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.

This year, the Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund will support postdoctoral 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

1. Fuller Postdoctoral Fellowships include $140,000 to cover a stipend and research expenses over a period of up to two years.* In addition, up to $17,500 will be granted to cover indirect costs at the host institution over the two-year fellowship period.
2. Fuller Postdoctoral Fellows receive opportunities to link research to WWF’s global conservation efforts and networking opportunities with other Fuller Fellows, WWF scientists and employees.
3. Fellows are mentored by a sponsor at the Fellow’s host research institution. If appropriate, WWF will provide a second sponsor.

* The fellowship tenure will generally be two years, and will begin between June and September 2010. Second-year renewal of the fellowship is contingent upon satisfactory progress towards the research goals outlined in the research proposal, as well as timely completion of detailed interim and first-year activity reports.

Eligibility

1. You will have earned your doctoral degree between June 1, 2005 and June 1, 2010.
2. You have identified a scientist at an academic or research institution who will serve as co-sponsor. A WWF co-sponsor will be identified during the final stages of the selection process, if appropriate.
3. Applicants must propose research in one of the three topics listed above that has direct implications for conservation in one of the WWF-US priority places.
4. WWF staff, directors, and their immediate family members are not eligible for Fuller Fellowships.
5. Research supported by the Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund may be conducted at any U.S. or foreign host institution, including any WWF office, that provides adequate space, basic services, and supplies for the individual and is amenable to the terms of the Fellowship.

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/postdoctoral-fellowships.html