FINDING FUNDING
There are basically two ways for finding a PhD/Postdoc/Job: (i) look for current offers
of available positions; (ii) look for funding that will allow you to develop your own
project and work with a particular researcher.
Here we present a list of funding agencies from different countries and websites that can
help you find the most appropriate alternative for you. We also added information on
funding sources that might support you when attending conferences and/or developing
small projects. Note that this list is incomplete and is a work in progress. Feel free to
send any information you might find to: ana.margarida.c.santos@gmail.com
 Look for current offers of available positions
Sometimes, you can find PhD and postdoctoral position posted on researchers’ and
institutes’ websites, journals, blogs, facebook and/or on email forums, so it is best if you
spend some time searching on the internet.
There are many general sites, but you can narrow your search to a particular research
area or country. You can sign in to many of these sites and receive updates on your
email.
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EVOL-DIR (mailing list with PhDs, Postdocs, Jobs, Conferences
announcements. Mostly US-based positions, but offers from other countries
appear from time to time) - http://evol.mcmaster.ca/cgibin/my_wrap/brian/evoldir/
ECOLOG-L (mailing list of the Ecological Society of America. Mostly USbased positions, but offers from other countries appear from time to time) https://listserv.umd.edu/archives/ecolog-l.html
Ecodiff (mailing list of the French Ecological Society; open to non-members) http://www.sfecologie.org/ecodiff/in-english/
Ecological Society of America - US-based positions
http://www.esa.org/member_services/fundingGrants.php
Society for Conservation Biology (if you are not an SCB member, you will only
be able to see the announcements 48 hours after they are published) http://www.conbio.org/Jobs/
Wildlife Conservation Research Unit http://www.wildcru.org
Wildlife Society (general job search) - http://www.tws-west.org/jobs.html
Careers abroad (general job search) http://www.careersabroad.co.uk/search_for_a_job.aspx
Environmentjob (UK) - http://www.environmentjob.co.uk/
Biology jobs (UK) - http://www.jobs.ac.uk/categories/biology
Biology jobs in Canada http://www.wowjobs.ca/BrowseResults.aspx?q=Biologist
Sicence Careers - http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/
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Conservation jobs - http://www.conservationjobboard.com/
The Scientist - http://the-scientist.com/category/job-listings/
Jobs in Universities - http://www.findauniversityjob.com/
Nature Jobs - http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/
Find a Masters - http://www.findamasters.com/
Find a PhD - http://www.findaphd.com/
Find a Postdoc - http://www.findapostdoc.com/
Postdoc Jobs and Fellowships - http://www.post-docs.com/
Jobs in UK- http://www.jobs.ac.uk/
Jobs and Postdocs in Europe - http://www.eurosciencejobs.com/
NewScientist jobs - http://jobs.newscientist.com/en-gb/
European Union - http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/index.cfm/jobs/index
Bioblogia (gathers information from many sites and listservers) http://bioblogia.blogspot.com.es/
Gfoe - Ecological society of Germany (mainly scientific jobs are posted here) http://www.gfoe.org
www.greenjobs.de (good for Germany, also non-scientific jobs in Ecology)
http://www.jobvector.de/en/
http://www.academics.de/ (usually require a higher degree)
http://jobs.uni-hd.de/
German Zoological Association (Deutsche Zoologische Gesellschaft) http://www.dzg-ev.de/
Ethologische Gesellschaft (Ethological Society) - http://www.ethol-ges.org/
http://listserv.uni-heidelberg.de/science-jobs-de/sjd-e.html (a listserv in
Germany for academic jobs in Biology)
http://www.stellenboersen.de/stellenboersen/spezial/biologie (overview of
existing job databases and search engines)
http://sites.google.com/site/rodriguezsanchezf/links/how-to-find-a-postdoc
(personal website with many good advice)
Society for Conservation Biology – Student Wiki - http://scbstudents.wikispaces.com/ (information about Scholarships, Courses, Events,
Advice and Resources focused on Conservation Sciences)
List of African Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships for International Students:
http://www.scholars4dev.com/category/target-group/africansscholarships/#ixzz1z6YWb3KE
List of African Grants, and Fellowships http://library.stanford.edu/depts/ssrg/africa/grants.html
University of Cornell - http://www.postdocs.cornell.edu/finding-postdoc
Science - http://scjobs.sciencemag.org/JobSeekerX/SearchJobsForm.asp
Nature - http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/welcome
New Scientist - http://www.newscientistjobs.com/jobs/default.aspx
Looking for funding when you already know where and who you
would like to work with
If you already know with whom you want to work, and that researcher has agreed to
host you although he/she has no funding available for you, you should try to find a
fellowship that will support you. As you will see below, there are many alternatives,
with some of them being specific for the country where you want to work. There are
also many foundations offering fellowships for doing research on particular topics, or
for people to move to certain countries. For most of these grants you will need to put
together a project proposal.
First you will find some funding agencies that have an international scope, and
afterward we present some information by country.
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UNESCO-L’OREAL International Fellowhips Programme for Young Women in
Life Sciences
http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.phpURL_ID=44170&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
The UNESCO-L’Oréal International Fellowships are designed to identify and reward
fifteen deserving, committed and talented young women scientists, from all over the
world, active in the field of life sciences. With a view to ensuring that a balanced
geographical representation is made, a maximum of three young women, from each of
the five geo-cultural regions of the world, will be awarded fellowships.
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Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorates
http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus_mundus/results_compendia/selected_projects_action
_1_joint_doctorates_en.php
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorates offers fellowships for doctoral programmes
covering up to three years of doctoral activities.
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European Commission – Marie Curie Fellowships
http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/
Marie Curie Fellowships are European research grants available to researchers
regardless of their nationality or field of research. In addition to generous research
funding scientists have the possibility to gain experience abroad and in the private
sector, and to complete their training with competences or disciplines useful for their
careers.
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European Research Council
http://erc.europa.eu/funding-schemes
Supports large primary research projects for those at early postdoctoral to mid career
stage (ERC Starting Grants) and advanced stage (Advanced Grants).
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Society in Science (Branco Weiss Fellowships)
http://www.society-in-science.org/
The Branco Weiss Fellowship is a unique postdoc program. It awards young researchers
around the world with a generous personal research grant, giving them the freedom to
work on whatever topic they choose anywhere in the world, for up to five years.
This research fellowship is designed to support postdoctoral researchers after their PhD
and before their first faculty appointment. Those in current postdoctoral positions are
also eligible. Ideally, fellows pursue unconventional projects in new areas of science,
engineering and social sciences.
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EMBO Fellowships
http://www.embo.org/programmes/fellowships/
The EMBO fellowships are for young PhD graduates who, at the time of application,
have awarded their PhD less than two years before that date. There are also short-term
fellowships for visiting other institutes (apparently with no restrictions of age and
place).
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The National Research Foundation (South Africa)
http://www.nrf.ac.za/funding_overview.php
You can find information on Master’s, Doctoral and Post-doctoral fellowships
Argentina
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CONICET is the main organism in Argentina devoted to the development of
science and technology.
http://www.conicet.gov.ar/web/conicet/inicio (in Spanish – see the link to “Becas”)
It usually opens calls every year and it offers the following grants:
a) Becas internas de postgrado Tipo I (up to 3 years) – Postgraduate grants to do a
PhD in Argentina
b) Becas internas de postgrado Tipo II (up to 2 years) - Postgraduate grants to those
that want to finish their PhD in Argentina
c) Becas internas postdoctorales (up to 2 years) – Postdoc in Argentina; for those
with up to 35 years.
Brazil
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CNPq - National Council of Scientific and Techonologic Development
(Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico; in
portuguese) - http://www.cnpq.br/
Grants for MsC and PhD students, and postdoctoral and senior researchers to develop
their research both in Brazil and abroad. Also has calls for research projects.
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CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (in
portuguese) - http://www.capes.gov.br/
Grants for MsC and PhD students, and postdoctoral and senior researchers to develop
their research both in Brazil and abroad. Also has calls for research projects.
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FAPESP – São Paulo Research Foundation - http://www.fapesp.br/en/
Grants for MsC and PhD students, and postdoctoral and senior researchers to develop
their research in the São Paulo State institutions. Also has calls for research projects.
Canada
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Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships - http://banting.fellowshipsbourses.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.html
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program provides funding to the very best
postdoctoral applicants, both nationally and internationally, who will positively
contribute to the country's economic, social and research-based growth. There are 70
fellowhips awarded annually, and they have a 2-years duration.
Chile
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Chilenean International Cooperation Agency http://www.agci.cl/english/index.php/scholarships
The Chilean International Cooperation Agency (AGCI) promotes several training
opportunities for both Chilean nationals who wish to study abroad and for foreigners
who wish to carry out studies in Chile.
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CONICYT – Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica http://www.conicyt.cl/573/propertyvalue-82294.html
Grants for MsC and PhD students, and postdoctoral and senior researchers to develop
their research both in Chile and abroad. Also has calls for research projects.
China
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National Natural Science Foundation of China http://www.nsfc.gov.cn/Portal0/default166.htm
Chinese Academy of Sciences - http://english.cas.cn/IC/
Colombia
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ICETEX - http://www.icetex.gov.co/portal/Default.aspx?tabid=484
It has scholarships for foreign students to do their PhDs at the Universidade de los
Andes-Colombia. Information is in spanish
Cyprus
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Research Promotion Foundation - http://www.research.org.cy/EN/index.html/
This is the main funding body in Cyprus and they fund all sorts of projects including
PhDs.
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Leventis Foundation - http://www.leventisscholarships.org/
The Foundation’s Educational Grants Scheme is an annual programme of grants
intended for postgraduate students and doctoral candidates. Post-doctoral research is not
included.
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Cyprus State Scholarships Foundation http://www.cyscholarships.gov.cy/ikyk/ikyk.nsf/index_en/index_en?OpenDocu
ment
Czech Republic
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Charles University in Prague - http://www.cuni.cz/UKENG-233.html
It has the “Post-Doc Research Fund for Foreign Young Researchers” project. The goal
of this project is to attract promising post-docs who will research a chosen theme at the
relevant centres of CU. The main initiator is always the relevant department/centre of
the faculty/institute which has an interest in the research area/project concerned. The
CU Research Board is involved in the management of the process. Fund at CU for
Foreign ‘Post-Doc‘ Researchers started on August 1st 2011. Positions are for two years.
Denmark
 Villum Foundation
http://veluxfoundations.dk/C12576AB00426565/0/4C05C456014EDFD5C1256E9F003
71B87?OpenDocument
The VILLUM FOUNDATION's Young Investigator Programme (has two categories):
- Associate professors who have gained permanent tenure within the last 3 years
- Researchers at postdoctoral or assistant professor level
 Carlsberg Foundation
http://www.carlsberggroup.com/Company/Foundations/CARLSBERGFOUNDATION/
Pages/Default.aspx
 The Danish Council for Independent Research
http://en.fi.dk/councils-commissions/the-danish-council-for-independent-research
Funds mainly postdoctoral applications.
 Aarhus University School of Science and Technology
http://science.au.dk/en/positions-and-fellowships/
It has information on available PhD fellowships, and also other job vacancies at the
university.
Finland
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Academy of Finland- http://www.aka.fi/en-GB/A/For-researchers/Funding/
Phd, Postdoctoral grants, etc.
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University of Helsinki - http://www.helsinki.fi/jobs/postdoctoral_general.html
The University of Helsinki has a total of 36 postdoctoral researcher positions, of which
12 become vacant each year. The positions will be filled for a fixed term of three years.
The aim of the postdoctoral researcher positions is to encourage talented, recently
graduated doctoral degree holders to seek further qualifications and become
independent professional researchers.
http://www.helsinki.fi/jobs/postdoctoral_general.html
France
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ANR – The Frenche National Research Agency - http://www.agence-nationalerecherche.fr/en/
The ANR (French National Research Agency) is a research funding organisation. The
Agency was established to fund research projects, based on competitive schemes giving
researchers the best opportunities to realise their projects and paving the way for
groundbreaking new knowledge.
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CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique http://www.cnrs.fr/index.php
Since 2010, the CNRS does not launch national campaign to recruit post-doctoral
fellowships. Candidates with completed PhD’s can, however, apply at any time during
the year for fixed-term researcher positions. These positions are for specific projects,
and can be in any field. They are one-year contracts, renewable. Candidates can either
apply to open positions listed according to relevant research institute, or they can
contact laboratories working in a relevant research field directly. Labs may or may not
have the funding necessary to hire for short-term positions, as this will depend on what
grants they were awarded and what specific projects are underway.
The CNRS also hires tenured researchers.
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Mairie de Paris - http://www.paris.fr/english/business/grants-and-requests-forproposals-duplique/rub_9940_stand_98273_port_24815
“Research in Paris” - Each year the City of Paris offers a selective programme to
welcome foreign researchers - post-doctoral and senior - into public research
laboratories in Paris (Paris intra muros) for a limited period.
Germany
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DAAD – Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (German Academic
Exchange Service) - http://www.daad.de/en/
The DAAD runs over 200 programmes, ranging from semesters abroad for
undergraduates to doctoral programmes lasting several years, from study visits to
specialist courses, from information-gathering visits by high level delegations from
foreign universities to assistance in the establishment of effective higher education
systems in developing countries. As a matter of principle, the DAAD’s funding
programmes are open to scholars from all disciplines and countries in the world for
either visits to or from Germany.
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DFG – Deutch Forschungsgemeinschaft - http://www.dfg.de/en/index.jsp
Funds different types of programmes, including postdoctoral fellowhips.
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Alexander von Humbolt Foundation - http://www.humboldtfoundation.de/web/home.html
Their research fellowships and research awards allow you to come to Germany to work
on a research project you have chosen yourself together with a host and collaborative
partner. Whether you are a young postdoctoral researcher at the beginning of your
academic career, an experienced, established academic, or even a world authority in
your discipline - their research fellowships and research awards offer you sponsorship
tailored to you and your career situation. For example, the Humbolt Research
Fellowship for Postoctoral Researchers, aimed at those that have completed their
doctorate in the last four years, allows you to carry out a long-term research project (624 months) you have selected yourself in cooperation with an academic host you have
selected yourself at a research institution in Germany.
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Leopoldina - http://www.leopoldina.org/en/fellowship-programme/
The programme is aimed at up-and-coming young scientists (with a PhD degree that has
been completed in the last seven years) from German-speaking countries who have
already begun conducting independent research in natural science and medicine.
Scholarship recipients are given the opportunity to carry out their own independent
project abroad at one of the most renowned research institutes in their field. German
research fellows have to choose a foreign research institute, while Austrian and Swiss
research fellows must select a host institute in Germany.
Greece
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John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation - http://www.latsisfoundation.org/en/1/homepage.html
The Foundation awards scholarships for: (1) undergraduate studies at Greek Higher
Educational Institutions; (ii) postgraduate studies leading to a Master's and/or PhD
degree in Greece or abroad. It also funds one-year research projects.
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Onassis Foundation - http://www.onassis.gr/en/
There are currently Programmes of Scholarships for Hellenes, for doctoral and
postgraduate studies in Greece and abroad, as well as a Programme of Scholarships for
Foreigners (which is addressed to non Greeks, University Professors of all levels (Ph.D.
holders), postdoctoral researchers (Ph.D. holders), artists, post-graduate students and
Ph.D candidates). These programmes are announced annually.
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State Scholarships Foundation - http://www.iky.gr/en/scholarships/welcome
There are currently Programmes of Scholarships for Hellenes and for Foreigners. The
State Scholarships Foundation (I.K.Y.) grants scholarships for postgraduate or
postdoctoral studies in Greece to all foreigners as well as scholarships for the attendance
of the Modern Greek Language and Culture. The programmes for
postgraduate/postdoctoral studies are announced around January / February of each year
and the scholarships are offered to nationals (foreigners or of Greek origin) from:
a) The European Union member states, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, U.S.A., Canada,
Australia, New Zealand and Japan,
b) Balkans, Central or Eastern Europe (non members of the European Union), Asia,
Africa and Latin America.
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Stavros Niarchos Foundation - http://www.snf.org/index.php
Hong Kong
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The University of Hong Kong Graduate School http://www.gradsch.hku.hk/gradsch/web/apply/index_ps4.htm
The HKPF aims at attracting the best and brightest students across the world to pursue
their research degree programmes in Hong Kong.
Eligibility - New applicants to full-time PhD programmes in government-funded
institutions in Hong Kong, irrespective of their country of origin and ethnic background,
are eligible to apply. Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic performance,
research ability/potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership
abilities.
Full-time MPhil and PhD students are eligible to apply for conference and/or travel
support for presenting papers/posters in overseas academic conferences or participating
in other overseas educational activities.
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Other career opportunities (Professoriate staff, academic-related staff, etc.)
available at the University of Hon Kong - http://jobs.hku.hk/
India
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Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology http://dst.gov.in/scientific-programme/ser-index.htm
Includes different fellowships schemes, aimed mainly for Indian citizens
Indonesia – most seem to be for Indonesian citizens only
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Tanoto Foundation - http://www.tanotofoundation.org/
Includes different fellowships schemes (graduate and post-graduate courses), aimed
mainly for Indian citizens
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Putera Sampoerna Foundation - http://www.sampoernafoundation.org/
Includes different fellowships schemes, aimed mainly for Indian citizens
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Ancora Foundation - http://ancorafoundation.com/programs/
This foundation has grants for Indonesian students that want to do their graduate and
post-graduate studies either abroad (e.g. Harvard University, Nayang Technological
University, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Sciences Po Paris) on in
Indonesia (Universitas Paramadina, Universitas Multimedia Nusantara, West Java)
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Eka Tjipta Foundation - http://ekatjipta.org/ (in Indonesian)
Israel
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BSF – United States – Israel Binational Science Foundation http://www.bsf.org.il/bsfpublic/Default.aspx
Each year, the BSF offers grants in several scientific programs: a) Regular research
grants (Open to all scientists from Israel and the USA); b) Start-up research grants
(Open to American and Israeli scientists who are in the initial stages of their
independent careers); c) BSF-NSF Joint Funding Program in Chemistry (the BSF
expects to launch a series of joint funding programs with the National Science
Foundation (NSF), using special grants from the Ministry of Finance and the Council of
Higher Education); d) BSF-NSF Joint Funding Program in Integrative Biological
Systems (the BSF is launching a series of joint funding programs with the National
Science Foundation (NSF), using special grants from the Ministry of Finance and the
Council of Higher Education; e) Workshop grants (Open to all American and Israeli
scientists, and addressing specific topics that will change from one year to the next and
will be announced in the annual Call for Proposals); f) Prof. Rahamimoff Travel
grants (Open to American and Israeli PhD students and post-doctoral researchers for
research related trips to the other country). See webpage for other fellowship schemes
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Rostchild Foundation - http://www.yadhanadiv.org.il/fellowshipprize/rothschild-fellowship
Up to twelve Rothschild Fellowships are awarded each year in the Natural, Exact or
Life Sciences and Engineering and up to eight in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Fellowships are provided for one year of postdoctoral study and research abroad.
Recipients may choose to spread the funds over a two year period. Candidates must be
permanent residents of Israel, who received a PhD at an accredited institution of higher
learning in Israel no more than three years prior to submission of the application.
Tenured faculty at Israeli universities are not eligible to apply.
This foundation has different schemes for postdocs and senior researchers from the
USA and Israel. It also has travel grants (for PhDs and postodocs workshops
Graduate students:
graduate student travel grants are also given by the Israel Zoological Society
(http://www.oranim.ac.il/sites/heb/community/zoology/Pages/default.aspx).
Postdoc
Then, Israeli universities also have postdoc fellowships for foreign students wishing (for
some obscure reason) to do their postdoc here. There is the Lady Davis fellowship trus
at the Hebrew University (Jerusalem, http://ldft.huji.ac.il/), the Kreitman fellowships at
Ben Gurion University (Beer
Sheva, http://www.bgu.ac.il/kreitman_foundation/menu_apply.htm) and the George S.
Wise fellowships, and some others, here at Tel Aviv University (website? at TAU?
you've got to be kidding me!)
Then there are postdoc fellowships of the National Natural History Museum here at
TAU (http://www.mnh.tau.ac.il/en/), and if your study involves taxonomy there is also
the Israeli taxonomic initiative (http://taxonomy.tau.ac.il/en/) which gives travel grants
for PhD and MSc students wishing to travel from Israel abroad to study taxonomic
issues, and has postdoc fellowships (also for Israelis wishing to study abroad) and PhD
scholarships (for people wanting to study taxonomically-related issues in Israel).
Japan
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Japan Society for the Promotion of Research http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/programs/index.html
Funding for short and longer fellowships for collaborative research visits to Japan.
Different schemes support scientists at all career levels (including pre-doctoral). PSGB
members have been successful in securing funds for collaboration.
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Japanese Assoc. of Uni. Women - http://www.jauw.org/english/e_top.html
Fellowships for independent research or advanced study on the post-graduate level;
designed to promote international cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Fellowship Application Eligibility Criteria: Open to IFUW members (International
Federation of University Women) with an academic degree equivalent to a bachelor’s
degree, undertaking research or study in Japan for not less than three months between
September and February of the following year. Applicants must have been accepted by
a Japanese institution.
Mexico

Becas sin Fronteras (in Spanish) - http://www.estudia.com.mx/becas.php
A database of PhD, postdoctorate and travel grants (among others) for Mexican citizens
to pursue their studies in Mexico and abroad.
Netherlands
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Innovational Research Incentives Scheme Veni http://www.nwo.nl/en/funding/our-funding-instruments/nwo/innovationalresearch-incentives-scheme/veni/index.html
Veni allows researchers who have recently obtained their PhD to conduct independent
research and develop their ideas for a period of three years.
Veni is targeted at outstanding researchers who have recently obtained their PhD. They
are at the start of their scientific career and display a striking talent for scientific
research. Researchers who have completed their PhD within the last three years can
apply for a Veni grant. There may be a possibility of an extension in some cases. A
researcher may apply for a Veni grant on a maximum of two occasions. Researchers
from outside the Netherlands may apply.
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Innovational Research Incentives Scheme Vidi http://www.nwo.nl/en/funding/our-funding-instruments/nwo/innovationalresearch-incentives-scheme/vidi/index.html
Vidi is aimed at the excellent researcher who following his/her PhD has carried out
several years of research and in doing this has demonstrated the ability to independently
generate and effect innovative ideas. Researchers who have obtained their PhD within
the last 8 years can apply for a Vidi grant. There may be a possibility of an extension in
some cases. Researchers from outside the Netherlands may apply. A researcher may
apply for a Vidi grant on a maximum of two occasions.
Portugal

FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnología - is the main organism in
Portugal devoted to the development of science and technology
http://alfa.fct.mctes.pt/index.phtml.en
FCT funds an extensive list of different types of Fellowships. There are yearly calls for:
- PhD grants – Four-years grants available to Portuguese and EU citizens. NonEU citizens have to long-term residency in Portugal.
- Postdoctoral grants - Three-years grants, eventually renewed up to 6 years
- Investigador FCT program – The call is aimed at researchers holding a PhD
degree, stipulated according to the number of years after the award of the degree
and the number of years worked as an independent researcher. Independent
researchers are scientists that have already established themselves as a research
leader in their own right, often as Principal Investigators or Group Leaders,
supervising a research team and by attracting funding in competitive grant
applications by national and international funding agencies.
http://www.fct.pt/apoios/contratacaodoutorados/investigador-fct/index.phtml.en
FCT also funds research and technological development projects in all scientific
domains.

EURAXESS Portugal – http://www.euraxess.pt/jobs/
This portal supports the international mobility of researchers from and to Portugal

Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência - http://www.igc.gulbenkian.pt/node/view/29
The ICG The IGC has a long-standing tradition in international graduate training, and
currently hosts three independent graduate programmes:
- the in-house PhD Programme in multidisciplinary life sciences
- the PhD Programme in Computational Biology
- The International Neuroscience Doctoral Programme.
Each year, the three PhD programmes provide excellence training to about 32 new
Portuguese and foreign students. The programmes share a common initial teaching
component, after which students choose a research group in which to develop their
training, either in Portugal or abroad.
The IGC is also heavily committed to the organisation of international workshops,
courses and various types of meetings, including the Gulbenkian Biology Courses (our
international advanced-course programme), and has a well-established visitors’
programme in which graduate students are expected to actively participate.

Fundação Luso-Americana - http://www.flad.pt/?no=2110002
Supports Portuguese citizens, providing grants for exchange programs in the USA,
grants to present conference papers in the USA, etc.
Spain
1.
General grant search
In Spanish:
http://becas.universia.es/ES/navega.do?pager.offset=30&idtc=40&vig=1&ps=
http://www.mastermas.com/Reportajes/html/R2014_F11012011_2.html
http://www.becas2012.net/
In english:
http://www.fundacionbarrie.org/en/programmes/grants
2.
PhD grants:
 Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports
http://www.mecd.gob.es/servicios-al-ciudadano-mecd/becas-ayudas.html
It offers PhD and mobility grants
 Predoctoral Research Grants (FPI – Formación de Personal Investigador)
http://www.idi.mineco.gob.es/portal/site/MICINN/menuitem.dbc68b34d11ccbd5d52ffeb801432
ea0/?vgnextoid=e962ae533a2c4310VgnVCM1000001d04140aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8da5b9
746e160210VgnVCM1000001034e20aRCRD&lang_choosen=en
 Ministry of Economy and Competitivity
http://www.idi.mineco.gob.es/portal/site/MICINN/menuitem.d20caeda35a0c5dc7c68b1
1001432ea0/?vgnextoid=d585b9746e160210VgnVCM1000001034e20aRCRD
PhD grants (including CSIC-JAE-Predoc), and general grant search

Generalitat de Catalunya
Pre-doctorate scholarships and grants:
http://www10.gencat.cat/agaur_web/AppJava/english/a_beques.jsp?categoria=predoctor
als
Information on other grants:
http://www10.gencat.cat/agaur_web/AppJava/castellano/a_beques.jsp?categoria=predoc
torals#subcateg3486-24
 Fundacion Ramon Areces
http://www.fundacionareces.es/fundacionareces/portal.do?IDM=27&NM=1
3.
Postdoctoral grants

For Spanish citizens:
Fundación Reces:
http://www.fundacionareces.es/fundacionareces/cargarAplicacionAgendaEventos.do?id
TipoEvento=3&identificador=1158&nivelAgenda=2#d
Fundacion Martin Escudero:
http://www.fundame.org/becas/convocatoria_Becas_Extranjero.html
Fulbright (to do a postdoc in USA)
http://fulbright.es/
 Ramon y Cajal – Postdoctoral Senior grants
http://www.idi.mineco.gob.es/portal/site/MICINN/menuitem.d20caeda35a0c5dc7c6
8b11001432ea0/?vgnextoid=48a9282978ea0210VgnVCM1000001034e20aRCRD
 Juan de la Cierva – Postdoctoral Junior grants
http://www.idi.mineco.gob.es/portal/site/MICINN/menuitem.dbc68b34d11ccbd5d52ffe
b801432ea0/?vgnextoid=3317b43c2747d210VgnVCM1000001d04140aRCRD&vgnext
channel=76c9282978ea0210VgnVCM1000001034e20aRCRD
4. Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports
http://www.educacion.gob.es/educacion/universidades/convocatorias/tituladosdoctores-profesores/predoctorales-posdoctorales-universidades-eeuu.html
Postdoctoral mobility grants
 Generalitat de Catalunya
http://www10.gencat.cat/agaur_web/AppJava/castellano/a_beques.jsp?categoria=postdo
ctorals
Sweden

http://www.studyinsweden.se/Scholarships/SI-scholarships/
In this website you can find different types of grants, e.g.:
a) The Guest Scholarship Program for PhD and post-doctoral studies in Sweden
The program provides PhD candidates and Postdoctoral researchers with an excellent
opportunity to conduct a study or research visit to a Swedish university within all
academic fields.
b) The Swedish Institute Study Scholarships
The Swedish Institute Study Scholarships are targeted at highly qualified students from
from selected countries around the world. The scholarship is available for master’s and
bachelor’s degree level programs
c) The Swedish Institute Baltic Sea Region Program/Visby Program
The program is open to applicants from Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania,
Moldova, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. It is available for master’s level (only for
Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine) and PhD/doctoral studies and post-doc
research
d) SI Scholarships for East Europe
The program is available for master’s level studies and open to applicants from Albania,
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia.
e) Swedish-Turkish Program
For citizens of Turkey pursuing master’s level or advanced level studies in Sweden in
the field of social sciences and law, such as International and European Relations,
European Affairs, European Law, or Human Rights Law.
f) The Bicentennial Swedish-American Exchange Fund
The Bicentennial Fund is open to applicants from the U.S. and awards grants for two to
four weeks’ length in amounts of up to SEK 30,000. It is specifically intended for
professional enrichment.

Swedish Research Council http://www.vr.se/inenglish/researchfunding/ourgrants2013.4.44482f6612355bb5
ee780002186.html
It includes different types of grants, from postdoctoral grants to conference grants.
International Postdoctoral grant - The purpose is to promote international mobility for
researchers who have recently been awarded a doctorate from a Swedish university. The
young researcher should be given the opportunity to conduct research at a foreign
university or research institute. To apply for an International Postdoc, your degree must
not be more than two years old.
Turkey

TÜBITAK - THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH
COUNCIL OF TURKEY http://www.tubitak.gov.tr/home.do?ot=1&sid=985&pid=54
This organism offers fellowships for undergraduate and graduate studies and for
postdoctoral research for both Turkish and foreign citizens.
2215 - PhD FELLOWSHIPS FOR FOREIGN CITIZENS
Travel and research grants will be awarded to highly qualified students who are
intending to complete their Ph.D studies in Turkey.
2216 - RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS FOR FOREIGN CITIZENS
Travel and research grants will be awarded to highly qualified Ph.D. students and young
post-doctoral researchers to conduct part of their research in Turkey.

Türkiye Burslari Scholarships - http://www.trscholarships.org/index.php/en/
Türkiye Scholarships is a government funded higher education scholarship program
which is designed for international students. The program does not include the foreign
students who are studying in Turkey through the EU projects, the reciprocal agreements
and the university scholarships.
Türkiye Scholarships is offered for associate, undergraduate, graduate, PhD and
research level.
Candidates who have graduated or are likely to graduate from an educational institution
equivalent to that of Türkiye's in the present academic (i.e. bachelor's degree for
master's level) can apply to Türkiye Scholarships. There is also age condition for
candidates required to meet.
United Kingdom

Royal Society grants – http://royalsociety.org/grants/
Funding a variety of large and small projects.
Career stage: early postdoctoral to advanced.

Rufford Small Grants for Nature Conservation –
http://apply.ruffordsmallgrants.org/
Funding small nature conservation / biodiversity projects and pilot studies in
developing countries. The schemes support scientists at all career levels. Deadlines
are ‘responsive’ (applications can be made at anytime, and a decision is normally
made within 12 weeks).

National Geographic Global Exploration Fund Northern Europe –
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/explorers/grants-programs/gef/northerneurope/
Open to residents from Northern Europe (including the UK and Republic of Ireland) to
work anywhere in the world on field-based projects (primary research, conservation and
exploration). All career stages supported. Deadlines are ‘responsive’ (initial applications
must be made at least eight months before the anticipated project start date; if invited to
full application stage, a full application must be submitted within 120 days).

Daphne Jackson Memorial Fellowships Trust - http://www.daphnejackson.org/
These fellowships are aimed at scientists returning to work after a career break. Career
stage: postdoctoral. Deadlines are ‘responsive’ with interviews occurring four times a
year.

Leverhulme Trust project grants – http://www.leverhulme.ac.uk/funding/
Funding visionary and challenging primary research that often crosses disciplinary
boundaries. For project grants, an outline application must be made, which can be
submitted at any time. Career stage: early postdoctoral to advanced. Leverhulme also
funds a variety of other schemes, including international travel and visits from foreign
scholars to the UK.

The Newton International Fellowship scheme –
http://www.newtonfellowships.org/ http://www.leverhulme.ac.uk/funding/
The Newton International Fellowship scheme will select the very best early stage postdoctoral researchers from all over the world, and offer support for two years at UK
research institutions.
The Fellowships cover the broad range of physical, natural and social sciences and the
humanities. They provide grants of £24,000 per annum to cover subsistence and up to
£8,000 per annum to cover research expenses, plus a one-off relocation allowance of up
to £2,000. In addition, Newton Fellows may be eligible for follow-up funding of up to
£6,000 per annum for up to 10 years following the completion of the Fellowship.

NERC – National Environment Research Center http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/available/
Research grants
The NERC research grants schemes are intended to provide financial support for
environmental scientists to carry out research projects of international quality at UK
universities and other approved institutions. NERC provides a number of different
schemes designed to support the varying needs of the community.
Fellowships
NERC funds around 90 Fellowships at any one time with up to 30 new awards each
year. These awards provide opportunities for outstanding environmental scientists to
devote their time to research, developing their research careers and producing work of
international importance. Types of award currently available:
Independent Research Fellowships- Five-year awards to support outstanding
environmental scientists and enable them to develop their research, start to build a
research group and become internationally recognised.
Postgraduate training (studentships)
NERC funds around 1,100 PhD students each year. Studentships are funded through
university departments and NERC research centres, so NERC does not deal directly
with applications from prospective students.
Knowledge exchange funding schemes
NERC provides funding for specific activities that encourage the use and uptake of
NERC science including training, people and knowledge flow and networks;
collaborative research with users; and commercialisation.
Undergraduate research experience placements
NERC is running the Research Experience Placements (REP) scheme for a third year in
2012. These placements provide opportunities for undergraduate students with good
quantitative skills to undertake a ten week environmental research project. The scheme
aims to encourage more of these individuals to consider a career in environmental
research.

Clarendon Fund - http://www.clarendon.ox.ac.uk/about/
Clarendon Scholarships are awarded to academically excellent students with the best
proven and future potential. The Scholarships cover tuition and college fees in full and a
generous grant for living expenses, and are open to students starting a new course at
Oxford. They are highly competitive, with less than 3% of graduate offer holders being
also offered the scholarship.
Whilst there are no quotas by course type, the majority of Clarendon scholars are
working towards a DPhil (PhD). Scholarships are also awarded for 2-year graduate
degrees (MPhil/BPhil/MLitt) or 1-year degrees (MSc/MSt/MBA/MFE).
United States of America

NESCent (National Evolutionary Synthesis Center) https://www.nescent.org/science/proposals.php
Offers support for graduate fellowships, Post-doctoral fellowships, Sabbaticals, shortterm visitors, working groups, courser proposals…

Smith Fellows – David H. Smith Conservation research Fellowship Program http://www.conbio.org/SmithFellows/?CFID=45548933&CFTOKEN=1833972
4
The David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship Program seeks to develop
future world leaders and entrepreneurs who are successful at linking conservation
science and application. Smith Fellowships provide two years of postdoctoral support to
outstanding early-career scientists.

Santa Fe Institute - http://www.santafe.edu/education/fellowships/
The Institute supports residential student fellowships at the undergraduate through the
postdoctoral level. Omidyar and Postdoctoral Fellows are in residence from one to three
years working both on collaborative and individual projects. Generally there are
openings for such scholars with a Fall application deadline. SFI supports a small
number of graduate students in residence, all of whom are matriculating at other
institutions. Usually such residencies are no more than one year and they are
individually arranged. The Institute also hosts a small number of highly motivated and
talented undergraduates as part of its NSF-supported Research Experiences for
Undergraduates (REU) program. Application deadline for REU students is in early
spring for student residencies during the summer term.

Duke University - https://researchfunding.duke.edu/
The Funding Opportunities database contains extensive information on funding sources
for Duke postdoctoral fellows and graduate/ professional students.

Fullbright Program - http://fulbright.state.gov/
The Fulbright Program offers grants to study, teach and conduct research for U.S.
citizens to go abroad and non-U.S. citizens to come to the United States. Fulbright
grants are offered in almost all academic disciplines with the exception of clinical
medical research involving patient contact.

National Science Foundation - http://www.nsf.gov/funding/
Special programs for undergraduate and graduate students and also for postdoctoral
fellows, covering different research fields.

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) postdoctoral fellowships http://www.stri.si.edu/english/education_fellowships/fellowships/tupper.php
This institute offers the Earl S. Tupper three-year postdoctoral fellowships in the areas
represented by its scientific staff. Disciplines include ecology, anthropology,
paleontology, paleoecology, evolutionary biology, molecular phylogenetics,
biogeography, animal behavior, neurobiology, soils sciences, and physiology of tropical
plants and animals. Research should be based at one of the STRI facilities; proposals
that include comparative research in other tropical countries will be considered. One
fellowship is awarded annually.
Acknowledgements
This list (v 1.0; June 2013) has been put together by Ana M. C. Santos, former studentat-large of the International Biogeography Society. Many people contributed with
information, among which: Matteo Adorisio, Meral Avci, Damayanti Buchori, Nina
Curcic, Valeria, Di Cola, Verónica Espinoza, Omar Fiz, Diego Fontaneto, Raquel
Garcia, Marco Girardello, Michelle Greve, Cristián Hernández, Christian Hof, Melinda
Hofmann, Xiaolei Huang, Amalia Kati, Yael Kisel, Christos Mammides, Shai Meiri,
Sandra Nogué, Leticia Ochoa-Ochoa, Oriana Pili, Petr PysekGabriel Reygondeau,
Francisco Rodríguez-Sanchez, Maria Romeralo, Spyros Sfendourakis, Navinder Singh,
Maria Triviño, Sara Varela, Manju Vasudevan, Marten Winter