to apply.

Program Structure

Duration : 6 Months

Mode : Hybrid (Online + Offline)

Offline Component

Hands-on ecology workshops and field training sessions in Kerala.

1. Learning Components

2. Expert lectures

3. Research discussions

4. Field methods training

5. Group activities

6. Ecological data analysis

7. Scientific communication workshops

8. Mentorship sessions

Participant Expectations

Selected participants are expected to:

1. Attend scheduled sessions regularly

2. Participate actively in discussions and training

3. Complete assigned tasks and reports on time

4. Maintain professional conduct throughout the program

5. Contribute to collaborative learning activities

Completion certificates will be awarded only to participants who successfully fulfill all program requirements.

Why WEST–2026 Matters

Women continue to remain underrepresented in several areas of environmental and ecological sciences. WEST–2026 is designed to create equitable access to scientific training, mentorship, and research opportunities for women across India.

The program emphasizes:

1. Capacity building

2. Research equity

3. Skill development

4. Inclusive scientific participation

5. Long-term academic and professional growth

The initiative aligns with the goals of the British Ecological Society Research Equity Fund, which supports projects that strengthen ecological research capacity and improve equitable participation in science. 

Important Dates

| Activity               | Timeline        

| Applications Open      | 20 May, 2026 

| Application Deadline   | 30 May, 2026 

| Selection Announcement | 5 June, 2026 

| Program Start        | June 08, 2026  

Interested candidates will be required to submit the application through the application portal.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Contact

For queries, collaborations, or partnership opportunities:

WEST–2026 Program 

Principal Investigator (PI)

Jishnu Panamoly Ayyappan

Email: Jp@ecorf.org.in

Mobile Number:+919061692626

Location: Kerala, India

For the WEST Program you DON'T need to be a Member of the foundation