Kushlan Research Award Grant

Kushlan Research Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Waterbird Society
Amount: US $1,000 - US $7,000
Last Updated: December 27, 2025

Summary

The Kushlan Research Award, established by the Waterbird Society, supports research in Ciconiiform Biology and Conservation, promoting advances in the study of wading birds. Applicants of all ages are encouraged to submit proposals focusing on species relationships and the status of little-known Ciconiiformes. Awards range from $1,000 to $7,000, with selection based on scientific merit and the potential for significant contributions to the literature. Financial status is not a consideration.

Overview

Our Mission The Waterbird Society is an international, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to foster the study, evidence-based management, and conservation of the world’s aquatic birds. The Society’s primary goals are to: (1) promote research on waterbirds and their habitats, (2) foster waterbird conservation globally, (3) enhance opportunities for information-sharing and professional development, and (4) cultivate a diverse and welcoming community through equitable and inclusive values and practices. To accomplish these goals, the Society publishes a peer-reviewed journal, hosts scientific meetings, provides grants and awards, and facilitates related activities. Kushlan Research Award Jim Kushlan has been a driving force behind research and conservation of the world’s herons for over three decades. He was Director of the Patuxent Environmental Science Center for the US Geological Service, Chair of the Department of Biology at the University of Mississippi, Director of the Center for Water Resources Studies at East Texas State University, and Research Biologist with the U.S. Department of the Interior. Dr. Kushlan received his doctorate from the University of Miami in 1974 and has written or co-authored scores of scientific papers and scholarly books. The generous grant to the Waterbird Society in 2000 established an endowment to provide support for the research award in his name. About the Kushlan Research Award The goal of the Kushlan Research Award in Ciconiiform Biology and Conservation is to encourage significant scientific advances in the biology, ecology, or conservation biology of wading birds (i.e. herons, storks, ibises, and their taxonomic allies). The grants committee currently solicits proposals that focus on: Species relationships within the groupThe status, range, and population sizes of little-known species of Ciconiiformes Financial and education status of applicants are not considerations. Selection is made by a committee based on the applicant’s likelihood of publishing timely and substantial contributions to the literature. Depending on the scientific merit of the competition, awards will be offered in most years – one or more awards from $1,000 to $7,000 will be made.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The recipients of awards are expected to publish their reports in peer-reviewed outlets and acknowledge both the Nisbet Award and the Waterbird Society for support.These awards are open to professional, amateur, or student applicants of any age, globally.Proposals will be judged on the basis of scientific merit and the described work’s likelihood to contribute significant new information to the published literature regarding the biology, ecology, or conservation biology of wading birds, herons, egrets, storks, ibises, and spoonbills (Kushlan Award); terns or gulls (Nisbet Grant); or any waterbird species (Waterbird Society Award).Verification of appropriate permits from relevant government agencies to carry out the work must be provided in advance of any award.

Ineligibility

The same proposal cannot be submitted for more than one award in a given year.