Fostering connections and lifelong support for conservation leaders
The David H. Smith Postdoctoral Conservation Research Fellowship Program provides a unique opportunity for early-career conservation scientists to pursue novel research, build professional networks, develop leadership skills, and apply science to address critical conservation problems in the U.S. and its territories. Smith Fellows are leaders in research, management, policy, teaching, mentorship, and program development. They are helping transform the way we think about conservation solutions.
We work in partnership with the Society for Conservation Biology.
Request for 2026 Proposals coming in June!
Smith Fellows is a cohort-driven fellowship program supporting future world leaders and entrepreneurs linking conservation science and practice. It is not just a program funding great science, it’s funding great people building a new future for conservation science.
We are committed to an inclusive environment, ensuring that everyone connected to the program feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. We invite individuals who bring a diversity of lived experience and ideas to apply.
Meet the Smith Fellows
Mission
The mission of the David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship is to create opportunities for leading conservation scientists to engage in innovative/novel applied research and strengthen their skills through two years of applied post-doctoral research, supplemented by training programs, peer networking, and field learning experiences, so that they may:
Build productive partnerships with conservation practitioners;
Contribute to solutions that address critical conservation problems through research and practice; and
Advance engagement with and understanding of conservation issues through communication, outreach, and diverse partnerships.
Values
Below is a living articulation of our shared community values. Created by the Smith Fellows Program Advisory Board, Staff and with input from the Fellows community, it is intended to grow and adapt over time as an evolving expression of our collective principles.
The Smith Fellows Program and community value respect and dignity for all. Likewise, as an entity promoting approaches based on and informed by evidence, we recognize and welcome diverse systems of evidence, including scientific, local, traditional, Indigenous, and community knowledge, as well as multiple ways of knowing. The Smith Fellows Program recognizes that the advancement and excellence of conservation research and practice is intertwined with and relies on a commitment to greater access and inclusion of people of many views, vantage points, identities, lived experiences, and geographies who actively participate in conservation with equal opportunity, access, and sense of belonging. We strive to embrace these values in all aspects of the Program’s operations.
Recent News
“This fellowship has taught me so much— not just about career and conservation, but about friendship, social justice and resistance, leadership, dreaming big, and taking a really diverse listen to the conservation perspectives in the room. It inspires me to be a better person and a better scientist every day.”
We welcome early-career scientists bridging the gap between conservation research and practice to apply.
Are you conducting cutting-edge research in conservation science? Are you looking to define frontiers and lead the future? Learn more about our 2-year fellowship program to see if we’re right for you!
Want to get involved?
If you’re interested in being a Mentor, add your name here.
To learn about mentoring a Smith Fellow as part of their research practice team, read more on our Program Details page.
Mentors work closely with Fellows during the 2-year Fellowship helping with research design, connecting the Fellow and their research to practical applications, and supporting the Fellow’s professional development as a conservation scientist.
The mentor list will be shared with potential Smith Fellowship applicants who are putting together their mentor team. You will be contacted directly by an applicant if they see an alignment with their project. This list in not managed by program staff.
If you’re interested in being a Reviewer, add your name here.
Our reviewers are key to ensuring that each candidate receives a thorough and thoughtful review! If you haven't reviewed for Smith Fellows before, please ensure you meet the following qualifications:
We welcome reviewers from a diversity of fields, application, and life experience. We ask that you have at least 5 years of professional experience (post terminal degree) in a conservation-related field (management, policy, or research).
You must not be eligible (or planning) to apply for a Smith Fellowship in order to be a reviewer. If you have questions, please reach out to our staff! We are happy to discuss your eligibility.
If you’d like to collaborate with a Fellow, please visit their Smith page to learn more and get in touch, or contact Smith Fellows program staff to be put in touch!