ISRS/CMS Coral Reef Fellowship

[Steven Miller]

International Society for Reef Studies and the Center for Marine
Conservation
1999 Graduate Fellowship for Coral Reef Research

Introduction

	Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, they
are globally distributed, and they support various aspects of coastal
economies.  Yet coral reefs are widely recognized to be in decline and
studies are needed to provide information to manage and understand
processes that cause coral reef change.  Funds are available,
approximately US$13,500, to support one student to work toward a Ph.D.
in the general area of coral reef ecosystem research.  The focus of the
Fellowship is to understand and predict coral reef response to
management or disturbance-caused change (human-caused or natural). 
Research supported by the fellowship should emphasize an ecosystem
approach, recognizing the complex interplay among many processes that
shape the way coral reefs look and function.  For example, projects that
focus on factors that control productivity, nutrient dynamics, carbonate
accretion or erosion, fisheries recruitment, or the effects  of
exploitation of coral reef resources are examples of suitable topics. 
Work is not restricted to these topics, but mechanistic controls should
be emphasized because this information is important in construction of
models that will predict reef response to disturbance.

Who can apply?

	The Fellowship is available to students, worldwide, who are already
admitted to a graduate program at an accredited university.  The intent
of the fellowship is to help Ph.D. students develop skills and to
address problems related to relevant applications of coral reef
ecosystem research and management.  The fellowship can be used to
support salary, travel, fieldwork, or laboratory analyses. Renewal of
the fellowship is possible, but is based on annual resubmission.  The
student can work entirely at the host university, or can split time
between developed and developing country universities.  Given proposals
of equal scientific merit, priority will be based on financial need;
strong financial or in-kind support from local sources is also required.

Application materials

	A four page proposal, using 12 Font or larger, in English, is required
from prospective fellowship candidates.  The proposal should include (1)
an overview that places the proposed research in context with existing
literature and local needs, (2) a detailed methods section that includes
hypotheses and experimental design (as appropriate), (3) expected
results, (4) evidence of host country management relevance and
coordination (e.g. identification of individuals or programs that will
benefit from your results), (5) a detailed budget, and (6) literature
cited (the budget and literature cited sections do not count against the
four page limit).  Eight copies of the proposal must be provided.  The
student’s major professor is required to submit a CV (maximum length 3
pages) and a support letter, in English, that details cost sharing and
facility support.  If work will be conducted at a second university, a
support letter is required from the sponsoring  professor.  Applications
will be reviewed by a panel with ISRS and Center for Marine Conservation
participants; evaluation criteria include scientific merit, feasibility,
cost sharing, host country coordination, and relevancy to the Fellowship
guidelines.  Twenty four applications were received for support in 1997,
and twelve were received for 1998.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 16, 1998

Administration of the Fellowship

	The International Society for Reef Studies (ISRS) and the Center for
Marine Conservation (CMC) support the Fellowship through professional
and administrative contributions.  The mission of the ISRS is to promote
for the benefit of the public, the production and dissemination of
scientific knowledge and understanding concerning coral reefs, both
living and fossil.  The CMC is committed to protecting ocean
environments and conserving the global abundance and diversity of marine
life.  Through science-based advocacy, research, and public education,
CMC promotes informed citizen participation to reverse the degradation
of our oceans.

Application materials should be submitted, no later than October 16,
1998, to:

ISRS Recording Secretary
UNCW
515 Caribbean Drive
Key Largo, Florida 33037

S.Miller at gate.net