Plant Science Research Fellowship Grant

The Plant Science Research Fellowship, awarded by the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, supports early-career plant scientists with a $10,000 grant for a 2-5 week residency. Fellows engage in independent writing and research while enjoying communal meals and optional activities on a scenic estate. This prestigious opportunity fosters creativity in a supportive environment, allowing scholars to focus on their projects with minimal distractions, and facilitating connections with other researchers and the foundation's staff.

The Plant Science Research Fellowship is awarded annually to one outstanding, early-career plant scientist, with preference given to scientists working in organismal plant biology. The goal is to provide advanced graduate students, post-docs, and beginning faculty, working in organismal plant biology, with an extended a stay of 2 - 5 weeks on the Oak Spring estate to undertake independent writing and thinking, away from the day-to-day demands of their other responsibilities.
This is one of our four most prestigious awards and it includes a $10,000 individual grant. The Fellowship is well suited for individuals working on dissertations, or writing projects that require dedicated time in a supportive community with minimal distractions.
The Fellow will be scheduled to visit when there are other Interdisciplinary Residents or Fellows on-site. This scheduling will allow the Fellow to join in communal meals, and optional activities and field trips with other artists, ecologists, researchers, or scholars working on projects related to OSGF’s mission. Beyond time to develop their projects, a Fellow’s typical day at Oak Spring might include a walk to enjoy the landscape or birds; an appointment to visit the Oak Spring Library; and/or a morning spent volunteering at the BCCF or in the formal garden. At the culmination of their stay, we encourage, but don’t require, Fellows to give a 20 – 30 minute presentation with time for questions, to Oak Spring staff and any other Fellows, Residents, or program participants who might be on site.
Award
The $10,000 individual grant associated with this award can be put towards travel to and from OSGF, materials and supplies purchased for their Residency, and other items that will support their work, before or after their stay at OSGF.
The Fellow will be housed in nicely appointed shared accommodations. The Fellow will have a private bedroom and bathroom, and share a living room and kitchen with 1 – 3 other Residents or Fellows.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be early-career plant scientists who have completed their undergraduate degree within the past ten years.The successful Fellow must be self-directed and able to work independently while on site. Applicants are expected to show dedication to their work in plant science, exceptional promise, good communication skills and excellence in what they have accomplished or plan to accomplish.