Laurence M. Klauber Memorial Summer Research Grant

 

Named for one of the world’s most celebrated herpetologists, one of our big annual recognition efforts each year is the Laurence M. Klauber Memorial Summer Research Grant. The grant also has a Junior category, so encourage young, budding herpetologists you know to apply! The application window each year is typically in April, with winners announced in May–specific dates are published in our member newsletter and on social media each year.

Details on the Klauber Grant:

– Any current SWCHR member may apply (if you know someone interested in applying, remind them dues are $20 for the calendar year; $10 for students; information on joining is available on our website at www.southwesternherp.com/join.html).

– Mail applications for the grant to info@southwesternherp.com.

– This grant is intended for research on Southwestern US herpetofauna. This research could entail field work in one of the six states in the SWCHR region of interest (AZ, CA, NV, NM, TX, UT), or lab work performed elsewhere, using specimens obtained in those six states. For example, a study on Green Anole behavior in Florida, or DNA analysis using populations from Florida, would not be a viable candidate for this grant; but a study on Green Anole behavior in Texas, or DNA analysis on populations in Texas, would be considered.

– Entrants may conduct independent research, request a grant on behalf of a Southwest-region herpetological society (e.g. for equipment related to field work by the society), or be affiliated with an accredited university. NOTE: preference will be given to research affiliated with an accredited university unless no such entries are received.

– Proposals must list species targeted in the research, or biomes/habitats/communities being studied, as well as the nature of the study (taxonomy, cladistics, phylogeography, behavior, etc.).

– Proposals must be specific in how the SWCHR grant will be used—examples include but are not limited to: fees for land access, equipment/materials necessary for the research, travel/lodging cost offset, etc.

– Letter of support/recommendation by an appropriate person (e.g. faculty advisor, society officer, etc.) indicating the entrant has the required time, capability, and additional resources as necessary to conduct the proposed research.

– NOTE: to ensure research proposals are evaluated purely on the merits of the project without any bias or undue influence, personally identifying information (name, race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, university affiliation, etc.) for both the applicant and the letter of support will be removed before application is forwarded to the Board of Directors for their consideration.

– Winner in the Adult category will receive $500 cash prize; Junior category will receive $250 cash prize; to be used only as stipulated in their proposals.

– Winner must agree to submit a short paper as a status update/synopsis of the research enabled by this grant.

– Winner must agree to include SWCHR as a sponsor in the acknowledgments of any presentations/papers resulting from the research, to include our logo where appropriate.