Smith Fellows 2026: Call for Proposals Announced
The Society for Conservation Biology
(SCB) is pleased to solicit applications for the 2026 David H. Smith
Conservation Research Fellowship Program. These prestigious, two‑year
postdoctoral fellowships support outstanding early‑career scientists who propose
innovative, solutions‑oriented research that links conservation science with
management and policy across the United States and its five permanently inhabited
territories (Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern
Mariana Islands, and American Samoa). Funded by the Cedar Tree Foundation and
administered by SCB, the program invests in the next generation of applied conservation
leaders whose research directly advances how conservation is practiced in the U.S.
Smith Fellows are selected based
on both the strength of their proposed research and their potential as future conservation leaders.
The program seeks bold thinkers who can translate science into real‑world impact
and thrive within a supportive, peer‑based community. 2026 Smith Fellowships
provide an annual salary of $72,100 in 2026 and $74,263 in 2027 (plus benefits),
a $40,000 research and travel budget disbursed over two years, and up to 5% overhead to the host institution.
A hallmark of the Smith Fellows experience is the extensive professional‑development
program: Fellows attend three week‑long, program‑sponsored professional development
retreats each year, become part of a vibrant and active alumni community, and
receive lifetime membership in the Society for Conservation Biology.
Applicants design their projects
with a team of at least two mentors (minimum one academic and one practitioner)
who together advise on research design, connect the work to real‑world conservation
needs, and support the Fellow’s professional growth and partnerships.
At least
one of the mentors should have a primary focus on conservation practice and will
help connect the Fellow’s research to practical applications and provide insight
into the management and policy implications of the work.
Fellows may be administratively
based at any U.S. academic institution, government agency, or conservation nonprofit,
typically where one of their mentors is located or affiliated.
SCB and the Smith Fellows Program
believe diversity promotes innovation and is essential to addressing complex conservation
challenges, leading to more just, equitable and effective conservation goals.
The Smith Fellows Program strongly encourages applications from individuals whose
varied backgrounds and perspectives broaden participation in conservation.
To
learn more about our values and commitments, visit:
www.smithfellows.org
Eligibility: Early-career (3 years
post-PhD) applicants of any citizenship status are welcome, provided they will
be based at a U.S. host institution, their research directly informs conservation
practice in the U.S., and the research primarily takes place within the U.S. and
its five permanently inhabited territories.
The program does not sponsor visas.
Key Dates:
Application deadline:
30 September 2025 (11:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time)
Fellowships awarded: early 2026
Typical Fellowship start window:
1 June – 30 September 2026
Apply Online:
Full 2026 Proposal Guidelines are available
here,
along with other application resources.
All components of the proposal package—including
reference and mentor letters—must be submitted via the online application portal:
apply.smithfellows.org.
Questions? Contact program
staff at smit...@conbio.org |
