Information
Bulletin board
For the latest conservation news and opportunities in Africa
This e-bulletin is designed to supplement the TBA Funding database by posting the most recent opportunities and announcements as they come in. In particular, it focuses on current job vacancies and funding sources for conservation biologists. The bulletin also posts information on the progress of TBA national groups. The groups are organised by the alumni to promote interaction between their members and the entire TBA network. They provide a forum for the alumni to share ideas and experiences after the courses. Alumni who wish to update their details with the TBA can fill in the alumni updates form and send it to alumni@tropical-biology.org.
Short Courses
World Forest Institute International Fellowship Program: Oregon, USA
Fellowship targets professionals in natural resources from around the world to conduct a practical research at the World Forestry Center. Download Fellowship brochure for details.
Application deadline: Applications accepted year- round
Climate Change and Biodiversity Conservation training: University of Dar es Salaam, 19 Jul– 3 Sept 2010
This course which is open to early to mid-career conservation researchers and practitioners; masters-level graduate students and university educators, will focus on the Albertine Rift Region of Africa. Details and application material are available at International START, Pan African START secretariats and the institute of Resource Assesment
Closing date: 12th March 2010
Conferences and Symposia
ESEA conference: 19th - 21st May 2010, Multi- media University, Nairobi, Kenya
The 3rd annual conference of the Ecological Society for Eastern Africa themed ‘Climate Change and Natural Resource use in Eastern Africa: Impacts, adaptations and mitigation’ will be held at the University’s Conference Center. See call for abstracts and posters. For more information see website.
Closing dates: 31st March 2010 (Abstracts); 30th April 2010 (Full papers)
Cross-cutting News
Birds
Decline of Population of migratory waterbirds- reported at the 4th meeting of parties of the African-Eurasian Waterbirds Agreement (AEWA) and 20 waterbird species added to annex 2 of AEWA
Climate change
Birdlife Africa Climate Exchange- website about climate change and its impacts on biodiversity in Africa
Leading conservation Blogs
Wildlife Direct- News and information on saving endangered animals in Africa, Asia and South America.
Convention on Biological Diversity- Useful headline news, current information and events concerning Biological diversity.
Scientific resources
Open access online journals
The following journals provide free online papers but also may provide opportunities for you to publish peer reviewed work.
The African Journal of Plant Science- Publishes peer-reviewed high-quality solicited and unsolicited articles, in all areas of plant science research.
Aluka- A digital library of scholarly resources from and about Africa affiliated with JSTOR. Offered free to non profit institutions and individuals in Africa.
Journal of Ecology and Natural Environment- Published monthly by Academic Journals.
The Journal of Medicinal Plant Research- Provides rapid monthly publication of articles in all areas of research in Medicinal Plants.
Madagascar Conservation & Development Journal- Published by the Madagascar Wildlife Conservation and the Jane Goodall Institute, the journal covers work from the Madagascar region.
Oryx- The International Journal of Conservation- Provides links to free software tools for analysis and writing, guidance on submitting an article for the peer review, and ways in which readers in developing countries can access the journal for free.
Public Library of Science- Provides free access journal articles.
The Royal Society Digital Journal Archive- Dates back to 1665 and contains around 65,000 articles. Find out more at http://publishing.royalsociety.org/archive.
Scopus- Contains a large abstract and citation database of research literature and quality web sources. It is sold at an annual subscription fee to institutions.
Society for Conservation Biology- SCB publishes Conservation Biology, Conservation in Practice and Biological Conservation journals with free access for members in developing countries.
Journal of pollination ecology- Provides a forum to disseminate new ideas, novel research and manuscripts.
Online books
Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation- Contains a systematic review on the use of development as a conservation tool.
GOFC-GOLD REDD sourcebook- Contains methods and procedures for monitoring, measuring and reporting on REDD
Gratis books scheme- Provides free ecology and conservation books to individuals
Research registries and ideas
Guide to where to publish conservation research- A hand book of journals that publish conservation science
WWF Research Registry- Contains a list of 50-60 research projects that WWF is interested in seeing accomplished. Many of the projects are appropriate for Masters level thesis projects or graduate level course work.
Species Red lists
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species- Updated annually
National Red Lists- A new focal point for national red lists and action plans. This worldwide red list is not part of the IUCN Red List of threatened species
back
to topScholarships, Fellowships and Awards
Tropical Biology Association Masters Scholarship
Offered as part of its alumni follow up support programme to TBA’s African alumni, to promote human resource development and strengthen professional expertise among African biologists in biodiversity conservation and research. More information.
Closing date: 30th April 2010
WildiZe Scholarships and grants 2010
Applications are open for a limited number of full or partial scholarships for those pursuing a degree that is related to conservation of wildlife based on availability of funds to academically exemplary students with demonstrated need. More information.
Closing date: 31st July 2010
MPhil in conservation leadership: University of Cambridge
Applications are invited for this full-time, one-year course designed for graduates with five or more years of experience in conservation, starting in October 2010. See brochure. For more details visit website
MSc Environmental Policy and Management scholarship
This award covers tuition, maintenance, return flights, thesis grant and study travel at the University of Gloucestershire. For more information see website
Closing date: 30th April 2010
International Fellowships Program for East Africans
Provides up to three years of study support to exceptional individuals to enable them contribute to further development in their own communities and the nation. For details visit http://www.ifpeastafrica.org
Closing date: Tanzania: closed, Kenya: 12th March, 2010
MSc Climate Change and Policy: University of Sussex
Scholarships are available targeting students with an upper second-class undergraduate honours degree in either social or natural sciences. For more information see brochure.
Closing date: 1st May 2010
University of Canterbury Master's Scholarships
Offers funding to support one-year, full-time or part-time study towards only the thesis year of a Master's degree at the University of Canterbury. Click here for more information.
Closing dates: 15th October, 15th May
Graduate Study Scholarships: MASDAR Institute, Abu Dhabi
Full Scholarships are available for MSc programs. Details of faculty profiles, current research, programs offered, course description, scholarships, and other information including an online application module is available at website.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Applications are now open to bachelor’s degree holders who are nationals of World Bank member countries. For details see website
Closing date: 31st March 2010
MSc in Fisheries/Biodiversity Scholarships
Two scholarships in Fish Genetics tenable at the University of Malawi are available to Bright young men and women from the SANBio Network Region to cover costs of travel, tuition, accommodation, research and stipend. See details here
Closing date: 30th March 2010
Proposed Masters Bat Study: SNV Rwanda
Masters Zoology student sought to carry out a 3 months study of bat population in the Napoleon Island, Lake Kivu, Rwanda. To apply send a CV, example of previous research work and a cover letter detailing your approach to Dr Anna Spenceley at aspenceley@snvworld.org or annaspenceley@gmail.com. See more
New Zealand Development Scholarships
Offers support full-time, tertiary level studies at participating New Zealand education institutions for study programmes that link to an identified human resource development training priority of scholar’s home countries. See eligibility criteria and country information for details.
China Scholarships for International Graduate Students 2010
Are supported by the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) and provides for prospective international students to study for Master or Doctoral Degrees in top universities in China. For more information see details or visit website
Master’s Scholarship for Tanzania Students: University of Edinburgh, UK
The Julius Nyerere Master’s Scholarship is tenable for one academic year and will cover the full overseas tuition fee for any course offered by the University, living costs and a return flight from Tanzania to the UK. See website for more info.
Closing date: 1st April 2010
Research Fellow Partnership Programme for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources (RFPP)
Provides postgraduate training and internships to enhance research in the fields of agriculture, forestry and natural resource management in international development. For more information visit: http://www.rfpp.ethz.ch/
Closing dates: 31st March and 30th of September
Future Conservationist Awards
Offers funding of up to $12,500 to high potential teams who aim to develop their skills through practical conservation projects. See details here
2010 AWARD Fellowships
Offers tailored, two-year fellowships designed to fast-track the careers of African women scientists and professionals delivering pro-poor agricultural research and development. Click here for details.
Closing date: 22nd March 2010
PhD position in Ornithology: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Position requires a student with a Master’s degree in Biology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Management, or equivalent to study changes in bird community composition of Mt. Kilimanjaro under climate and land use change. See details
Excellence PhD scholarships: Universität Hohenheim, Germany
Several positions are available for outstanding PhD students pursuing a career in academia or development collaboration to take part in the YES’ PhD Program “Global Food Security”. See website for more details.
Closing date: 5th April 2010
Ph.D. Studentship, Ecology and Evolution of Plant Sex: University of Stirling, Scotland
Offer will cover tuition fees, and provide a monthly stipend for the duration of the PhD (3 years) for this position based in the laboratory of Dr. Mario Vallejo-Marin. See more details to apply.
Closing date: 1st March 2010
Blue Ventures Conservation Malagasy Scholarship
The scholarship is to build Madagascar's capacity for coastal management and marine conservation. For more information please click here
Coastal Science Assistantship: Louisiana State University (LSU)
Applications are invited for a graduate research assistantship position at Master's level available starting fall 2009 in the School of Renewable Natural Resources. To apply see details
PhD in Environmental Economics: University of Gothenburg
Four candidates are sought to enrol in this Sida-financed program. For application details visit website
Closing date: 3rd March 2010
Graduate Scholarships: Australian National University
Tenable at the Crawford School of Economics and Government, these scholarships focus on Masters level studies in the areas of Environmental Management and Development and Climate Change. Click here for more information.
Women’s Postdoctoral Research Fellowships: World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through one of ICRAF's five Regional Coordinators or six Global Research Project Leaders identified in the application form. Applications can also be made via email: icrafhru@cgiar.org. More>>.
Applications are considered throughout the year.
NTNU PhD Fellowships in Natural Sciences and Technology, Norway
Applications are invited for 39 PhD positions and 3 Post doc positions awarded on a competitive basis. The fellowships are open to applicants in all areas of research covered by the faculty. See more. Further information on the faculty is available at Website
Jobs, volunteerships and internships
Agricultural Communications Expert for Information Management: Bioversity International
The position is based in Bujumbura, Burundi and requires a person with a degree in agricultural economics or biology and an additional qualification in information technology. More details here.
Nyungwe Project Director, Wildlife Conservation Society, Africa Program
Based in Gisakura, Rwanda, this position requires a postgraduate degree holder in conservation biology or related subject and at least 5 years experience working in similar field. For more details visit: http://www.conbio.org/Jobs/detail.cfm?id=15177
Closing date: 27th March 2010
Portfolio Manager, Drylands/ Pastoralism: IUCN
An energetic and highly innovative individual is sought to manage and provide technical backstopping to a portfolio of projects with particular focus on pastoralism and biodiversity. See details
Closing date: 20th March 2010
Project Director: Nouabalé- Ndoki Park Project, Republic of Congo
Reporting to the WCS-Congo Director, the selected person will coordinate conservation activities in NNNP and the surrounding landscape. Interested candidates should send cover letter and CV and/or requests for detailed terms of reference to Paul Telfer, with copies to Pamela Watim. See details>>
Program Manager: World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
A qualified individual is sought to lead and coordinate the Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group (ABCG) to explore emerging and high priority themes and linkages affecting biodiversity conservation in Africa. See more. Submit cover letter and resume here
Senior Logistics Coordinator: WCS, Southern Sudan
Applicants are sought for this full-time position in the Boma-Jonglei Landscape program that will entail procurement, logistical support to field operations and programs, and oversight of contractors and construction projects. See details. For more information about WCS and its Southern Sudan Program visit Website
Position open untill filled
AHEAD Coordinator: Wildlife Conservation Society
Qualified candidates are sought to take up this position in the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA). See details. For more information please visit the AHEAD Program and WCS websites.
Position open until filled
Internships: Conservation International (CI)
Several internships are available for graduate and undergraduate students who will contribute to various projects in conservation science, policy and outreach, sustainable business practices, and environmental stewardship. Required hours are project-dependent and will be negotiated between student and mentor. See more>>
AFRICOM-L Internship
Applications are invited for a one year internship offered by the African World Heritage Fund at the Nordic World Heritage Foundation in Oslo, Norway beginning May 2010. Click here for details.
Volunteer Opportunities, Birdlife International
There are opportunities to volunteer at the BirdLife International global secretariat in Cambridge, working in the Science department on data-entry, research and other tasks to support science work. If you are interested, please send a CV and cover letter to science@birdlife.org
Tracking Africa’s most venomous snake – the black mamba
Interested researchers or volunteers are sought to participate in a black mamba project that involves tracking individual snakes or similar field work. Visit: Website or See attached Details>>
Grants
Google Grants Scheme
Applications are invited for the Google’s Geo Challenge Grants aimed at providing nonprofits with the impetus and resources they need to take advantage of powerful and exciting online mapping tools. More info at website
Applications can be made at any time of the year
IFS Research Grants
Proposals are invited from developing country scientists who conduct research on the sustainable management of biological resources for the purchase of equipment, expendable supplies, and literature. See details here
Closing date: 30th December 2010
Ramsar Small Grants Fund (SGF)
Funds are to support the conservation and wise use of wetland resources and to provide emergency management assistance for Ramsar sites under threat. Visit website to download guidelines and relevant forms.
Closing date: 30th June 2010
Small Grants for the Purchase of Nature
These grants
support local NGOs in the strategic purchase of threatened or vulnerable
pieces of nature with the aim to conserve biodiversity in the long term.
For more details please visit http://www.iucn.nl/funds/
Application deadline: 1st May 2010
Ecosystem Services and Poverty Alleviation Research Programme.
A call for proposals is on for this research aimed at improving an understanding of ecosystems services for poverty reduction, particularly in context of climate change. For more information about how to apply see: programmes or research for development
Starter Investigator Research Grant (SIRG)
The Department of Biology, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, is looking for early-stage researchers interested in applying for the SIRG. See Details>>. For further information please go to Website. Replies must be made to james.o.mcinerney@nuim.ie
The Opportunities Fund for urban youth-led development: UN-HABITAT
Applications are open for this grant which provides resources for projects addressing adequate shelter and secure tenure, employment, environment, security and good governance for the urban poor. See details. For information on the Fund, visit website.
The RGS Bursaries
A small number of bursaries are available to support young researchers from Ecuador, Indonesia and Uganda involved in field programmes. See more. Details at Website. It is aimed at those wanting to undertake field research and grants / bursaries are available up to about £2000.
Young Explorers Grants Program for Young Scientists
These grants offered by the National Geographic are available for individuals ages 18 to 25 to help them fund projects in the fields of science, conservation and environmental studies, in major fields of study such as Anthropology, Archaeology, Astronomy, Biology, Geography, Oceanography, and Paleontology. Information on grant applications is available at Website
Prince Bernhard Scholarships
Documentation for the 2009 Prince Bernhard Scholarships is now posted on the website at www.panda.org/scholarships
Scientists Fellowship Program: African Forest Research Network
The African
Forest Research Network, a network of African forest research scientists
is operating research grants scheme with the aim of promoting and strengthening
individual scientists’ research capacity. The call for proposal covers the
following two programs:
Junior Scientists Fellowship
Programme ;Senior Scientists
Fellowship Programme
The closing dates for submission of applications and proposals are 31st March and 30th September of each year
Research/Scientific Meeting Grants: TWAS
The Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) provides Research Grants in Basic Sciences in the fields of Biology. It also offers Grants for Scientific Meetings held in developing countries. The Research Grant amounts to US$10,000 and is provided for a period of one year. Details
Deadlines for receipt of applications are 1 July and 1 December of each year.
Rufford Small Grants for Nature Conservation (RSGs)
RSG's are available to individuals and small groups yearly. Applications can be made at any time of the year, decisions are usually made within three months. They generally support projects of about a year's duration. Applications from non-first world areas are strongly encouraged. Further details>>
Other
useful links to conservation news and opportunities 
The TBA funding database has information on funding and grant opportunities. Useful website for finding job vacancies, scholarships and funding opprtunities in Africa include:
The European Tropical Forest Research Network
The African Conservation Foundation
Advance Africa- Website with a wide range of jobs, undergraduate, Masters and PhD scholarship opportunities
Greenbelt-Africa- Website with a listing of scholarships, grants, jobs & internships relevant for African students
Birdlife African Partnership quarterly Newsletter- Posts news and opportunities on conservation.
Acknowledgement of Contributors
Some of the opportunities posted were sent in by: Kowiyou Yessoufou, Caroline Lumosi, Caroline Gibson, Ibrahim Bakarr, Paul Ndanganga, Wanja Kinuthia, Josephine Nzilani, Faith Muniale, Akwany Leonard, Doris Mwanzia and Sue Barnard.
If you have any contributions, we would be grateful if you sent them to alumni@tropical-biology.org
TBA deadlines and events
TBA Courses
The 2010 courses will be held in Uganda, Tanzania and Madagascar between June and November. Applications are now closed. More information on the TBA courses is available here
TBA Newsletter, 2009
The 2009 newsletter is available here
TBA Postgraduate Scholarships and Small Grants for alumni
Applications are currently running. For inquiries contact alumni@tropical-biology.org
Closing date: 30th April