Applications Invited for Botany in Action Fellowship program

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About the Organization

To inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse.

Watch President and CEO Richard V. Piacentini's TEDx talk, "What We Can Learn from an Old Glasshouse," to learn about the history and evolution of Phipps. Explore the beauty and wonders of nature at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, encompassing 15 acres including a 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens. Experience industry-leading sustainable architecture and green practices, stunning seasonal flower shows, exclusive commissioned exhibits, renowned orchid and bonsai collections and more. Opened in 1893, the historic landmark is just a few miles from downtown Pittsburgh in Schenley Park.

About the Fellowship

The Botany in Action Fellowship program at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens fosters the development of the next generation of plant-based scientists who are committed, first, to excellent research, and second, to educational outreach. Open to PhD students enrolled at US graduate institutions and conducting plant-based scientific research, the program provides each fellow with: 1) $6,000 for use towards research-related expenses at sites in the US or abroad*, 2) an all-expenses paid trip to Phipps, to engage in science outreach training and opportunities to translate and communicate their research to non-scientific, public audiences through written, visual and/or oral means, (contingent on COVID19) and 3) subsequent opportunities to connect their research with the public through programs, exhibits, and other outreach venues.

Research Priority Areas (listed in no particular order):*

• Ethnobotany, with special interest in plant use for physical and/or psychological well-being;
• Diversity and conservation, particularly in regional (southwest Pennsylvania and adjacent states) and tropical forests;
• Landscape and brownfield restoration, particularly in plant-based ecosystem services;
• Sustainable landscapes;
• Interdisciplinary plant-based research at the intersection of human and environmental health.

For 2025, special consideration will be given to research of the above topics taking place in:

• Panama
• Southwest Pennsylvania and adjacent states.

Duration of Funding: A BIA Fellowship consists of one year of support for research funding and educational outreach, as well as life-long membership in a growing network of plant-based scientists connecting their research with the public. BIA Fellows are encouraged to re-apply to the program for continued funding for up to three years of support towards completion of their dissertation research. Note, continued funding is not guaranteed and is dependent on the Fellow’s previous use of funding, proven commitment to furthering their educational outreach, and funding availability. Additional funding after 3 years may be available on a case-by-case basis. All funding expires on Dec 31 of the calendar year it was received. Remaining funds after this date must be sent back to Phipps Conservatory.

Eligibility

• Enrolled in a PhD program at a US graduate institution (US citizenship is not required)
• Conducting plant-based research
• Able to travel to Pittsburgh, PA from a location within the US (costs will be reimbursed) for the duration of the Botany in Action Science Engagement Week, which will be September 11 – 14, 2025.
• Able to commit to monthly online outreach (e.g. podcast, blogging, vlogging, etc) after Science Engagement Week.
• For previous fellows applying for renewed funding: clear, tangible outreach goals and outcomes in addition to research accomplishments from the previous year.

How to Apply

The Proposal and CV must be saved together as a single WORD or PDF file, with the proposal appearing first. The file name should start with the applicant’s last name, followed by the term ‘BIA’, funding year pursued, and ‘App’ (e.g. Smith_BIA_2025_App.pdf). If submitting a PDF, please include an additional WORD file with Applicant Contact Information, University, Research Site, Recommender Information, Proposal Title and Two Abstracts. All application materials should be emailed to bia@phipps.conservatory.org with subject line ‘BIA 2025 application’ followed by applicant’s last name.

Each recommendation letter must be sent directly from the recommender. The letter should be saved as a PDF file and named as follows, with underscores between each section: applicant’s last name, ‘BIA’, funding year pursued, ‘Rec’, ‘R’ if supporting research or ‘O’ if supporting outreach, and recommender’s last name (e.g. Smith_BIA_2025_Rec_O_McGuire.pdf). These should be emailed to bia@phipps.conservatory.org.

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