David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship Grant

The David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship aims to enhance the skills of early-career conservation scientists through two years of applied research and mentorship. It supports global scientists at U.S. institutions, focusing on pressing conservation issues, and encourages collaboration with practitioners. The fellowship emphasizes cutting-edge research, leadership development, and practical applications in conservation biology, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to bridge science and policy.

The purpose of the David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship is: To create opportunities for leading conservation scientists to strengthen their skills through two years of applied post-doctoral research, supplemented by training programs, peer networking, and field learning experiences; so that they may:

• Build productive partnerships with conservation practitionersContribute and communicate scientific knowledge to problems of critical importance in conservation
• The focus of Smith Fellows’ research and activities should be characterized by:

Cutting edge research in conservation biologyDefining frontiers and leading the future of conservation biologyDeveloping the future world leaders in conservation biology research and application through training and mentorshipBuilding coalitions of organizations and partnerships to support conservation biologySupporting and encouraging high-potential individuals to accept risk as a component of change and leadership and thus make significant change in the world
Fellows may be administratively based at either the sponsoring academic institution or a conservation organization and are typically based at the location of either the academic or practitioner mentor. We encourage applicants to explore all options to determine which would be more suitable to the proposed research and beneficial to their continued development as a scientist.

Eligibility

To be eligible individuals must have completed their doctorate within the past five years or by the time the award is made.Applicants who have not yet completed their doctorate must clearly indicate on the application the date the degree is expected. The Fellowship funders require that the Fellowship be administered by a U.S. institution and that the research be primarily conducted in the U.S. However, U.S. citizenship is not required.