WASHINGTON BIOLOGISTS' FIELD CLUB (WBFC)
RESEARCH AWARDS

2008

Purpose: Grants are awarded to support research on the natural history
of the Potomac Basin. Research projects that focus specifically on
increasing knowledge of various plant and animal groups occurring on
Plummers Island (in the Potomac River below the American Legion Bridge)
will be given priority for funding. The WBFC encourages inventories of
targeted taxa [e.g. rotifers, tardigrades, mites, mosses, annelids
(oligochaetes & leeches) & nematodes (free-living, plant, and animal
parasitic). Recent grants have supported studies of turtles, fish,
insects, marsh vegetation, and terrestrial flora. Proposals on a broad
range of natural history topics are appropriate. Projects that consider
aspects of systematics, biodiversity, ecology, or environmental issues
are of particular interest to the WBFC.

Eligibility: Applications are accepted from anyone qualified to perform
the proposed research (members, university professors and students,
graduates, and other researchers). Applicants who are not members are
required to obtain sponsorship and a letter of support from a member. A
list of sponsors may be obtained from Alma Solis (301-504-5183;
alma.solis@ars.usda.gov, or Ralph Eckerlin (703-764-6051;
reckerlin@nvcc.edu). The sponsoring member need not be involved in the
applicant's research or in any publication of results, but must be
familiar with applicant's scientific abilities, credentials, integrity,
and proposed research. The sponsor also must be willing to serve as
liaison between the grant recipient and the WBFC during the term of the
award.

Financial information: Grants vary in amount, depending on the needs and
nature of the project, but normally do not exceed $2500.00 per year.
Funds may be used for travel to study sites, actual field expenses,
honoraria for assistants, and cost of specialized equipment and tests,
and additional funds will be available for targeted taxa proposals.
Principal Investigator's salary and costs of publication are not
supported. Because the amounts awarded are small, overhead charges are
not permitted.

Duration: Grants normally are awarded for one year, but two-year awards
are possible. Projects should be designed to assure timely completion.

Application procedure: An application should contain in one electronic
file a(n) (1) short, 500-word description, including the plan of work,
project design, scientific significance, and relevance to the Potomac
Basin; (2) itemized budget listing anticipated expenses and providing
explanatory notes if appropriate; (3) time schedule including the date
funds will be required and a completion date; and (4) curriculum vitae
of the applicant, including educational background and a list of
publications; and (5) letter of support directly from a sponsoring
member. Member specialties are on the WBFC website. Parts 4 & 5 are not
required for member applications.

Responsibilities: A status report summarizing project activities is
required one year after the grant is awarded, and a final report must be
submitted to the WBFC when the study is completed. Publication of
results should acknowledge the WBFC support. If specimens are collected,
it is the responsibility of the grantee to obtain the appropriate
permits and voucher specimens should be deposited in an appropriate
institution.

Deadline: January 25, 2008. Submissions (and letter of support) by
e-mail are preferred and should be sent to alma.solis@ars.usda.gov.
Applications and letters of support, postmarked or delivered by hand,
should be addressed to:
M. Alma Solis
Washington Biologists' Field Club
c/o Smithsonian Institution
P.O. Box 37012
National Museum of Natural History, E-517, MRC 168
Washington, DC 20013-7012

Applications are normally reviewed once each year, immediately following
the deadline date. Applicants will be notified of results by February
29. Early decisions may be made for projects requiring earlier start-up
dates.