D. Ross Robertson Research Award Fellowship for Field Studies of Neotropical Deep-Reef fishes
The Smithsonian Institution's D. Ross Robertson Research Award Fellowship supports field-based research on neotropical deep-reef fishes, emphasizing biology, ecology, and collaboration with Smithsonian scientists.
Funder: Smithsonian Institution
Due Dates: September 30, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $45,000 total for 12 months; funds may support one or more proposals.
Summary: Supports early-career researchers conducting field studies on neotropical deep-reef fishes (40–300m), emphasizing collaboration and innovative marine biology research.
Key Information: Awards cover fieldwork travel and living expenses only; no stipend or lab research costs included.
Description
This fellowship, administered by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), is designed to advance field research on the biology of neotropical deep-reef fishes found at depths of 40–300 meters. It targets early-career fish biologists—current PhD students or recent PhDs (within three years)—and encourages collaborative projects with STRI and the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH). The award supports innovative and productive research, providing access to STRI’s marine laboratories and diving facilities in Panama, though awardees are not required to conduct research in Panama or use STRI facilities. The aim is to foster new insights into deep-reef fish biology through immersive field studies and collaboration with Smithsonian scientists.
