D. Ross Robertson Research Award Fellowship for Field Studies of Neotropical Deep-Reef fishes
The Smithsonian Institution's D. Ross Robertson Fellowship supports early-career field research on Neotropical deep-reef fishes, emphasizing scientific innovation and collaboration with STRI and NMNH.
Funder: Smithsonian Institution
Due Dates: September 30, 2026: Full application deadline
Funding Amounts: Up to $45,000 total per award; supports fieldwork expenses (travel, living costs) for up to 12 months.
Summary: Supports early-career research on Neotropical deep-reef fishes, emphasizing innovative field studies and collaboration with STRI and the National Museum of Natural History.
Key Information: No stipend or lab research costs covered; award supports fieldwork only.
Description
This fellowship, offered by the Smithsonian Institution, is designed to advance field-based research on deep-reef fishes (40–300m depth) throughout the Neotropics. It specifically supports early-career fish biologists—either current PhD students or recent PhD recipients—conducting original research on any aspect of the biology of living deep-reef fishes. The program encourages collaborative projects involving both the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) and the Division of Fishes at the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH). Awardees gain access to STRI’s marine research facilities in Panama, but research does not need to be conducted in Panama or at STRI. The fellowship aims to foster scientific creativity and productivity in the study of these unique marine ecosystems.
