Next Generation Ecologist Award

PAST WINNERS

Applications for this award will open between 1 April and 30 May each year via this online form.

The Next Generation Ecologist Award is a funding initiative aimed directly at supporting early-career researchers (ECRs) through a research and professional development grant and Plenary opportunity.

The award recognises excellence in research in Australian ecology and is awarded to an “up-and-coming” early-career researcher. The award comprises:

  • A $3,000 grant which can be applied to a research project or a professional development opportunity.
  • A Plenary address at the Society’s annual conference, including the candidate’s travel, registration and accommodation costs to attend the meeting.

The Plenary should be on the future of ecological research in Australia with an emphasis on the awardee’s area of interest. As well as the prestige associated with a Plenary lecture, this will allow an opportunity for an early-career researcher to give a longer, more comprehensive presentation on their work and perspectives than currently exists in the standard conference format.

PLEASE NOTE: As this is a relatively small research grant, we expect that the total funds provided be allocated for the work of the student and not used for general university administration or indirect cost recovery purposes. We consider that the Government should be providing funds for that purpose.

About the award

Over the last few years, the ESA has identified that ECRs are under-represented in our membership. The Society has always invested significant resources in funding and mentoring student members, but understands that this support needs to continue into the critical postdoctoral career stage. We also recognise that opportunities for ECRs to engage with the Society and the broader ecology network through traditional pathways is currently limited with conference attendance often reduced due to financial or workplace restraints.

In an attempt to redress this, ESA will present an award which not only recognises excellence in early-career research but which also provides this sector with a voice at our annual meeting focusing specifically on the future.