What types of projects will the CTFS Grants Program support?

Anyone working directly in a CTFS plot, analyzing plot data, identifying plants or animals in a plot, or generating complementary data that strengthens CTFS programs is eligible to apply. Projects can be field-oriented, herbarium- or laboratory-based, or analytical. Research projects can be either basic or applied in nature. Social scientists and natural scientists are encouraged to apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

The CTFS Grants Program is open to all researchers, from graduate students to senior scientists. In some cases, advanced undergraduates will also be considered. Preference will be given to scientists in the countries with CTFS sites and to all graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply.

How much funding can one request and for how long?

The majority of the CTFS research grants will be in the $3,000-$30,000 range. The CTFS Grants Program will make awards for projects three months to three years in length.

What expenses can be included in the grant proposal?

Funding is restricted to expenses directly related to field research, laboratory research, and data analysis. Examples of eligible expenses include travel, living expenses during fieldwork, supplies, research assistance, and resulting publications. Funds are not available for salary and/or fringe benefits of applicant, tuition, nonproject personnel, or travel to meetings. In addition, the grants program will NOT support indirect costs for institutional support.

Does the CTFS Grants Program support undergraduate and graduate study costs?

No. Funding cannot be applied to undergraduate and graduate expenses such as tuition, books, and fees.

What should be included in the application?

• Cover Sheet. Include project title, name, contact information and nationality of principal investigator(s), duration of project, and status of PI(s). Please indicate study site(s) and whether the proposal is a repeat submission.
• Research Proposal (not to exceed 1500 words). The proposal must describe the proposed research, indicate its relevance to one or more CTFS plots, and explain the significance of the work to a broader discipline. The general format of the proposal should include: introduction, description of research project with clearly stated hypotheses, significance of research, detailed methods, anticipated outcomes, and bibliography/references. Note: the bibliography should not be counted as part of the word limit for the proposal.
• List of Collaborators. Provide a list of collaborators on the project. For graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, an advisor is also necessary. Host-country collaborators are strongly recommended. In addition, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact plot directors BEFORE submitting a proposal.
• Curriculum Vitae. An applicant's CV should include contact information, educational background, current and previous fellowships and grants, and research interests.
• Proposed Referees. Please provide a list of three people that could review the proposed research but who are not current collaborators or advisors.
• Detailed Budget and Timeline. A budget should include all costs related to carrying out proposed research. Please see above for expenses that can be included in the proposal. A budget justification is also suggested. A chronogram with the schedule for all research activities proposed should be included.

How will applications be evaluated?

Applicants are pre-evaluated by plot directors of proposed study sites and then evaluated by a panel of scientists associated with the CTFS network. Larger grant proposals will also be reviewed by outside scholars. Awards are made on the basis of the proposal’s merit, the applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed research, the likelihood that the research can be carried out in the proposed time frame, and the extent to which CTFS plots contribute to the proposed research.

When are applications due?

The grant program has switched to an annual cycle. Submissions will be accepted annually. The next deadline for applications is APRIL 15, 2009. Decisions will be made approximately three months after the deadline.

How should proposals be submitted?

Proposals can be sent electronically (preferred method) or by mail to the addresses listed below. to sautua@si.edu or by mail to the addresses listed below.

From outside USA:
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
CTFS Grants Program
Apartado 0843-03092
Balboa, Ancón
Panamá, República de Panamá

From USA:
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
CTFS Grants Program
MRC 0580-12
Unit 9100 Box 0948
APO AA 34002-9998
USA
 

Email: sautua@si.edu ; ctfs@si.edu

For additional information, please contact:
Adriana Sautu, CTFS Program Assistant
Email: sautua@si edu