National Geographic Society Launches Animal Behavior and Cognition Funding Opportunity

Funding for scientists from any country for field research on animal behaviour and cognition.

The National Geographic Society has launched a global funding opportunity for scientists undertaking field research on animal behaviour and cognition that has the potential to develop into a high-value, long-term research programme. The Society is looking for research projects that:

  • Focus on understanding the ultimate, proximate or developmental causes of animal behaviour and cognition in all its forms.
  • Are fieldwork-oriented and focus on wild populations.
  • Are planned to run for four years (but show potential to expand for 10 years).

For well-studied species, projects must focus on novel approaches to studying their behaviour and cognition.

Projects must answer compelling, well-defined research questions regarding any or a combination of the following priority topics, demonstrate the need for long-term research and show potential for scientific growth:

  • Ocean
  • Land
  • Wildlife
  • Human history and cultures
  • Human ingenuity

As well as direct funding, grantees will also receive significant additional investment in their work, such as leadership and community-building training; regular exposure, speaking and media opportunities; innovative equipment, technology and data services to support and propel their projects; and collaboration opportunities with other members of the National Geographic Explorer community.

To be eligible to apply, applicants must:

  • Have at least three years of relevant work experience after the award of their PhD.
  • Possess a minimum of three years’ fieldwork experience working with their proposed species or a similar species (the three years do not need to be continuous).
  • Be able to demonstrate experience leading field projects relevant to the research topics.
  • Have a strong publication record relative to their career stage.

Applicants can be at any career stage but preference will be given to early career scientists. There are no taxonomic or geographic restrictions.

Three awards will be made. Each recipient will receive direct funding of $800,000 over four years ($200,000 per year).

Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 12 April 2023 (23:59 EDT).

(This report was the subject of a RESEARCHconnect Newsflash.)