2007/08 Deadlines: 15 September 2007 and 15 March 2008
Program Overview
The Research Fellowship Program (RFP), administered by the Wildlife Conservation Society-International Conservation's Training & Capacity Building Program, is now receiving some support from the Conservation Leadership Programme. It is a small grants program designed to build capacity for the next generation of conservationists through supporting individual field research projects that have a clear application to the conservation of threatened wildlife and wildlife habitat. RFP seeks projects that are based on sound and innovative conservation science and that encourage practices in conservation that can contribute to sustainable development in their home country. Most of the grantees are professional conservationists from the country of research and/or post-graduates pursuing a higher degree.
Although the Research Fellowships are not directly tied to previous CLP awards, having won an award and been part of a successful team will be considered good evidence of the qualities being sought.
Application Guidelines & Procedures
The WCS RFP supports field research in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Traditionally the RFP has not supported research in North America, Australia, or Europe, or their territories. However, the RFP has just begun to accept applications from Native Americans (US) and First Nation Peoples (Canada) who intend to conduct work on native lands on issues of direct relevance to wildlife. Grants are for up to $25,000 dollars, and are for no longer than one year. The average grant is $11,000.
Proposals are submitted in a standard format for two annual cycles with deadlines on March 15 and September 15. They are reviewed for suitability by WCS Africa, Asia, Latin America and Caribbean, and Marine Conservation Regional Programs, and then sent for peer review. They are also reviewed by CLP partner staff. In general, reviews will be requested from four scientists both on WCS and CLP staff and in other institutions. A final decision is made by Regional Assistant Directors, a CLP representative, and the Director of the WCS Institute.
Visit http://www.wcs.org/international/rfp for further information and application guidelines and procedures.
