Grants-in-Aid of Research (GIA)

Funder: Highlands Biological Foundation Inc, Highlands Biological Station

Program Status: Active since the 1960s, sustained by the Highlands Biological Foundation

Geographic Scope: Open to applicants from across the U.S. and around the world

Focus Areas: Field-based research in the Southern Appalachians, including botany, mycology, herpetology, conservation biology, and amphibian research

Eligibility

• Faculty and postdoctoral researchers
• Graduate students
• Undergraduate students conducting independent research (e.g., Honors Thesis) under faculty supervision
• GIA funding may also be used by faculty, postdocs, or graduate students to help offset costs for undergraduate research assistants

Award Details

Residency Duration: Applicants may request 1 to 14 continuous weeks in residence at HBS. Extensions beyond September 30 are possible with prior approval.

Award Amounts:

• Undergraduate & Graduate Students: $350 per week
• Postdocs & Faculty: $450 per week
• Awards are pro-rated based on the number of full weeks completed in residence

What's Included:

• Free lab/bench or office space
• Use of Station equipment and facilities
• Networking opportunities with fellow researchers
• On-site accommodations available at affordable rates (housing not included in award)

Award Disbursement: Typically distributed in 2–3 installments by check. First payment upon arrival; final payment released after submission and approval of Final Report.

Requirements

• Residency at HBS is required for all awardees
• Federal or State permits required if conducting research in nearby National Forests or National Parks
• North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission permit may be required
• IACUC application approval required for any work involving vertebrates (must be submitted at least 2 months prior to anticipated start date)
• Final Project Report required at conclusion of project
• Acknowledgement of HBS support required in all publications, theses, and dissertations
• Adherence to HBS Data Management Policy for Researchers

Review Process

Applications are reviewed by the HBS Board of Scientific Advisors, with funding decisions finalized by the HBS Board of Directors. Selected proposals may receive support from one of the endowed scholarships.

Endowed Awards

Highly meritorious GIA proposals may be designated for one of the following endowed scholarships (currently do not provide additional stipends but represent a mark of distinction):

• Thelma Howell Memorial Scholarship – General research support
• William Chambers Coker Fellowship in Botanical Research – Outstanding proposals involving research with plants or fungi
• Ralph M. Sargent Memorial Scholarship – Student research support
• Lindsay S. Olive Memorial Scholarship – Research reflecting botanical and mycological interests
• Bruce Family Scholarship in Herpetology – Graduate students and postdoctoral investigators in early career stages conducting southern Appalachian herpetology research
• Martina Wadewitz Haggard Memorial Scholarship – General research support
• Ray Semlitsch Memorial Scholarship – Research in southern Appalachian herpetology

Contact Information

• Associate Director: jlove@wcu.edu
• Executive Director: costa@wcu.edu

Application Process

Deadline: March 1st of each year (firm deadline)

Required Materials:

1. Completed Application Cover Sheet
2. Signed application materials and research proposal
3. Letter(s) of support (if applicable)
4. All documents must be submitted as a single PDF to both:
   • Associate Director: jlove@wcu.edu
   • Executive Director: costa@wcu.edu

Additional Submissions Required Before Research Begins

1. Permits: Provide copies of all required Federal, State, or North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission permits prior to commencing research
2. IACUC Application: If conducting work involving vertebrates, submit IACUC application to HBS Animal Use & Care Committee at least 2 months prior to anticipated start date (note: HBS does not accept other institutions' approved IACUC applications)
3. Final Project Report: Required at conclusion of project; submit as single PDF document to Associate Director or Executive Director

Downloadable Resources

• Application for Grant-in-Aid
• Final Report & Cover Sheet Instructions
• HBS Data Management Policy for Researchers
• Downloadable IACUC Form