SCB Graduate Student Research Fellowship Awards 2025–26
- Omran Aburayya
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
If you are a graduate student deeply committed to advancing the science and practice of conserving Earth’s biodiversity, a timely opportunity awaits. The SCB Graduate Student Research Fellowship Awards 2025–26, offered by the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), are now open for application. These awards provide essential support of US $1,000 to fund field-related research expenses—allowing students like you to turn meaningful conservation science ideas into reality.
🎓 SCB Awards Summary
Location: Global (applicants from anywhere, research could be field-based internationally)
Offered By: Society for Conservation Biology (SCB)
Level: Graduate (Master’s or PhD student members of SCB)
Target Group: Graduate student members of SCB demonstrating financial need and research that advances conservation biology
Fields of Focus: Conservation science and practice, aligned with SCB’s biodiversity mission
Value: US $1,000 (for travel, materials, or equipment required for field research)
Award Duration: Typically spent during the grant period to support specific fieldwork stages
Application Deadline: 15 September 2025 (11:59 pm US Eastern Daylight Time)
Eligible To: SCB graduate student members in good standing, demonstrating:
Financial need toward completion of degree
Research contributing to SCB’s mission (advancing biodiversity conservation)
⭐ Award Overview
The SCB Graduate Student Research Fellowship Awards fund ten graduate students annually, providing US $1,000 each to support field-based research essential for completing their degree—whether it’s travel, materials, or equipment . Awardees are selected by the SCB Global Awards Committee based on:
Academic merit
Geographic, topical, and gender diversity in conservation research
Demonstrated financial need
Alignment of research with SCB’s mission to advance the science and practice of conserving biodiversity
🎁 Benefits
Targeted Field Support: Whether for travel to field sites, purchasing research materials, or obtaining equipment, funding helps cover crucial fieldwork costs.
Recognition and Prestige: As an SCB-administered award, it signals credibility and connection to a global conservation community.
Global Reach: SCB’s diverse applicant pool encourages projects from a wide range of geographic and topical contexts.
Career Advantage: Successfully receiving such competitive funding strengthens your academic profile and research credentials.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be graduate student members of SCB in good standing
Demonstrate financial need toward degree completion
Show how their research contributes directly to SCB’s biodiversity conservation mission
Submit proof of membership, university enrollment, and supporting documentation via the application platform by 15 September 2025, 11:59 pm US Eastern Daylight Time
📝 Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted through SCB’s official platform. Required materials include:
Completed application form (via the platform)
Short CV (maximum 2 pages)
Proof of SCB membership
Proof of university enrollment for the period January–December 2025 (e.g., student card or registration receipt)
Letter of support from your primary supervisor (no more than one page)
Make sure all parts of your application are compiled and submitted before the deadline.
🤓 Additional Context, Past Winners
In 2024, the program awarded ten $1,000 fellowships, selected from 53 applicants spanning all SCB regions. Their research ranged from biodiversity drivers to socio-ecological resilience .
The 2024 awards marked the fellowship’s ninth year, supported by Wiley (publisher of SCB’s journals) .
This history highlights the fellowship’s consistent support for early-career conservation researchers and its continued impact over nearly a decade.
🚀 Ready to Get Started?
If your research involves field-based conservation that aligns with SCB’s mission—and you’re facing financial barriers to carry it out—this fellowship could be the perfect boost you need. The deadline is 15 September 2025, so it's time to begin preparing your proposal, gathering documentation, and drafting a strong letter of support.
