[Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University](https://arboretum.harvard.edu)

January 31, 2026: Full application deadline | January 31, 2026: Referee letter deadline

Up to $7,000 per award; supports research and/or travel expenses for visiting scholars.

Supports original botanical research by visiting scholars utilizing the Arnold Arboretum’s living, library, and herbarium collections.

--- ## Description The Sargent Award for Visiting Scholars provides funding for original research in the botanical sciences, specifically projects that utilize the Arnold Arboretum’s extensive living, library, and herbarium collections. The Arboretum offers access to over 15,000 temperate woody plants, a botanical library with 250,000 volumes, and a herbarium containing more than 5 million specimens. This award is designed to foster scholarly research, promote collegial exchange, and highlight the scientific value of the Arboretum’s collections. --- ## Due Dates - January 31, 2026: Full application deadline for the Sargent Award for Visiting Scholars - January 31, 2026: Deadline for referees to upload letters of recommendation --- ## Funding Amount - Awards are up to $7,000. - Funding may be used for research and/or travel expenses directly associated with the proposed project. - Award funds are not intended to supplement or replace departmental salaries or stipends, but may be used for the stipend/salary of an undergraduate intern appointed through the applicant’s home institution. --- ## Eligibility - Open to visiting scholars at any career stage, including advanced undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, research scientists, faculty, and educators. - No citizenship or institutional affiliation restrictions are specified. - Projects must make substantive use of the Arnold Arboretum’s living, library, or herbarium collections. - Two letters of recommendation are required unless the applicant is a faculty member or senior scientist/principal investigator. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online between November 5 and January 31. - Required materials: - Cover letter - 1–2 page research statement describing the project, relevance to the Arboretum’s collections, and research aims (references do not count toward the page limit) - 1-page research budget detailing research and travel expenses - Project timeline with anticipated start and end dates - Curriculum vitae - Two letters of recommendation (unless exempt as faculty/senior scientist). Referees must upload letters by the application deadline. - Selection is competitive and based on applicant background, research quality, and relevance to Arboretum collections. --- ## Additional Information - The award is made possible by the Charles Sprague Sargent Fund. - For questions about the award, resources, or application process, applicants are encouraged to contact the selection committee. --- ## External Links - [Sargent Award Program Page](https://arboretum.harvard.edu/research/programs-and-opportunities/sargent-award-for-visiting-scholars/) - [Online Application Portal](https://arboretumscholars.communityforce.com/Funds/Search.aspx) - [Arnold Arboretum Research Opportunities](https://arboretum.harvard.edu/research/programs-and-opportunities/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [arbscholars@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:arbscholars@fas.harvard.edu) | | Funder Main Contact | [arbweb@arnarb.harvard.edu](mailto:arbweb@arnarb.harvard.edu) / 617.384.5454 | | Funder Contact Page | [Contact Arnold Arboretum](https://arboretum.harvard.edu/visit#contact_us) |

Sargent Award for Visiting Scholars - Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

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