AAZV Zoological Medicine & Wildlife Health Research Grant

AAZV Zoological Medicine & Wildlife Health Research Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Amount: Up to US $20,000
Last Updated: November 06, 2025

Summary

The AAZV Zoological Medicine & Wildlife Health Research Grant aims to enhance the health and conservation of zoo and wild animals. Established in 2012, this grant supports innovative research led by AAZV members, promoting scientific study and collaboration. Funding categories include standard grants up to $20,000 and small grants up to $7,500, with a focus on projects that improve wildlife care. Applicants must demonstrate relevance to AAZV's mission and adhere to specific guidelines.

Overview

AAZV Mission Statement The mission of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians is to optimize the health, welfare, and conservation of zoo animals and wildlife through education, scientific study, collaboration and advocacy. About the Grant In 2012, The American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) established the Zoological Medicine and Wildlife Health Research Grant program which is funded by the Wild Animal Health Fund (WAHF). The intent of the research grants is to support the AAZV mission to empower our members to advance our profession and enhance zoo and wild animal health, welfare, and conservation. Investigators are expected to disseminate their findings via peer-reviewed publication and any other relevant outreach efforts. Two categories of funding are available the standard grant (maximum $20,000) and small grant (maximum $7,500).Small grants are intended to foster innovation and training in research, and are often trainee-led projects, pilot studies, or opportunistic additions to an ongoing research effort.Small grants may be narrower in scope than standard proposals but must meet the same scientific standards. Guidelines Describe the background, objectives, and methodology of the study in a succinct and organized fashion. Document the investigators’ expertise and institutional capabilities, and discuss the scientific merit, feasibility, and anticipated impact of the study. Highlight the study’s relevance to the AAZV mission to advance our profession and enhance zoo and wild animal health, welfare, and conservation. Studies relying on pharmacology, imaging, pathology, diagnostic test development, or other specialized data will benefit greatly from inclusion of an expert in that field as a Co-Investigator or Collaborator. Studies relying on an outside laboratory or facility for specialized work, particularly if assistance with data interpretation is expected, are encouraged to include a letter of support or a Collaborator from that facility. For managed species, and particularly for studies relying on recruitment from multiple holding institutions, a letter of support from the relevant managing group (e.g., SSP, EEP, TAG) is strongly recommended.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Projects must improve the care and conservation of captive and free-ranging wildlife.At least one Principal Investigator must be an AAZV member in good standing. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. PI or Co-PI must be an AAZV member at the time of grant application.

Ineligibility

The requested amount cannot exceed $10,000 and cannot include: institutional overhead costs; full-time salaries; graduate student salaries; or purchase of capital equipment.  Limitations within the requested amount include: purchases of durable equipment (including computers) that may not exceed $2,500; travel-associated investigator costs that may not exceed 25% of total budget.