Applications are now open for the Botany in Action Fellowship Program at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 2024.
Botany in Action Fellowship Program
The Botany in Action Fellowship program at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens aims to support the growth and advancement of the upcoming generation of plant-focused scientists who prioritize outstanding research and educational outreach. This opportunity is open to doctoral students who are currently pursuing plant-based scientific research at graduate institutions in the United States. The program places a strong emphasis on the following areas of research:
- Ethnobotany, with a specific focus on the use of plants for physical and/or psychological well-being.
- Diversity and conservation, with particular attention to regional (southwest Pennsylvania and adjacent states) and tropical forests.
- Landscape and brownfield restoration, with an emphasis on the ecosystem services provided by plants.
- Sustainable landscapes.
- Interdisciplinary plant-based research projects that look deep into the connection between human and environmental health.
For the year 2024, priority will be given to research focusing on the aforementioned topics that are conducted in the following locations:
- Panama
- Southwest Pennsylvania and nearby states
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Engaged in research focused on plants
- Capable of traveling from any location within the US to Pittsburgh, PA for the entirety of the Botany in Action Science Engagement Week, which is scheduled for September 19 – 22. Please note that this is subject to change based on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Willing to commit to regular online outreach activities (such as podcasting, blogging, vlogging, etc.) on a monthly basis following Science Engagement Week.
- You need to be currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program at a graduate institution in the United States. US citizenship is not a requirement.”
- For previous fellows seeking to renew funding, they must have clearly defined and achievable outreach goals and outcomes, in addition to demonstrating their research achievements from the previous year.
Benefits
The fellowship offers the following benefits:
- $6,000 in funding that can be utilized for research-related expenses at locations within the US or overseas.
- The program offers a fully-covered trip to Phipps, including all expenses, for fellows to receive training and participate in science outreach activities. During this trip, applicants will have opportunities to effectively communicate their research to non-scientific audiences using written, visual, or oral methods. Please note that the feasibility of this trip is subject to the COVID-19 situation.
- Additional opportunities in the future to connect their research with the general public through programs, exhibits, and various outreach platforms.
Application Procedure
- The application should demonstrate to reviewers that the applicant has both the expertise and abilities necessary to successfully conduct and publish the outcomes of their proposed research. Also, it should convey the applicant’s dedication to effectively engaging non-scientific audiences with their work. A comprehensive application includes three essential components:
- Proposal
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Both the Proposal and CV must be combined into a single file, either in WORD or PDF format, with the proposal listed first.
- The file name should begin with the applicant’s last name, followed by ‘BIA’, the year of funding being pursued, and ‘App’ (e.g. Smith_BIA_2024_App.pdf).
- If you choose to submit a PDF, please ensure that you also include a separate WORD file that includes the Applicant’s Contact Information, University, Research Site, Recommender Information, Proposal Title, and Two Abstracts.
- All application materials should be sent via the provided email address on the official website. with the subject line ‘BIA 2024 application’ followed by the applicant’s last name.
For further information, visit the official website.
Application Deadline
January 5, 2024.
