Research Grants

Each year, the Wilson Ornithological Society offers three research grants. The focus of each differs somewhat, as does the amount of the award. Willingness to report results of the research as an oral or poster paper at an annual meeting of the Wilson Ornithological Society within the next 5 years and a brief write-up and a photograph of the awardees for the webpage is a condition of all three. The Research Awards Application Form must be used.

Deadline for applications and recommendations: 1 February

To apply for 2012 Research Awards, please go to the application submission web site.

Note that the application form will display the relevant fields for applicants and writers of letters of support once visitors select the corresponding option on the web page.

Louis Agassiz Fuertes Award

The Wilson Society's most prestigious award is available to all ornithologists, although graduate students and young professionals are preferred. Any avian research is eligible. Two awards of $2500 are given annually.

George A. Hall / Harold F. Mayfield Award

This award is limited to independent researchers without access to funds and facilities available at colleges, universities, or governmental agencies, and is restricted to non-professionals, including high school students. Any kind of avian research is eligible. Up to one $1000 award is given. Formerly known as the Margaret Morse Nice Award

Paul A. Stewart Awards

Preference will be given to proposals for studies of bird movements based on banding, radio or satellite telemetry, or similar methods), or an emphasis on economic ornithology. Up to eight awards of $1000 (as of 2012) are given annually.

General Eligibility Rules and Requirements

• Applicants may be a citizen of any country.
• Membership in the Wilson Ornithological Society is encouraged, but not required.
• Applicants may be of any age.
• Generally, any avian research is eligible (but see Stewart and Hall Award restrictions, below), conducted anywhere in the world.
• Grant monies are expected to be used for equipment, supplies, travel, and living expenses. Salaries for applicant and field assistants should not be included; however, stipends that cover only basic living expenses are allowed.
• Individuals are limited to one award per degree program or project.
• Applicants may apply for more than one award. A separate application packet is required for each award.

Grant winners are announced at the banquet during the annual meeting of the Wilson Ornithological Society. Winners (if not present at the meeting) will be notified within two weeks of annual meeting. A list of winners will be posted on this website within two weeks of the annual meeting.