Donald W. and Glennis A. Kaufman Research Award
The Kaufman Award was established with the goal of supporting field-based ecological research, conducted in the grasslands of the Great Plains states and/or Canada Prairie Provinces by graduate student (MS or PhD) members of the American Society of Mammalogists (ASM), focusing on native mammals with a preference given to research focused on rodents and/or shrews. A single $2,500 award is available annually to qualified students enrolled in a MS or PhD program. The nationality of the applicant is not considered in reviewing applications, and students do not need to be enrolled in graduate programs in the United States.
Application requirements
The Kaufman Award is be a competitive research award based on merit (not financial need). Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of the quality of the science, originality, suitability of proposed methods, and on the likelihood that the research will contribute to our understanding of the ecology of native mammals, especially rodents and/or shrews, in the Great Plains and Canada Prairie Provinces. Strong preference will be given to innovative and meritorious ideas; this research award is not based on financial need.
Applicants should submit a research proposal (3-page limit, 12 point Times New Roman font, full 1” margins). The proposal must include an introduction to provide broader scientific context; a clear description of the proposed research, including questions/hypotheses to be addressed; objectives; methods (including proposed field sites); and any preliminary results that are available and applicable. Proposals should include one additional page to describe how Kaufman Award funds would be used, and one page to explain how the project would be expanded in scope with additional funds in future years. A curriculum vita (maximum three pages) should include: education, past or current research project, past research support, any other requested support for the proposed research, and a list of publications and presentations of research (if any) at national or international meetings. The applicant should arrange for two letters of recommendation (one must be from the graduate advisor) to be submitted to the committee (these are NOT to be submitted with the application).
To encourage multi-year and large-scale research, students may receive the award more than one time. Eligible students should outline in each research proposal how they would expand their study with additional funding.