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
Climate change assessment, information dissemination and policy advocacy training: Aug 2010, Nairobi, Kenya
This training and networking project on “enhancing the participation of African Women Scientists in Climate Change Assessment, Information Dissemination and Policy Advocacy” targets women scientists, with at least an MSc. Degree, in Universities and research institutions within the Eastern Africa countries. Click here for details.
Applications closed
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.
Closing date: Applications accepted year- round
Conferences, Workshops and Symposia
12th Student Conference on Conservation Science: 22 – 24 Mar 2011, University of Cambridge, UK
Limited financial support available for students from developing countries to attend proceedings aimed at young researchers working in university departments, conservation organizations or resource management agencies. Visit website for application details.
Closing date: 31st October 2010
Developing successful research proposals (DRECA): 31st Aug - 3rd Sep 2010, Ibadan, Nigeria
Targeting active Nigerian research scientists working for Universities, Research institutes, NGOs, National parks and government departments, this workshop, a collaboration between the Tropical Biology Association and five other institutions, is funded through an EU ACP Science and Technology Programme. View details and application form.
Applications closed
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.
Open Conservation Biology Journal- Publishes original research articles, letters and review articles in all areas of conservation biology and biodiversity.
Open Ecology Journal- publishes original research articles, letters and review articles in all areas of conservation biology and biodiversity.
Directory of Open Access Journals- Lists different Journals by subject areas.
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.
Conservation Maven- Contains new conservation studies, spotlights new books and field news.
The Encyclopedia of the Earth- A free, fully searchable collection of articles written by scholars, professionals, educators, and experts about the Earth, its natural environments, and their interaction with society.
INFOWETLAND- A bulletin published in Spanish and English every three months for those interested in wetlands subject.
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
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to topScholarships, Fellowships and Awards
ICE WaRM MSc Scholarships: Water Resources Management
Full and partial tuition scholarships are available to high quality international students that are currently working or are recent graduates planning to undertake postgraduate studies leading to a career in the water industry. For details see website
Closing date: February and August every year
The AW Mellon Foundation Masters and Doctoral Scholarships for South African and African students
Funding available to suitable candidates who intend to commence full-time masters or doctoral studies at the University of Cape Town in 2011. For details click here.
Closing date: 15th September 2010
Switzerland Government University Scholarship for Tanzanian students
Scholarships target post-graduate students, with special emphasis put on Research Fellowships. For details visit website.
Closing date: 29th October 2010
South African/Kenya Cooperative Research Joint Science and Technology Programme 2010
Limited funding is available to jointly support researchers from public universities and public research institutes in an effort to enhance scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries. For details see website
Closing date: 18th September 2010
e8 Sustainable Energy Development Masters and Post-Doctoral Scholarships
Scholarships aim to support outstanding students pursuing advanced studies in sustainable energy development and to encourage meaningful contributions to the collective body of knowledge about this subject. Click website for details.
Closing dates: March 15th 2011 and December 1st 2010 respectively
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
The WCS Research Fellowship Program
Program seeks to support the field work of graduate-level students, who will work with WCS staff, to enable them apply field-tested conservation science to the challenges facing the natural world. To submit an application visit website.
Closing date: 5th January 2011
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.
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.
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.
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
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: 30th September 2010
Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship: Bioversity International
Aiming to encourage the conservation and use of plant genetic resources, funding supports young researchers from developing countries to carry out innovative research at an advanced research institute outside their home country. For more details click here
Closing date: 7th November 2010
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
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
Erasmus Mundus PhD Studentships: Forest and Nature for Society (FONASO).
10 fully funded PhD studentships are available for students from anywhere in the world to work on topics related to the value of forests to society (including economics, governance, silviculture and ecosystem services). See FONASO Website for details on eligibility, application process and suggested topics.
Closing date: 1st October 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
PhD Scholarships within Climate Change: Impacts, Mitigation and Adaptation- University of Copenhagen, Denmark
At least 8 PhD scholarships are available and applications are welcomed within 15 interesting topics. Click to view project descriptions for each available project.
Closing date: 1st September 2010
PhD position, Fire ecology: Kenya Long-term Exclosure Experiment (KLEE)
Truman Young is looking for a motivated, reliable, insightful ecologist willing to spend long hours in the field, manage a field crew, direct the controlled burns, and gather, analyze, and write-up data for his African Savanna Ecology projects. Click here for more
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
African Course Coordinator: Tropical Biology Association
Position seeks an individual with An MSc degree in natural sciences, conservation biology, environment, or related fields and a strong interest in training, research and education. Click here for more details to apply.
Closing date: 10th September 2010
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
Project Director- Buffer Zone Project, Congo Country Program: WCS
Reporting to the WCS-Congo Director, the selected person will coordinate conservation activities in the Buffer Zone area and the surrounding landscape. Candidates should possess a Masters degree, preferably in a conservation-related field. Click here for 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
Coastal East Africa Initiative vacancies: WWF
View details of the following open positions: Communications Officer, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Head of Terrestrial Programme, Climate Change Adaptation Officer, Fisheries Programme Officer and Government Aid Agency Engagement Officer to be based in Kenya, Tanzania or Mozambique.
Projects Coordinator: Watamu Marine Association
A qualified person is sought to coordinate and develop the association’s programmes including Waste Management, Community Education, Fisheries, Marine Resource Development and lobbying. Click here for details.
Program Coordinator: WCS Gabon Program
The selected person will coordinate activities across WCS projects in the country including design of work plans, managing reporting and proposal deadlines, and assisting the Country Director with all aspects of overseeing WCS Gabon programs. See more.
Wildlife Conservation Society Africa Program Assistant Director
A qualified person with a good knowledge of and commitment to African conservation is sought to help lead, manage, and administer the African Conservation Program. See details.
Closing date: Position open until filled.
Albertine Rift REDD Project Manager
Position open for persons with a relevant Masters Degree and expertise in forestry carbon project development to undertake the technical analyses needed to launch forest carbon projects (REDD) in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. See details.
Research Assistant (Bird Conservation Ecology): Manchester Metropolitan University
Position is for qualified persons with a minimum of a BSc in Earth or Environmental Sciences and a very good knowledge of ornithology and global conservation issues, to work in research into the ecology and conservation of tropical birds. For more information visit website
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>>
Wildlife Quest Kenya- Conservation Volunteerships
Two and four week field opportunities that offer the chance to experience living in the bush, studying wildlife, and working to develop understanding of the relationship between wildlife and the human populations are available. Click here for more information on how to apply.
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 and Project funding
WCS Research Fellowship Program- Small grants
Funding is intended to build capacity for the next generation of conservationists by supporting individual field research projects that have a clear application to the conservation of threatened wildlife and wild places. For details on how to apply visit website.
Closing date: 5th January 2011
Bats in International Forestry Fund 2011
Competitive funding is available for students to carry out research projects focused on the roles bats play in providing ecosystem services and/or on habitat requirements that are critical to bat conservation in developing countries. See details.
Closing date: 15th December 2010
BCI Student Research Scholarships for 2011
Up to $5,000 competitive funding is available for projects focusing on the roles bats play in providing ecosystem services (pollination, seed dispersal, pest control, maintenance of bio-diversity) and/or on habitat requirements that are critical to conservation. See details.
Closing date: 15th December 2010
Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund
Applications for funding support are open from conservationists based in all parts of the world, and will potentially support projects focused on any kinds of plant and animal species. For more information visit website.
Closing date: Applications are ongoing
IFS Research Grants
Applications are welcome from
young scientists in developing countries to do research on the sustainable
management, use or conservation of biological or water resources. Read more
detail here.
Applications are accepted all year
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 are accepted all 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
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
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 Gibson, Caroline Lumosi,
Anne Mbora, David Dawson, Purity Kagure, Agnieszka H. Malinowska, Pamela
Watim, Raquel Seybert, Wanja Kinuthia
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 are being 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 closed. For inquiries contact alumni@tropical-biology.org