Strong preference will be given to research focused either on southwest Pennsylvania and adjacent states or on tropical forests. In the tropical forest research area, for 2026, special consideration will be given to research focused on Panama.
The following topics are priority areas:
- Ethnobotany, with special interest in plant use for physical and/or psychological well-being
- Diversity and biocultural conservation and/or plant-based conservation, particularly in regional (southwest Pennsylvania and adjacent states) and tropical forests
- Landscape and brownfield restoration, particularly in plant-based ecosystem services
- Sustainable landscapes
- Interdisciplinary plant-based research at the intersection of human and environmental health
- Food systems science related to regenerative agriculture, traditional knowledge of diverse food plants, or underutilized crops for food security
Duration of Funding: A BIA Fellowship consists of one year of support for research funding and educational outreach, as well as life-long membership in a growing network of plant-based scientists connecting their research with the public. BIA Fellows are encouraged to re-apply to the program for continued funding for up to three years of support towards completion of their dissertation research. Note, continued funding is not guaranteed and is dependent on the Fellow’s previous use of funding, proven commitment to furthering their educational outreach, and funding availability. Additional funding after 3 years may be available on a case-by-case basis. All funding expires on Dec 31 of the calendar year it was received. Remaining funds after this date must be sent back to Phipps Conservatory.
Eligibility Requirements: All applicants must be:
- Enrolled in a PhD program at a US graduate institution (US citizenship is not required)
- Conducting plant-based research
- Able to travel to Pittsburgh, PA from a location within the US (costs will be reimbursed) for the duration of the Botany in Action Science Engagement Week, which will be September 24-27, 2026.
- Able to commit to monthly online outreach (e.g. podcast, blogging, vlogging, etc.) after Science Engagement Week.
- For previous fellows applying for renewed funding: clear, tangible outreach goals and outcomes in addition to research accomplishments from the previous year.
Proposal Review: Proposals are reviewed by members of Phipps’ Research/Botany in Action Science Advisory Committee. Reviewers are active scientists and laypersons with strong knowledge of or interest in botany, conservation, sustainability, and plant-based education and outreach. Proposals will be evaluated using similar criteria to NSF scientific merit and broader impact proposal review categories, as well as relevance to research priority areas for the 2026-27 year.
