Applications Invited for Smithsonian Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) Research Grants Program 2020

About the Organization:

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 19 museums and the National Zoo—shaping the future by preserving our heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing our resources with the world. The Institution was founded in 1846 with funds from the Englishman James Smithson (1765–1829) according to his wishes “under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” We continue to honor this mission and invite you to join us in our quest.

The Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) is a global network of scientists and forest research sites dedicated to advancing long-term study of the world's forests. The network recognizes the importance of collaborating with local institutions to strengthen science capacity in an era of rapidly changing landscapes and climate to understand and predict forest dynamics.

2020 ForestGEO Research Grants Program

The Research Grants Program of the Smithsonian Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) funds research projects associated with the ForestGEO network of Forest Dynamics Sites. The program is intended to provide opportunities for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career researchers (researchers who have completed their PhD within the last seven years) to use existing Forest Dynamics Sites and conduct research in collaboration with scientists currently associated with these sites.

The Grants Program supports research directly tied to ForestGEO Forest Dynamics Sites, including projects requiring fieldwork, site data analysis, or the generation of complementary data that strengthens ForestGEO programs. Projects can be field-oriented, herbarium- or laboratory-based, or analytical. Research projects can be basic or applied in nature and based around the social or natural sciences. Project duration can range from 3 months to 2 years.

Successful proposals will require the use of ForestGEO site data (the site data must be integral to the completion of the project). Applicants do not need to be associated with a site prior to applying, but each applicant will need to contact a site Principal Investigator prior to submitting a proposal.

Budget Information:

• Research projects up to $15,000 USD will be considered.
• Funding is restricted to expenses directly related to field research, laboratory research, and data analysis. Examples of eligible expenses include travel, living expenses during fieldwork, supplies, research assistance, and publication fees.
• Funding is NOT available for salary and/or fringe benefits of the applicant, indirect costs for institutional support, undergraduate or graduate study costs (e.g., tuition, textbooks, fees), non-project personnel, or travel to meetings.

Eligibility:

• Students, postdocs, and early career researchers (researchers who have completed their PhD within the last seven years) who are working directly in a ForestGEO Forest Dynamics Site, analyzing site data, or generating complementary data that strengthens ForestGEO programs are eligible to apply.
• Both social scientists and natural scientists are encouraged to apply. In rare cases, highly advanced undergraduate students will be considered.
• Applicants of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
• Priority will be given to researchers with less access to other institutional funds, projects that include multiple sites, and projects that include a strong educational/capacity-building component.

Deadline: Friday, 29 May 2020, 5:00PM EDT

For more information please check the Link

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