CTFS-ForestGEO Research Grants

The Smithsonian Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) offers research grants for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career researchers. These grants support projects utilizing Forest Dynamics Sites for fieldwork and data analysis, encouraging both natural and social science research. Proposals must integrate site data and can last from 3 months to 2 years. Funding covers research-related expenses, with priorities for projects enhancing educational and capacity-building efforts.

The Research Grants Program of the Smithsonian Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) and the J&J Ruinen Fellowship in Tropical Forestry 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.
Projects supported by the Grants Program:
The Grants Program supports research directly tied to ANY 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.

Eligibility

Students and early career researchers (researchers who have completed their PhD within the last seven years) who are working directly in any 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.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.

Ineligibility

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.