William Simes Research Fund Grant

William Simes Research Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Natural Reserve System- University of California
Amount: US $2,000
Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Summary

The William Simes Research Fund, established in honor of Frances Simes Hastings, supports graduate students and postdoctoral researchers conducting field research at Hastings Natural History Reservation in California. Awards of $2,000 are available to offset costs related to housing and research supplies for extended research periods. This fund fosters scientific inquiry at one of the oldest field stations in the University of California Natural Reserve System, promoting the stewardship of diverse natural habitats.

Overview

About Us Our Mission The mission of the University of California Natural Reserve System (UCNRS) is to contribute to the understanding and wise stewardship of the Earth and its natural systems by supporting university-level teaching, research, and public service at protected natural areas throughout California. Our Impact Established in 1965, the reserves encompass over 47,000 acres of diverse habitats from the ocean to the mountains to the inland deserts. Today, the UCNRS is a network of 42 protected natural areas located throughout California. This unique library of ecosystems provides unparalleled opportunities for scientific inquiry and pedagogy. As the largest university-administered reserve system in the world, we are able to offer insight into the ongoing challenges to the stewardship of natural lands experiencing rapid environmental change. These reserves are used by thousands of visitors each year. Our team at UC Berkeley coordinates with colleagues at the other UC campuses, providing opportunities for research for scientists from across the globe as well as transformative experiences for students and members of the public. William Simes Research Fund The William Simes Research Fund was established to honor the father of Frances Simes Hastings who, with her husband Russell, donated the land that would become Hastings Natural History Reservation to UC Berkeley in 1937. Funding to establish the Simes Award was provided by the grandchildren of Frances and Russell in 2017. Hastings Natural History Reservation is located in the Carmel Valley of Monterey County, California. This 2500 acre site encompasses a range of local habitats, including oak woodlands, chaparral, native grasslands, recovered agricultural fields, and several riparian corridors. Hastings has been a center for field-based research for more than 80 years and is the oldest of the field stations in the University of California’s world class Natural Reserve System. Accordingly, in addition to a wealth of opportunities to study extant organisms, numerous archival data sets regarding the Reservation are available through Hastings and the Berkeley Natural History Museums. Purpose The Simes Fund is intended to offset the costs associated with an extended (e.g., several month) period of field research at Hastings. Appropriate uses include costs of housing and research supplies required to conduct fieldwork. Award Amount Multiple awards of $2,000 will be made each year; the exact number of awards per year will depend upon available funding. The award will be paid directly to the recipient. For the 2026 award cycle, awardees will be required to submit a brief report (2-4 pg.) by 1 March 2027.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. This award is open to graduate students (Masters and Ph.D.) and postdoctoral researchers; applications from exceptional undergraduates will also be considered. The primary intent of this award is to fund research in organismal biology at Hastings Reserve, however projects in other science disciplines (e.g., geology, anthropology) and the humanities will also be considered. The award is open to members of any accredited institution; applicants do not need to be students at UC Berkeley or other campuses in the UC system.