Pacific Seabird Group – Student Research Grant (SRG)

Supporting the next generation of seabird researchers

Background

The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) is dedicated to advancing the study and conservation of seabirds across the Pacific region. Students are central to PSG’s mission: they contribute nearly one-third of the organisation’s operating funds and represent 40% of the annual meeting volunteer base.

Established in 2019 by PSG Former Chairs, the Student Research Grant (SRG) recognises the essential role of student members and supports high-quality, student-led seabird research.

For the 2026 cycle, PSG will award three to five grants of USD $3,000 each. Funding is provided by PSG Former Chairs and matched by the PSG Executive Committee (EXCO).

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be currently enrolled in a BA, BS, MS, MA, or PhD programme at an accredited community college, college, or university (worldwide).
  • Conduct research focused on seabirds in any region of the world.
  • Hold an active PSG membership by the application deadline. To join PSG, click here.

Timeline

  • 15 December 2025 – Applications open
  • 6 February 2026 – Application deadline
  • 23 February 2026 – Notification of awards
  • 31 December 2026 – Grant reporting deadline
  • February 2027 – Awardees present at the PSG Annual Meeting

For enquiries about the application process, please get in touch with the PSG Past Chair: pastchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org

Use of Funds

Grant funding may be used for essential research costs, including:

  • Fieldwork or laboratory supplies and equipment
  • Travel to field or laboratory sites
  • Licensing and permitting fees
  • Dissemination of results

Please note that funds cannot be used for salaries, stipends, benefits, institutional overhead, or tuition fees.

Application Components

A complete application includes:

  • Applicant information

  • Project description, including:
    • Global project goals and objectives (200 words)
    • SRG-funded project description (300 words)
    • References (no word limit)

  • Budget and justification (300 words)

  • Dissemination plan, including any efforts to support underrepresented groups in science (100 words)

Applicants are not required to submit an advisor’s letter of support; however, confirmation that the advisor has reviewed and supports the application is mandatory. Advisors may be contacted for clarification if necessary.

If you experience any difficulty with the online form, please contact: pastchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org

Application Deadline: 6 February 2026

Start Your Application

Application Evaluation

Proposals will be assessed on the following criteria:

  • The proposed project has clear goals and objectives that will advance knowledge and understanding of seabirds and/or their environment.
  • The proposed project is well-reasoned, well-organised, and based on a sound rationale.
  • The proposed project suggests and explores original or potentially transformative concepts.
  • The SRG-funded project is critical to meeting the global project goals and objectives.
  • SRG funds will have a high impact on the success of the SRG-funded project (e.g., there are matching funds, the project is ready to go, etc.).
  • The applicant has considered how to meaningfully and inclusively engage partners and to disseminate results to scientific and non-scientific communities appropriately.
  • The project is relevant to PSG’s mission and goals

Tie-breaker Criteria
Priority will be given to applicants who:

  • Have not received PSG funding in the past three years.
  • They are within one year of their anticipated graduation date.

Applications will be reviewed by the PSG Awards Committee (Past Chair, Chair, Chair-Elect), one PSG Former Chair, and one PSG student member (the student representative may not apply for the SRG in the year they serve).

Fund Disbursement

Funds will be released once awardees submit a complete IRS W-9 form. All grant funding is considered taxable income.

Reporting Requirements

By accepting the award, recipients agree to:

If you have any questions about completing the application, please get in touch with the Past-Chair of the Pacific Seabird Group (pastchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org).