PND - RFPs - National Geographic Society Offers Grants for Scientific Field Research

The National Geographic Society awards grants for scientific field research and exploration through its Committee for Research and Exploration. All proposed projects must have both a geographical dimension and relevance to other scientific fields and be of broad scientific interest.

Applications are generally limited to the following disciplines: anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, biology, botany, geography, geology, oceanography, paleontology, and zoology. In addition the committee is emphasizing multidisciplinary projects that address environmental issues (e.g., loss of biodiversity and habitat, effects of human-population pressures).

Funding is not restricted to United States citizens. Researchers planning work in foreign countries should include at least one local collaborator as part of their research teams. The committee will not consider applications seeking support solely for laboratory work or archival research. This grant program does not pay educational tuition, nor does it offer scholarships or fellowships of any kind.

Applicants are expected to have advanced degrees (Ph.D. or equivalent) and be associated with an educational organization or institution. Independent researchers or those pursuing a Ph.D.-level degree may apply, but awards to non-Ph.D. applicants are rare. As a general rule, all applicants are expected to have published a minimum of three articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

While grant amounts vary greatly, most range from $15,000 to $20,000. There is no set quantity of grants awarded, but budget constraints keep the number to approximately 250 per year.

As National Geographic Society funds are intended to function as complementary support, the committee strongly encourages applicants to seek additional, concurrent funding from other funding agencies. Committee grants tend to act as seed money and are given for one year's research.

See the National Geographic Society Web site for complete guidelines and application procedures.

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