IMATA Research Grant

The IMATA Research Grant, established by the International Marine Animal Trainers Association in 2011, aims to support scientific research that enhances the humane care and handling of marine animals. The grant encourages innovative studies in marine animal physiology, behavior, and conservation, while fostering collaboration within the marine animal community. By promoting awareness and education, IMATA seeks to advance scientific knowledge and professional practices in marine animal care, ultimately benefiting both animals and trainers.

Purpose
The International Marine Animal Trainers Association Research Grant was founded in 2011 to provide financial support for investigations which address IMATA’s mission to advance the humane care and handling of marine animals by fostering communication between professionals that serve marine animal science through training, public display, research, husbandry, conservation, and education.
Goals
To make significant contributions towards marine animal oriented research issues.To promote research efforts in the domestic and international marine animal community.To increase IMATA member awareness of research initiatives occurring in the marine animal field.To promote the “IMATA Gives Back” philosophy.To expand IMATA’s role and position in the scientific community.To increase the number of research-oriented & scientific IMATA members.

Eligibility

Grant Applications must be based upon research-oriented scientific investigations which address
IMATA’s mission to advance the humane care and handling of marine animals by fostering
communication between professionals that serve marine animal science through training, public
display, research, husbandry, conservation, and education.Investigations may focus upon, but are not limited to areas such as: marine animal physiology, sensory biology, or cognitive measurements; marine animal husbandry or behavior training technique advancements; professional training, communication or cooperation assessments; education program, public display, or outreach evaluations, etc.
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. The Principal Investigator (PI) and all Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs) identified in the Grant Application must be current Active or Professional IMATA members who have maintained this membership level for a minimum of two years prior to the applications submission.

Ineligibility

The scientific investigation described in the Grant Application may not include requests for salary,
university tuition or fees, fringe or overhead costs, or unrelated travel in the budget.