School of Natural Resources and Environment

Sustainable Systems

International Research Fellowship Program (IRFP)

Typical application deadline: 
September
Contact Name: 
Lauren Wyatt
Page last updated: 
03/24/2011
Contact Phone: 
(703) 292-8429
Application Deadline: 
September 13, 2011
weblinks: 
Fellowship Information
Application Instructions
Funding source home page: 
National Science Foundation
Applicant Eligibility: 
Ph.D.
Applicant Eligibility Comments: 

* U.S. Citizen or permanent residents as application submission
* have been awarded a doctoral degree within two years of the application date or expect to receive the doctoral degree by the award date.
* desire to conduct scientific research at appropriate academic, government or non-profit research institutions, located outside of the United States.
* Applicants who are permanent residents of the U.S. may not request a host site in their native country.
* Appropriate host sites are foreign science or engineering centers in all geographical regions. Appropriate establishments include institutions of higher education, industrial research institutions/laboratories, government research institutes/ laboratories/ centers,and non-profit research organizations.

Keywords: 
Computers
Ecological studies
Environmental Education
GIS
International
Natural Resource Management
Policy
Remote sensing
Research/field research
Science/technology
Sustainability/Sustainable Development
Systems Thinking/Complexity Science
Amount: 
Varies
Funding Abstract: 

The objective of the International Research Fellowship Program (IRFP) is to introduce (biological and behavioral) scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers to international collaborative research opportunities, thereby furthering their research capacitgy and global perspective and forging long-term relationships with scientists, engineers, and technologists abroad. These awards are available in any field of science and engineering research and education supported by NSF.

Type of Funding: 
Fellowship
Funding Comments: 

Approximately 30-35 fellowships will be offered each year to U.S. investigators for research abroad.

Application Process and Required Materials: 
Application must be submitted electronically using FastLane (www.fastlane.nsf.gov). Follow application instructions at https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/d11/ApplInst_3.htm?.
Fields of Study: 
Behavior, Education and Communication
Environmental Informatics
Environmental Justice
Environmental Policy and Planning
Sustainable Systems
Landscape Architecture

Sustainable Development Program

Typical application deadline: 
ongoing
Page last updated: 
10/05/2010
Contact Phone: 
(212) 812-4200
Applicant Eligibility: 
Master's Project
Other
Applicant Eligibility Comments: 

* Must either be a tax-exempt organization or an organization seeking support for a project that woudl qualify as educational or charitable. (Master's projects could qualify)
* Work must fit generally within the Fund's guidelines

Funding source home page: 
Rockefeller Brothers Fund
weblinks: 
Program information
Application information
Keywords: 
Climate change
Conservation Biology
Energy
Forest/Forestry/Trees
International
Land management
Ocean/Marine
Policy
Restoration
Sustainability/Sustainable Development
Amount: 
Varies. $1,500 - $300,000; most are around $86,000
Funding Abstract: 

Human activity is causing global warming, rapid loss of biodiversity, and accelerating degradation of Earth's life support systems. These developments threaten the livelihoods, health, and security of people in all nations and cultures as well as the well-being of the greater community of life. The RBF's sustainable development grantmaking endeavors to address these challenges by supporting environmental stewardship that is ecologically based, economically sound, socially just, culturally appropriate, and consistent with intergenerational equity. The Fund encourages government, business, and civil society to work collaboratively on environmental conservation and to make it an integral part of all development planning and activity. Recognizing the global nature of many environmental problems, the Fund also promotes international cooperation in addressing these challenges.

Type of Funding: 
Grant
Funding Comments: 

The RBF rarely funds unsolicited applications.

Application Process and Required Materials: 

A letter of inquiry (LOI) is the recommended starting point for requesting a grant from the RBF. The review process takes, on average, 30 - 60 days from the time the inquiry is received. Details on what to include in the LOI can be found on the RBF website.

If there is interest in considering a grant, staff will contact the applicant for additional information, including a detailed proposal. Applicants should not a send a full proposal unless requested to do so by Fund staff. Details on what to include in the proposal can be found on the RBF website.

If a proposal is being considered for a grant, the approval process is generally completed within three months; however, the exact timeline may vary. Most grants are approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees which meets three times a year (March, June, and November). A limited number of grants may be approved by the Fund's president between meetings. RBF staff will advise an applicant as to how and when a proposal is being reviewed for funding.

Fields of Study: 
Environmental Policy and Planning
Sustainable Systems

Student Research Scholarships

Typical application deadline: 
December
Page last updated: 
09/28/2010
Contact Phone: 
(512) 327-9721
Application Deadline: 
December 15, 2010
Funding source home page: 
Bat Conservation International
Applicant Eligibility: 
Graduate
Applicant Eligibility Comments: 

Students enrolled in any college or university worldwide are eligible to apply. Students who have applied in previous years to BCI’s Student Research Scholarship Program are eligible to reapply each subsequent year, whether they received a previous BCI grant or not. Non-students are not eligible.

weblinks: 
Scholarship information, including application information
Keywords: 
Animals
Biodiversity
Conservation Biology
Ecological studies
Endangered Species
Forest/Forestry/Trees
Mammals
Research/field research
Wildlife
Amount: 
$1,000 to $5,000
Funding Abstract: 

Each year, BCI sponsors students in conducting conservation-relevant research. Lack of knowledge about bat ecology and behavior is one of the greatest impediments to bat conservation progress. The goal of this program is to support exceptionally talented students in research initiatives that will contribute new knowledge essential to conserving bats and the ecosystems they serve. We hope these funds provide opportunities for matching grants from other conservation organizations, government agencies and private foundations, and that BCI’s support will grow in future years.

Type of Funding: 
Fellowship
Funding Comments: 

All recipients will be required to sign a standard reporting and completion agreement and liability waiver. Upon signing of the agreement, BCI will write a check for 80 percent of the awarded amount, made payable to the sponsoring college or university. BCI does not allow any overhead, administrative or indirect costs to be taken from the awarded grant money by the supervising institution. Payment of the remaining 20 percent of the grant will be dependent upon timely submission of progress reports and photographs of project activities to BCI, with the balance paid upon submission of the final report.

Application Process and Required Materials: 

 SUBMISSION MATERIALS

  1. Application: All sections of the application form must be completed to the best of the student’s ability and knowledge. Questions which are not applicable to proposal should be marked “Not Applicable” or “N/A.”
  2. Research Proposal: Proposals should clearly state objectives of studies and the significance of the work to bat conservation progress and give detailed descriptions of the methodology to be used. Proposals must show how projects support conservation needs and must demonstrate that the project in question is feasible within the planned time and financial limitations. It is very important to be clear in explaining the data collection and analysis techniques.
  3. Summary of Progress: Projects that are already under way must include an additional one-page summary of the progress made to date, including any significant findings.
  4. References Cited
  5. Budget
  6. Biographical Sketch of Applicant: Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, not to exceed two pages in length. If there are additional primary investigators, a short curricula vitae for each one may also be included.
  7. Letters of Support – Provide the names and email addresses of three academic or conservation biology professionals familiar with your project and your qualifications.
Fund Usage: 
Research
Fields of Study: 
Sustainable Systems

Great Lakes Commission-Sea Grant Fellowship

Typical application deadline: 
January
Contact Name: 
Dr. Jim Diana, Director, Michigan Sea Grant
Page last updated: 
12/14/2010
Contact Phone: 
734-763-5834
Application Deadline: 
January 31, 2011
weblinks: 
Fellowship Information
Funding source home page: 
Great Lakes Commission
Applicant Eligibility: 
Graduate
Applicant Eligibility Comments: 

Eligible applicants include students who, at the time of application, are in a graduate or professional degree program in public policy, public health, natural resources, aquatic sciences or other related field at a U.S. accredited institution of higher education in the United States.

Keywords: 
Conservation Biology
Ecological studies
Environmental Education
Fish/Fishery
General support
Great Lakes
Health
International students
Natural Resource Management
Ocean/Marine
Policy
Research/field research
Restoration
Watershed
Amount: 
$41,000
Funding Abstract: 

The Great Lakes Commission-Sea Grant Fellow will work with members of the Great Lakes' science, policy and information/education communities to advance the environmental quality and sustainable economic development goals of the Great Lakes states. In so doing, the Fellow will contribute to and benefit from research coordination and policy analysis activities. The Fellow will be housed at the Great Lakes Commission offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

This will be the 12th year this fellowship has been sponsored by the Great Lakes Commission, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program and the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network.

Type of Funding: 
Fellowship
Funding Comments: 

Of this amount, $35,000 is provided to each Fellow for compensation. The remaining $6,000 will be used to cover health insurance for the Fellow and support fellowship-related travel. During the fellowship, the Great Lakes Commission may provide supplemental funds for work-related travel by the Fellow.

Application Process and Required Materials: 

Interested students should discuss this fellowship opportunity with their local Sea Grant programs. Interested individuals should submit their applications to the state Sea Grant program directors (see below), who then screen the applications for forwarding to the Great Lakes Commission. Each application must include:
* Personal and academic resume or curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages);
* Education and career goal statement with emphasis on what the prospective fellow expects from the experience in the way of career development (1,000 words or less);
* Two letters of recommendation, with at least one from the student's major professor;
* A letter of endorsement from the sponsoring Sea Grant director; and
* A copy of undergraduate and graduate student transcripts.
Note: Thesis papers are not requested or desired.

Fields of Study: 
Behavior, Education and Communication
Environmental Informatics
Environmental Justice
Environmental Policy and Planning
Sustainable Systems

Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships in Energy Technology Innovation

Typical application deadline: 
January
Contact Name: 
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Page last updated: 
10/12/2011
Application Deadline: 
January 14, 2011
Contact Phone: 
(617) 495-8806
weblinks: 
Fellowship information
Fellowship application information
Funding source home page: 
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Applicant Eligibility: 
Ph.D.
Applicant Eligibility Comments: 

The Energy Technology Innovation Policy (ETIP) research group in the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School is soliciting applications for post-doctoral fellowships in the following areas:

1) Carbon capture & storage technology and policy;
2) Energy technology and policy in India;
3) Energy technology and policy in China;
4) U.S. transportation policy;
5) Climate policy, and
6) Energy-technology innovation policy

ETIP strives to determine and then seek to promote adoption of effective policies for accelerating the development and deployment of cleaner and more efficient energy technologies, primarily in China, India, and the United States

Keywords: 
Air Quality
Business/Industry
Climate change
Energy
Global change
International
International students
Research/field research
Science/technology
Sustainability/Sustainable Development
Systems Thinking/Complexity Science
Amount: 
$20,000 predoctoral; $34,000 postdoctoral
Funding Abstract: 

Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program (STPP)
STPP includes two major research projects that offer pre and post-doctoral fellowships in national and comparative science and technology policies and policy formation mechanisms; science and technology policy for competitiveness, sustainability, and security; social determinants of, and social impacts of, scientific and technological change. If you are applying for an STPP fellowship, please specify to which of these areas you are applying. Fellowships are available within the following projects:

  • Managing the Atom Project
    Addressing the risks posed by nuclear weapons and weapons-usable materials; assessing the future of civilian nuclear power; and strengthening democratic management of both through improved access to information, broader public participation, and more effective regulation and oversight. Managing the Atom is a joint project of the Belfer Center's International Security Program (see above), though it offers a separate set of fellowships.
  • Energy Technology Innovation Policy Research Group
    Addresses patterns and processes of energy research, development, demonstration and deployment in the United States and around the world, policies and institutions for closing the gap between national and international energy R&D strategies and those needed to meet the challenge of climate change; analysis of effectiveness of collaborative and partnership approaches for meeting U.S. energy-related environmental goals.
Type of Funding: 
Fellowship
Funding Comments: 

$34,000 to post-doctoral research fellows and $20,000 to pre-doctoral research fellows, with health insurance. Only a limited number of fellowships are available, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply for other sources of funding. All applicants should indicate clearly whether they are seeking full or partial funding from BCSIA, and indicate other potential funding sources. Non-stipendiary appointments are also offered. Please note that CSP fellowship appointments are non-stipendiary. In most cases, office space and supplies, computers with LAN and Internet connections, and access to Harvard University libraries and other facilities will be provided.

Application Process and Required Materials: 

Each applicant should submit as one complete packet:

  1. A completed one page application (click to download the application PDF).
  2. A 3 to 5 page double-spaced statement that proposes a major research project or dissertation prospectus, including its relevance to the research interests of one of the Center's programs or projects; the statement should clearly indicate at the top of the page the specific Belfer Center program or project to which the application is being directed and whether or not you are applying for funding.
  3. A curriculum vitae;
  4. 3 sealed letters of recommendation (not emails) attesting to the applicant's professional competence;
  5. A short writing sample pertinent to the application (No more than 50 pages; please do not send books or lengthy manuscripts);
  6. Pre-doctoral candidates must also provide a sealed graduate school transcript.
Fund Usage: 
Stipend, research
Funding Restrictions: 

Must indicate other potential funding sources.

Fields of Study: 
Environmental Informatics
Environmental Justice
Environmental Policy and Planning
Sustainable Systems

Kenneth E. Grant Research Scholarship

Typical application deadline: 
February
Contact Name: 
Sue Ann Lynes
Page last updated: 
11/18/2010
Application Deadline: 
February 12, 2011
Contact Phone: 
515-289-2331
weblinks: 
Scholarship information, including application information
Funding source home page: 
Soil and Water Conservation Society
Applicant Eligibility: 
Graduate
Applicant Eligibility Comments: 

An applicant for the research scholarship must:

  • be a member of SWCS;
  • have demonstrated integrity, ability, and competence to complete the specified study topic;
  • be eligible for graduate work at an accredited institution; and
  • show reasonable need for financial assistance.
Keywords: 
Ecological studies
Ecosystem
Land management
Natural Resource Management
Research/field research
Soil
Sustainability/Sustainable Development
Amount: 
$1,000
Funding Abstract: 

In 1978, friends and associates of Kenneth E. Grant established a scholarship program in his name when he retired as administrator of the Soil Conservation Service. The Kenneth E. Grant Research Scholarship provides financial aid to members of SWCS for interdisciplinary graduate-level research on a conservation topic that will extend the SWCS mission of fostering the science and the art of soil, water, and related natural resource management to achieve sustainability.

Type of Funding: 
Fellowship
Funding Comments: 

Research proposals investigating the implications of a biofuel based economy or locally grown foods are encouraged.

Application Process and Required Materials: 

No specific forms are required.

The applicant should submit, in three pages or less, a proposal for completing the specified project. Included in the proposal should be material supporting the applicant’s ability to meet the eligibility requirements outlined above.

Applications submitted by email are encouraged. sueann.lynes@swcs.org. You may also submit applications by U.S. Postal Service (1 copy only) to: SWCS-Scholarship, 945 SW Ankeny Rd., Ankeny, IA 50023.

Fund Usage: 
Research
Funding Restrictions: 

The recipient of the 2010 grant will complete the investigation and submit a progress report by January 2011, with a final report submitted to SWCS by June 2011.

Fields of Study: 
Behavior, Education and Communication
Environmental Informatics
Environmental Justice
Environmental Policy and Planning
Sustainable Systems
Landscape Architecture

Melville H. Cohee Student Leader Conservation Scholarship

Typical application deadline: 
February
Contact Name: 
Sue Ann Lynes
Page last updated: 
11/18/2010
Application Deadline: 
February 12, 2011
Contact Phone: 
515-289-2331
weblinks: 
Scholarship information
Application information and form
Funding source home page: 
Soil and Water Conservation Society
Applicant Eligibility: 
Graduate
Applicant Eligibility Comments: 

An applicant must meet the following qualifications:

  • be a member of SWCS for at least 1 year; 
  • not a family member of the Professional Development Committee;
  • in junior or senior year of full-time undergraduate study in fall of 2011 or pursuing graduate level studies in  a natural resource field.

 Financial need is not a consideration.

Keywords: 
Conservation Biology
Ecological studies
Ecosystem
General support
Land management
Natural Resource Management
Restoration
Soil
Sustainability/Sustainable Development
Water/Aquatic
Amount: 
$500
Funding Abstract: 

The Melville H. Cohee Student Leader Conservation Scholarships provides financial assistance to members of SWCS who are in their junior or senior year of full-time undergraduate study or are pursuing graduate level studies with a natural resource conservation orientation at a properly accredited college or university.

Type of Funding: 
Award/Prize
Application Process and Required Materials: 

Application form available online-- See link below.

Fund Usage: 
General support
Fields of Study: 
Behavior, Education and Communication
Environmental Informatics
Environmental Justice
Environmental Policy and Planning
Sustainable Systems
Landscape Architecture

Exploration Fund Grant

Typical application deadline: 
December
Contact Name: 
Annie Lee
Page last updated: 
11/02/2010
Application Deadline: 
December 1, 2010
Contact Phone: 
(212) 628-8383
weblinks: 
Grant information, including link to application form
Funding source home page: 
The Explorers Club
Applicant Eligibility: 
Graduate
Applicant Eligibility Comments: 

Need not be members of the Club; open to any nationality or citizenship.

Keywords: 
Animals
Biodiversity
Community Forestry
Conservation Biology
Ecological studies
International
International students
Land management
Natural Resource Management
Research/field research
Science/technology
Systems Thinking/Complexity Science
Travel
Water/Aquatic
Wetlands
Wildlife
Amount: 
Up to $5,000; usually $500 - $1,500
Funding Abstract: 

Grants to support graduate student exploration and field research for those who are just beginning their research careers.  Awards typically range $500-$1,500 US.  A few awards may be granted up to $5,000.

Type of Funding: 
Grant
Application Process and Required Materials: 

All required materials (including recommendation letters) must be submitted together either by mail or electronically as a single pdf or Word document.

 Application packet includes:

  • Downloaded application form
  • One page description of project
  • One page budget with breakout of other funding
  • One paragraph description of career goals
  • Letter of recommendation from supervisor/ advisor
  • Copy of current student ID or other document proving affiliation with academic or research institution.
Fund Usage: 
General support for research
Funding Restrictions: 

Must indicate if willing to accept awards smaller than the amount requested. Not to be used for tuition.

Recipients must submit a written report and statement of expenses, including receipts, within 6 months of project completion. Any unused funds must be returned to the Fund.

Fields of Study: 
Sustainable Systems
Landscape Architecture

Professional Enhancement Awards

Typical application deadline: 
December
Contact Name: 
Dr. Jianguo (Jack) Liu
Page last updated: 
09/28/2010
Application Deadline: 
December 1, 2010
Contact Phone: 
(517) 432-5025
weblinks: 
Award information
Application form
Funding source home page: 
Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability
Applicant Eligibility: 
Graduate
Applicant Eligibility Comments: 

Former award recipients are not eligible to apply. Minorities are especially encouraged to apply

Keywords: 
Ecological studies
Green development
Land management
Landscape Architecture
Minority
Professional presentation
Travel
Amount: 
$700
Funding Abstract: 

The NASA-MSU Professional Enhancement Awards are for students who are going to give oral or poster presentations at the Annual Symposium of the U.S. Regional Association for Landscape Ecology.

These special awards are made possible by the support from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Michigan State University (MSU). The selected students will have opportunities to meet with some leading landscape ecologists at a special dinner gathering, to learn the latest developments in landscape ecology at the symposium, and to build professional networks with other symposium attendees.

Approximately 20 awards (up to $700 each) will be given for the selected students to cover expenses associated with attending the symposium. Applications will be judged based on the merits of the applicants' abstracts, financial needs, and professional backgrounds and goals. Former award recipients are not eligible to apply. Minority students are especially encouraged to apply.

Type of Funding: 
Award/Prize
Application Process and Required Materials: 

 Interested students should prepare: 

1. Cover letter (interest in the award and statement of professional goals)

2. Completed Application form

3. Resume or curriculum vitae

4. Abstract (As submitted to US-IALE . 

Fund Usage: 
Travel, conference fees
Fields of Study: 
Sustainable Systems
Landscape Architecture

John V. Krutilla Research Stipend

Typical application deadline: 
February
Page last updated: 
12/02/2010
Contact Phone: 
202-328-5138
Application Deadline: 
February 18, 2011
Funding source home page: 
Resources for the future
Applicant Eligibility: 
Ph.D.
Applicant Eligibility Comments: 

The award is open to young post-docs who have received their degree since June 30, 2006.

weblinks: 
Award Information
Application
Keywords: 
Ecological studies
Economics
Energy
General support
International students
Natural Resource Management
Policy
Research/field research
Social sciences
Sustainability/Sustainable Development
Amount: 
$5,500
Funding Abstract: 

Resources for the Future (RFF) will award one research grant for the 2011–2012 academic year in honor of the late John V. Krutilla, a renowned environmental economist who served as a senior fellow at RFF for most of his career. 

The grant is intended for young scholars who have been awarded a doctoral degree in the past five years. The focus of the award is research related to environmental and resource economics. Special attention will be given to applications that seek to pursue research into one or more of the areas
pioneered by John Krutilla. The Krutilla research award was established with the generous support of the Krutilla family, Industrial Economics, Inc., and a number of John’s colleagues, friends, and former “students.”

Type of Funding: 
Award/Prize
Funding Comments: 

The awardee may be invited to present the results of the research activities at RFF in the year after completion of the work. 

The Krutilla research award is intended for one year.

Application Process and Required Materials: 

Individuals interested in applying should submit: (1) a completed application form available at  www.rff.org/fellowships/krutilla; (2) a short description of the proposed research (no more than five typed pages, double spaced, not including references); (3) a curriculum vitae; and (4) one letter of recommendation that can comment on the candidate’s past research and proposed project in specific terms.

Fund Usage: 
Summer salary support, research assistance, or other legitimate reserach expenses.
Funding Restrictions: 

 

Fields of Study: 
Behavior, Education and Communication
Environmental Justice
Environmental Policy and Planning
Sustainable Systems

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