Nisbet Research Award Grant

Nisbet Research Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Waterbird Society
Amount: Up to US $5,000
Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Summary

The Ian Nisbet Research Award, offered by the Waterbird Society, supports global research on terns and gulls. Open to students, professionals, and amateurs alike, it emphasizes scientific merit and potential contributions to conservation. Awards typically range around $5,000, with a focus on timely publications in peer-reviewed outlets. Applicants must acknowledge the award in their work and ensure appropriate permits are in place before commencing their research.

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: Promote research on waterbirds and their habitats,Foster waterbird conservation globallyEnhance opportunities for information-sharing and professional developmentCultivate 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. Ian Nisbet Research Award Ian Nisbet has provided steady direction and vision to the emergence of the Waterbird Society as an international ornithological society. He is well-known for his research on terns and gulls. Ian and Shirely Nisbet began in 2000 to build an endowment to provide funds for research. Preference is given to proposals for research on terns or gulls. About the Nisbet Research Award This grant is open globally to any student, professional, or amateur and should focus on those interested in research and conservation on terns and gulls. 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 and/or making a contribution to the conservation of waterbirds. Depending on the scientific merit of the competition, awards will be offered in most years – one or more awards in the $5,000 range will be given.

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.