ISRS/CMC Fellowship Announcement

[Steven Miller]

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY (FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT)

The International Society for Reef Studies (ISRS) and the Center for
Marine Conservation (CMC) Announce the 2000 ISRS/CMC Graduate Fellowship
for Coral Reef Research

Background and Fellowship Goals

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$10,000, 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.  For example, projects that focus on factors that control
productivity, nutrient dynamics, carbonate accretion or erosion,
fisheries, or the effects of exploitation of coral reef resources are
examples of suitable topics.  Projects that address such issues within
the context of marine reserves are especially suitable for Fellowship
support.  Projects are not limited to these topics, but research should
increase understanding of reef function that is relevant to management
at local, regional, or global scales.

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.  The student
can work entirely at the host university, or can split time between
developed and developing country universities.

Application materials

A four page proposal (maximum), using 12 Font or larger, double spaced,
and in English, is required from prospective fellowship candidates:
proposals that do not meet these criteria may be returned.  The proposal
must include: (1) a short overview that places the proposed research in
context with existing literature and local needs; (2) an objectives
section that states what will be studied, measured, observed, assessed,
or monitored, and anticipated results; (3) a methods section that
includes a description of major tasks, including experimental design and
hypotheses (as appropriate); (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
that totals less than US$10,000; and (6) literature cited (the budget
and literature cited sections do not count against the three page
limit).  An electronic version (any standard word processing format is
acceptable) and three written copies of the proposal should be
provided.  Electronic submission via email (to: SMiller at gate.net) is
acceptable but written copies must also be received by the deadline (see
below).  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 CMC
participants.

EVALUATION CRITERIA INCLUDE: scientific merit, feasibility, cost
sharing, host country coordination, and relevancy to the Fellowship
guidelines.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS January 31, 2000

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 to:

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

email:smiller at gate.net

(Award to be made by March 31, 2000)

Please visit the ISRS Homepage http://www.uncwil.edu/isrs for additional
information related to the Society and the Fellowship.

The CMC homepage is located at http://www.cmc-ocean.org.