Each year, the Wilson Ornithological Society offers five categories
of
research grants. The focus of each differs somewhat, as does the
amount of the award. Willingness to report results of the research as
an oral or poster paper at an annual meeting of the Wilson
Ornithological Society within the next 5 years and a brief write-up and a
photograph of the awardees for the webpage is a condition of all five.
Applicants must use the Research
Awards Application Form, in conjunction with our online application
system.
Deadline for applications and recommendations each year: 1 February
Louis Agassiz Fuertes Award
The Wilson Society's most prestigious award is
available to all ornithologists, although graduate students and young
professionals are preferred. Any avian research is eligible. Up to two
awards of $2500 are given annually.
George A. Hall / Harold F. Mayfield Award
This award is limited to independent researchers
without access to funds and facilities available at colleges,
universities, or governmental agencies, and is restricted to
non-professionals, including high school students. Any kind of avian
research is eligible. Up to one $1000 award is given. Formerly known as the Margaret
Morse Nice Award
Wilson Ornithological Society Research Awards
Up to four awards (new for 2014) of $1500 are given annually, for
work in any area of ornithology. Two of these awards will be limited to
research by Masters students.
Paul A. Stewart Awards
Preference will be given to proposals for studies of bird movements
(based on banding, radio or satellite telemetry, or similar methods) or
an emphasis on economic ornithology. Up to four awards of $1000 are
given annually.
Wilson Undergraduate Mentoring Awards
These awards (new for 2014) include $1000 for research conducted
collaboratively by an undergraduate student and a faculty mentor, along
with up to $1000 each for the student and the mentor, for expenses
associated with attendance at a subsequent WOS annual meeting for
presentation of project results.
General Eligibility Rules and Requirements
- Applicants may be a citizen of any country.
- Membership in the Wilson Ornithological Society is encouraged, but not required (except for the Wilson Undergraduate Mentoring Awards, for which the faculty Mentor must be an active member of the Society)
- Applicants may be of any age.
- Generally, any avian research is eligible (but see Stewart and Hall Award restrictions, above), conducted anywhere in the world.
- Grant monies are expected to be used for equipment, supplies, travel, and living expenses. Salaries for applicant and field assistants should not be included; however, stipends that cover only basic living expenses are allowed.
- Individuals are limited to one award per degree program or project.
- Applicants may apply for more than one award. A separate application packet is required for each award.
