Carol Baird Student Award for Field Research Grant

Carol Baird Student Award for Field Research Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Natural Reserve System- University of California
Amount: Up to US $25,000
Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Summary

The Carol Baird Student Award for Field Research, established in 2017 by the JiJi Foundation, supports UC Berkeley students conducting high-quality research on California's natural history. With awards up to $25,000, the program is open to undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students. The funding is intended for field research starting in 2026, encouraging innovative inquiries into the state's diverse ecosystems, while also allowing past applicants to revise and resubmit their proposals.

Overview

About Us Our Mission The mission of the University of California Natural Reserve System (UCNRS) is to contribute to the understanding and wise stewardship of the Earth and its natural systems by supporting university-level teaching, research, and public service at protected natural areas throughout California. Our Impact Established in 1965, the reserves encompass over 47,000 acres of diverse habitats from the ocean to the mountains to the inland deserts. Today, the UCNRS is a network of 42 protected natural areas located throughout California. This unique library of ecosystems provides unparalleled opportunities for scientific inquiry and pedagogy. As the largest university-administered reserve system in the world, we are able to offer insight into the ongoing challenges to the stewardship of natural lands experiencing rapid environmental change. These reserves are used by thousands of visitors each year. Our team at UC Berkeley coordinates with colleagues at the other UC campuses, providing opportunities for research for scientists from across the globe as well as transformative experiences for students and members of the public. Carol Baird Student Award for Field Research The Carol Baird Student Award for Field Research was established in 2017 thanks to a generous pledge to UC Berkeley from the JiJi Foundation. This award honors Dr. Carol Baird, Executive Director of the CA Institute for Biodiversity, who completed her PhD in Zoology at UC Berkeley in 1986. Read more on the establishment of the award here. Purpose This award funds high-quality research projects from UC Berkeley Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate students asking compelling questions about California’s natural history. Award Amount Awards of up to $25,000 will be made based on merit. Applicants may request up to the full amount or less. Funding may be requested for a single field season or multiple field seasons, and for work at or around a single or several reserves. Support allocations (amount per student, potential for renewal) are flexible, as long as the research is field-based, is of excellent quality, and is substantially improved by this support.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Funds must be used to support field research beginning in 2026. Students who have applied in the past and been unsuccessful are encouraged to revise and resubmit their proposals. Past awardees are also eligible to re-apply for additional support. Awards will be granted to UC Berkeley students in any major or department who are:Undergraduates with an expected graduation date of Spring 2026Baccalaureates within 3 years of receiving their bachelor’s degreePursuing a Graduate-level degree (Masters or PhD) Note: Applicants may be working individually or as part of a research team. Post-baccalaureate applicants who will not be enrolled at UC Berkeley during the research period must be hired as research assistants or make other arrangements with their sponsoring lab or research unit on campus. Please consult with your Faculty Advisor on this process.