The Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund
Advancing Conservation through Science

For nearly 50 years WWF has committed to delivering science-based conservation results while incorporating the latest research and innovations into our work. As part of its commitment to advancing conservation through science, WWF established the Kathryn Fuller Postdoctoral Fellowships to support postdoctoral researchers working on issues of exceptional importance and relevance to conservation in a WWF-US priority place.

For nearly 50 years WWF has committed to delivering science-based conservation results while incorporating the latest research and innovations into our work. As part of its commitment to advancing conservation through science, WWF established the Kathryn Fuller Doctoral Fellowships to support PhD students working on issues of exceptional importance and relevance to conservation in one of the WWF-US priority places.

This year, the Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund will support doctoral research in the following three areas. (Click on links to see suggested research topics.)

1. ecosystem services
2. measuring and monitoring carbon stocks in forests
3. climate change impacts on and adaptation of freshwater resources

Benefits
As part of their Awards, Fuller Doctoral Fellows receive:

1. either $15,000 or $20,000 allocated over a period of up to 2 years to cover research expenses*
2. opportunities to link doctoral research to WWF’s global conservation efforts
3. networking opportunities with other Fuller Fellows, WWF scientists, and employees

* Fuller Doctoral Fellows receive either $15,000 or $20,000 depending on the location of their research and home university. Fellows with field research based in a WWF-priority place outside the country of their universities are eligible to receive $20,000. Fellows with field research based within the country of their home universities are eligible to receive $15,000. Fuller Fellowships may be used to cover allowable research-related expenses. (See section on eligible and ineligible expenses.)

Eligibility

1. All applicants must be currently enrolled in an academic program leading to a doctoral degree in a conservation-related field and must have completed at least one year of course work.
2. Applicants must have at least two years of work experience in conservation.
3. Applicants must propose research in one of the three topics listed above that has direct implications for conservation in one of WWF’s priority places.
4. Individuals who are currently WWF Train Fellows may not receive a Fuller Fellowship. Applicants may apply to both programs simultaneously, if they are eligible for both, but cannot receive both fellowships from WWF.
5. WWF staff, directors, and their immediate family members are not eligible for Fuller Fellowships.

Selection
Fuller Fellows are selected through a competitive, merit-based process. Eligible candidates must submit a completed application form along with two letters of recommendation and other supporting documents to WWF by the application deadline. An interdisciplinary panel of experts is convened to review applications and to identify top candidates based on the following criteria:

1. Applicant’s ability, accomplishments, and potential to become a leader in their field
2. Scientific merit, feasibility, and significance of the research proposal
3. Relevance of research to conservation practice in general and WWF’s mission and programs in particular
4. Preference will be given to individuals proposing research in their country of origin

For questions or further information, please contact fullerfund@wwfus.org

Info source: http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/fellowships/fuller/doctoralfund.html