COMNAP Early-Career Award Grant

The COMNAP Antarctic Research Fellowship supports early-career researchers and professionals in their pursuit of Antarctic research. This initiative, backed by the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs, aims to enhance international collaboration in climate, biodiversity, and conservation studies. Eligible applicants include those within five years of obtaining their highest degree or under 40 years of age. The fellowship encourages innovative projects aligned with COMNAP's objectives, fostering vital scientific contributions to our understanding of the Antarctic region.

Background
The Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) work together to support talented early-career researchers, scientists, engineers, environmental managers, and other professionals. The purpose is to strengthen international capacity and cooperation in fields such as climate, biodiversity, conservation, humanities and astrophysics research by providing annual funding opportunities.
The Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs is an international association, formed in 1988, which facilitates support to Antarctic operations amongst the governmental National Antarctic Programs. Our Membership is thirty-three country programs, representing almost 100% of the science and science support activity in Antarctica. The National Antarctic Programs, our Members, are responsible for delivering and supporting scientific research in the Antarctic Treaty Area on behalf of their respective governments and in the spirit of the Antarctic Treaty. They work collaboratively and individually to ensure data from Antarctica is available to the world.
The annual COMNAP Early-Career Award (also know as COMNAP Antarctic Fellowship) is an investment in the professional development of talented early-career persons. The scheme, established in 2011, enables award recipients to work with a project team from another country, opening up new opportunities and often creating partnerships that last for many years and over many Antarctic field seasons. By supporting their professional development with a host institute, the award also strengthens international capacity and cooperation.

Eligibility

Who Can Apply:Any “early career” person, where here, “early career” person is defined as
someone who is within the first five years after completion of the highest level of university award/certificate/degree obtained; or any person, regardless of university completion, that is under the age of 40 years old on the day of the deadline for the application submission. So, as examples: Those who have a doctorate, with not more than 5 years since your
doctoral award. Those who hold a master’s degree, with not more than 5 years since
your master’s degree was awarded to you. Those who hold an undergraduate degree, with not more than 5
years since your bachelor’s degree or baccalaureate was awarded to you. Those wishing to visit a facility in or run by a COMNAP Member or
Observer country, which is different from applicant’s:country of citizenship (which should be a COMNAP Member or Observer country) andcountry of current residence. Applications must be for one of the COMNAP projects as indicated in the
2020 list of projects listed below; or, if the proposed project is not on list, the proposed project must fit within COMNAP’s goals and purpose and should contribute to one or more objectives of the home or host National Antarctic Programme.