The Richard Estes Memorial Grant

The Richard Estes Memorial Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
Last Updated: April 03, 2026

Summary

The Richard Estes Memorial Grant supports graduate student research in nonmammalian vertebrate paleontology, honoring Dr. Richard Estes' significant contributions to the field. Established by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, the grant aims to promote projects focused on systematics, morphology, biogeography, and paleoecology. It particularly encourages innovative field-based research activities. Eligible applicants must be current SVP members and graduate students at the time of application, ensuring that the legacy of Estes continues to inspire future scientists.

Overview

Dr. Richard Estes (1932-1990) was an internationally-recognized paleoherpetologist who wrote over 100 scholarly papers and four edited or authored books. In addition, he was a much-beloved mentor of many graduate and undergraduate students at San Diego State University who have gone on to very successful careers at major institutions throughout the world. Estes' research, extending over 35 years, dealt extensively with the evolutionary relationships of various groups of modern and fossil vertebrates such as lizards, frogs, the extinct marine mososaurs, salamanders and fishes. He also wrote extensively on the paleoecology of a wider array of vertebrates ranging in age from the Jurassic through the Miocene, a span of some 150 million years of vertebrate history.  Estes' research, which was supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Geographic Society, took him to many areas of the world.  He also served as the Editor for the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.  Estes was the recipient of the prestigious Romer-Simpson Medal, the highest award of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, in recognition of a lifetime of scholarship and contributions to the science of vertebrate paleontology. The Richard Estes Memorial Grant was established to enhance graduate student research by providing an award at the annual meeting of the SVP. The award is directed toward research in nonmammalian Vertebrate Paleontology, with emphasis on systematics, morphology, biogeography and paleoecology. The review panel especially welcomes projects involving one-off field-based activities.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Current membership in SVP is required. Applicant must be a graduate student at the time of application. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.

Ineligibility

You will not be able to apply for the award unless your membership is current in the system.