Proposal Guidelines

2026 David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship (Smith Fellowship)

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Application

Below are the application guidelines for the 2026-2027 Fellowships. Please note that the guidelines may evolve year to year, and are updated annually when the application cycle opens (around June).

This version was updated June 10, 2025.

For 2026 Fellowships: 

  • Application Deadline: All application materials, including letters from mentors and references, must be received by the Smith Fellows program via the online submission platform by 11pm ET on September 30, 2025. The review process begins immediately after this date. There are no extensions to this deadline and incomplete applications may be disqualified. 

  • Interview Phases: Semi-finalist and finalist interviews will be conducted in January and February 2026. 

  • Status Notifications: All candidates will be notified of the status of their application by February 28, 2026 at the latest.

  • Fellowship Start: Funds are available for Fellows to start anytime between June 1 and September 30, 2026.

Important Dates & Deadlines

Fellowship Overview

The David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship Program was founded in 1998 with a bold vision: to bridge the gap between conservation science and practice by investing in the next generation of applied conservation leaders. Funded by the Cedar Tree Foundation (CTF) and administered by its administrative partner the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), the Smith Fellowship offers a prestigious full-time, two-year postdoctoral opportunity for early-career scientists to pursue innovative, solutions-oriented research addressing pressing conservation challenges in the United States and its five permanently-inhabited territories (Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa). The program is grounded in the belief that science can more effectively inform conservation outcomes when integrated with practical, on-the-ground needs and real-world partnerships. Smith Fellows’ research and activities have long served on the cutting edge of conservation research, producing future world leaders in applied conservation science.

Each year, Smith Fellows are selected based on demonstrated research excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to applied conservation. Fellows receive two years of salary and research support, along with structured mentorship, training retreats, and membership in a vibrant network of Smith Fellows alumni spanning academic, governmental, and nonprofit sectors. A defining feature of the program is the requirement for each Fellow to work closely with a team of mentors - at least one academic and one practitioner mentor - who support the Fellow's scientific and professional development and ensure the research is meaningfully connected to conservation practice. This close mentorship and the program's emphasis on partnerships make it uniquely positioned to cultivate interdisciplinary, collaborative leaders.

The core scientific focus of the Smith Fellowship Program is on innovative, applied conservation research that directly informs and improves real-world conservation outcomes. Fellows are expected to design and lead projects that address urgent ecological challenges through methods such as field experimentation, applied modeling, synthesis, and/or incorporation of social science approaches. All proposals must clearly articulate how the research will be actioned; that is, applied through collaboration with conservation practitioners, policymakers, or communities. Projects should go beyond a continuation of prior doctoral work by incorporating novel, bold, or “risky” elements that push the frontiers of conservation science. The program values transdisciplinary integration, problem-solving relevance, and tangible contributions to conservation management and policy within the U.S. and its territories.

The Smith Fellowship is structured to provide professional and leadership development, as well as opportunities to form relationships with leaders across the conservation sector. One of our main programmatic goals is to narrow the gap between conservation science and its practical applications by co-developing the tools, skills, knowledge, and leadership needed to turn scientific insights into real-world solutions. Fellows participate in three, week-long professional development retreats annually, focused on collaboration and skill-building in science communication, policy engagement, leadership development, and site based conservation work (six total retreats per Fellowship, plus one optional retreat before the Fellowship officially begins). 

Through this unique combination of research, mentorship, professional development, and community building, the Smith Fellowship advances both individual careers and the broader field of conservation science, building a diverse and dynamic network of leaders driving positive change for nature and people.

Mission & Values

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 professional development programs, peer networking, and field learning experiences, so that they may: 

  1. Build productive partnerships with conservation practitioners; 

  2. Contribute to solutions that address critical conservation problems through research and practice; and

  3. Advance engagement with and understanding of conservation issues through communication, outreach, and diverse partnerships.

Smith Fellows Values Statement

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.

Eligibility

Career Stage: The program is open to early-career postdoctoral researchers. To be eligible, individuals must have completed their doctorate within the three years preceding their award date, or by the time the award is made in 2026. For the 2026-2027 Fellowship, applicants must have completed their doctorate after June 1, 2023 and before September 30, 2026 to be eligible. Applicants who have not yet completed their doctorate must clearly indicate on the application the date the degree is expected, and should expect to be asked for confirmation from their advisor(s) that they are on track to complete their doctorate within the required timeline during the review period. Please reach out if you need clarification or would like to discuss exceptional circumstances.

Citizenship: Applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens. International applicants must secure a visa through their host institution; the Smith Fellows Program does not provide visa sponsorship.

Geographic Research Focus: Research must be of primary relevance to conservation management or policy in the U.S. or its five permanently-inhabited territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa). The majority of the research must take place on site within these locations and include relevant local partnerships.

Institutional Affiliation: The Fellowship must be administered by a U.S.-based institution (academic or conservation organization). The host institution is responsible for administering salary and benefits, providing necessary office/lab space and other resources, and confirming compliance with program policies for equipment and indirect costs. 

Please note we accept only one proposal per applicant each cycle. If you submit multiple proposals, you will be asked to choose one and the other(s) will be excluded from the review process.

Award Terms

Each Fellow will receive an annual salary of $72,100 in 2026 and $74,263 in 2027, plus benefits, with the post-doctoral position expected to run for two consecutive years. In addition to the stipend, each Fellow receives a travel and research budget of $40,000 over the 2-year fellowship period.

Fellows are employed either by their host academic institution or conservation organization, (typically the employer of either their academic or practitioner mentor). The host institution or organization is responsible for administration of the award as well as salary and benefits, and visa sponsorship if needed. The program will provide up to 5% of the total direct costs as overhead reimbursement to the host organization. 

The award funds are disbursed in one year increments, and second-year renewal of the Fellowship is contingent upon satisfactory progress (including but not limited to participation in program-sponsored retreats) as well as timely completion of first-year activity and financial reports.

Retreats

Fellows will spend three weeks per year during their fellowship attending Program-sponsored professional development retreats (a total of six weeks of on-site professional development across the duration of the Fellowship, plus one optional - yet strongly recommended - week prior to the official start of the Fellowship). These retreats are a core aspect of the Fellowship experience, and participation is required. Smith retreats are developed in collaboration with the Fellows in order to provide opportunities to cultivate skills not typically covered during their academic education including: leadership, communications, professional and funder networking, policy-making, and research applications. Fellows are expected to pursue the research outlined in their proposal on a full-time basis (while being sure to account for the retreat weeks in their research plan/timeline). Retreat dates are chosen collaboratively with the participating cohorts, and are generally scheduled for January/February, May, and October of each year.

Mentor Team

Each applicant proposes a team of at least two mentors (we welcome and encourage more) to work closely with them during their Fellowship, including: 

  • Provide an institutional home (academic or practitioner-based).

  • Help design and guide the research, connecting it (and the Fellow) to real-world conservation applications.

  • Support the Fellow’s leadership growth, skills development, and integration into professional networks.

  • Meet regularly with the Fellow, participate in program site visits, and co-develop a mentorship plan.

  • Help fill gaps in Fellow’s expertise areas (for example, social science).

At least one mentor must have a primary focus on conservation practice, and will help to connect the Fellow’s research to practical applications and provide insight into the management and policy implications of the work. The mentor team is integral to the Fellow’s and project success, and mentors are expected to be an active part of the proposed research plan and to meet with Fellows regularly to help shape and guide the work.

Fellows may choose to assemble a team of more than two mentors. This may be beneficial if there are particular skills or perspectives critical to the project that represent a new approach for the Fellow, and a mentor with that expertise would help guide the project. Only the primary academic and practitioner mentors will be required to submit a letter of support for the application. Co-mentors are permitted. 


Fellows may be administratively based at either the sponsoring academic institution or a conservation organization and are typically based at the location of either the academic or practitioner mentor. We encourage applicants to explore all options to determine which would be more suitable to the proposed research and beneficial to their continued development as a scientist. Applicants may also wish to consider the benefits packages offered at each of their potential host institutions.

Application Materials

All materials must be submitted electronically on our online submission platform: apply.smithfellows.org. All files should be uploaded in PDF or MS Word format. Please contact Program staff at smithinfo@conbio.org if you have any challenges accessing or submitting items to the application portal.

Before beginning your application, please thoroughly review these Proposal Guidelines in their entirety - including the selection criteria - to ensure you clearly address and incorporate the critical components of a successful Smith Fellowship proposal.

For all uploaded materials, please follow the specified page limits and formatting guidelines:

  • Font size must be at least 11 point

  • Margins must be at least 1 inch/2.5 cm

  • Line spacing must be at least 1.5

In addition to a completed application form that asks for details about both the applicant and the project, the required application materials are as follows:

  • Cover letter: Applicants should provide a narrative of their interest in conservation, experience with leadership and innovation, and how the Fellowship would facilitate a unique and interdisciplinary plan for professional development and pioneering applied research. Applicants should not use cover letters to restate or extend material presented in the proposal, personal statement(s), and vita. Thoughtful, well-crafted cover letters improve the likelihood that competitive proposals will be identified during the initial stages of proposal evaluation.

  • Research Plan: The research plan must include all components listed below, and follow all page limits and formatting guidelines in order to be considered eligible for review. The research plan should not be longer than 8 pages. The title page (including mentor team list), literature cited, and budget/timeline are not included in this page limit. Other application materials (such as the cover letter, personal statement(s), and curriculum vitae) are uploaded separately and are therefore also excluded from this page limit. The research plan must include the following components:

  1. Title Page: including applicant's name, contact information, project title and mentor/reference descriptions:

    1. Mentor team: please list all mentors along with a brief (one sentence) description of roles/anticipated nature of support, as well as institutional affiliations 

    2. Reference names: please list along with institutional affiliations.

  2. Research Plan (8 page limit applies to all components within this section)

Please provide citations and other evidence for the innovative nature of your proposed work in your proposal. 

  1. Abstract

  2. Background

  3. Statement of Objectives

  4. Approaches & Methods

  5. Anticipated Results

  6. Research Schedule

  7. Relevance to Conservation Practice: discuss the relevance of the proposed research to conservation science and practice, as well as the proposed mechanism for conservation application (how will it help solve a problem(s)?). This should include a well-thought-out approach to how the work will be ‘actioned,’ and with which partners.

  1. Literature Cited 

  2. Budget/Timeline & Narrative: Please provide a 2 year projected budget/timeline with a brief narrative explanation around planned use of the research and travel funds ($20,000 per year, awarded at the beginning of year one and year two, for a total of $40,000).  We recognize that a number of factors may impact the proposed budget, and we can be flexible in this regard with accepted proposals. The budget should include:

    1. travel and accommodation costs

    2. research supplies/equipment

    3. contract or other outsourced services (eg. sequencing)

    4. other costs (explain)

  • Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae.

  • Personal Statement(s): Please address the following questions (<250 words each):

    1. How have your life experiences uniquely positioned you to contribute to the diversity of perspectives in conservation and the goal of broadening participation in the field of conservation?

    2. The David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship Program aims to cultivate the next generation of global leaders and innovators who are inspired and empowered to turn conservation science into effective real-world solutions. How do you define leadership in this context, and how do you envision yourself evolving as a future leader and change-maker in the conservation field?

    3. Which conservation policymakers and/or practitioners (e.g., federal, state, or local agencies, legislators, NGOs, community groups) are likely to be interested in your research, and how do you envision them applying it? Please be specific, referencing any existing connections, partnerships, or conversations you’ve had.

  • Letters & Mentor CVs: Once a letter writer is listed in the application portal, they will receive an emailed link through which they will be able to upload their letter. Applicants will be able to view in the portal whether or not the letter has been uploaded. Applications are not able to be finalized and submitted until all letters are present. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that reference letters are submitted by the deadline. You will not be able to submit your final proposal without having all of your reference letters filed before the deadline, so request these letters early!

To be clear, applicants may have more than two mentors, however, support letters are not required from more than two. In order to alleviate the burden on both applicants AND reviewers, only four letters (two reference, two mentors) are able to be uploaded to the online submission platform. If you feel strongly you would like all mentors to provide letters, it is suggested that mentors could write joint letters or a mentor could provide one of the reference letters, so long as no more than four letters total are associated with any applicant. 

  1. Reference Letters of Support (2): Two letters of reference addressing the merits of the candidate and the candidate’s proposal. Letters should be written by individuals familiar with the applicant's skills, experience, and research. Letters should emphasize the qualifications of the applicant, in particular any unique abilities to contribute significantly to conservation science and practice, the novelty of the approach, the quality of the science, and the potential to impact conservation practice. Please note that applicants may not upload these reference letters directly; they must be uploaded by the letter writers. 

  2. Mentor Letters of Commitment (2): Letters from the two primary mentors (one academic and one practitioner) expressing their commitment to supporting the Fellow including: helping with research design, connecting the Fellow and their research to practical applications, supporting the Fellow’s professional development as a conservation scientist, and helping to build research skills, collaborations, and networks. Letters should articulate the nature of the support. Fellows may be administratively and/or physically based ("hosted") at either mentor's institution. The host mentor’s letter should verify the availability of laboratory/office space, other relevant institutional resources, and describe how the applicant’s research relates to the host institution’s ongoing endeavors. These letters should include a commitment to regular meetings, participating in program site visits, and developing a mentor plan with the applicant should they be accepted. The mentor letters may be uploaded to the online submission platform directly by the applicant or by the mentor.  

  3. Academic and Practitioner Mentors' Abbreviated Curriculum Vitae: A 2-page version of the sponsoring scientist’s CV (similar to that required by NSF).

Evaluation Criteria & Selection Process

Smith Fellows are selected based on both the strength of their proposed research and their potential as future conservation leaders. We are not just funding projects - we’re investing in people. We are looking for bold, innovative thinkers who can translate science into real-world impact, and who are excited to grow within a supportive, peer-based professional community.

Each application is evaluated in four areas:

  • Research Quality: Competitive proposals clearly articulate well-defined conservation questions, sound hypotheses, and feasible methods. Projects should be achievable within the two-year fellowship period and demonstrate originality, innovation, and willingness to take meaningful risks. Strong mentorship support and alignment with project goals are essential components of successful proposals.

  • Conservation Relevance: Strong proposals make a clear case for how the research will inform conservation practice or policy. We look for concrete plans to engage with practitioners, policy-makers, or communities, and for work that goes beyond filling knowledge gaps to offer real solutions.

  • Innovation & Track Record: We look for applicants who have shown creativity, excellence, and collaborative strength in their past work. Letters of recommendation, personal narratives, and prior research all help us understand your potential to lead and contribute meaningfully to the field.

  • Leadership Potential & Community Fit: We are building a diverse, dynamic network of conservation leaders. In addition to communication and leadership potential, we consider how applicants’ lived experiences, values, and goals will enrich the fellowship community. We look for individuals who are excited to engage with peers, contribute to cohort learning, and grow as part of a shared journey.

In making final decisions, we also consider the balance of topics across the fellowship cohort and broader network (portfolio balance). Our goal is to build a research portfolio that spans issues, geographies, methods, and perspectives, so we typically avoid selecting multiple projects that closely overlap in scope or focus within the same (or recent) cohorts.

Please note: while it is acceptable for a project to involve a continuation of the applicant’s previous work, if new or risky elements aren't made clear in the proposal or it doesn't seem like a big change or challenge for the candidate, the application might not score as highly. 

The Smith Fellowship selection process typically includes four stages:

  • Written Reviews (October - November): Each application is reviewed and scored by at least three conservation professionals. These reviews assess research quality, relevance, innovation, and leadership potential.

  • Semi-Finalist Panel (November - January): Approximately 25% of applicants move forward for a second round of reviews and discussion by a live review panel.

  • Short Interviews (January): Semi-finalists participate in brief virtual interviews with Smith staff and community members.

  • Finalist Interviews (January - February): A small group of finalists is invited to participate in more in-depth interviews with a dedicated review panel. This final stage helps determine which five candidates will be offered Fellowship positions.

Throughout the process, reviewers represent a range of disciplinary and professional backgrounds within the broader field of conservation. We strive to match reviewers with proposals that overlap with their expertise wherever possible, however, it is likely that not every reviewer on a given application will be an expert on the proposed methods or topic. We encourage applicants to write clearly, avoid jargon, and highlight how both their science and personal experience can contribute to conservation impact and community leadership.

To the best of our ability, staff will try to provide a summary of reviewer feedback when communicating application status decisions. However, due to limited capacity, we may not be able to provide this for every applicant. 

For Finalists: Applicants who are selected as finalists will be asked to submit additional information and make the following arrangements prior to their final interview:

  • Institutional Commitment Letter: Finalists will be asked to submit a letter signed by an authorized representative at the host/sponsoring institution confirming/providing the following information: 

    • A commitment to host the applicant should they be awarded a Fellowship

    • An outline of any relevant resources that will be made available to the applicant while hosted at the institution

    • The benefits rate for postdoctoral researchers (or other applicable employment category)

    • Verifying institutional compliance with the following non-negotiable program policies:

      • Indirect costs: Waiving indirect costs in excess of 5%

      • Equipment: All equipment purchased with Smith Fellowship funds remains property of the Fellow and will follow the Fellow to their next institution at the conclusion of the fellowship (this is only applicable to equipment that does not exceed the institutional definition of capital expenditures or fixed assets).

  • Multiple Awards Disclosure: If you are awarded the Fellowship, you will be asked to disclose other sources of funding to the Program staff, and if applicable, provide a short statement on how your proposal will be enhanced or expanded as a result of multiple funding streams. Please note that the Smith Fellows program requires your full-time work on your project, so you cannot accept simultaneous awards, and the Fellowship cannot be delayed or deferred. If you would like to have a conversation with staff about program policies and flexibility regarding multiple awards, please feel free to reach out at any time. 

  • Retreat Participation: Finalists will be made aware of the upcoming May retreat dates and location. While this retreat will take place before the 2026 Fellowships officially begin, we strongly encourage incoming Fellows to participate so that they may take advantage of all the training opportunities, as well as bond with the outgoing cohort (for whom it will be their last retreat).

AI & Data Privacy Policy

The Smith Fellows Program supports the integrity and originality of conservation science. This policy ensures transparency in how applicants, reviewers, and program staff may use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, and how such use may influence evaluation.

Applicant Disclosures

As part of your application, you will be given a chance to briefly disclose whether you used AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Grammarly, Claude), and if so, which tools you used, which sections were AI-assisted, approximate percentage of AI-generated text, and the kinds of prompts or instructions you gave the AI tool. 

These disclosures will not be penalized, rather, they will be considered in the context of your originality and communication skills.

Program Use of AI

Smith Fellows staff may use trusted AI tools to assist with:

  • Organizing and summarizing reviewer feedback, including providing feedback summaries to applicants

  • Effectively matching proposals with reviewers across factors like overlapping skills, methods, and expertise

  • Ensuring consistency and fairness in the review processes

AI will not be used to evaluate proposals, generate proposal scores, or replace human judgment in selection.

Confidentiality, Data & Intellectual Property

All proposal materials, including AI-assisted content, remain the intellectual property of the applicant. No part of your application will be used for AI model training or shared outside the Smith Fellows review process.

You are encouraged to explore the full website to learn more about the unique components of this Fellowship program and the Smith Fellows network before crafting your proposal and application. 

Current Smith Fellows and alumni understand that they may be contacted by applicants with questions about their experience with the Fellowship and/or application process. Fellows will reply to such requests as they are able.

This informational webinar (2024) provides an overview of the application/selection process, as well as an FAQ with program staff and alumni.

We have collected some frequently asked questions along with answers here. We recommend taking a look before reaching out to the program team to see if your question has already been answered.

Contact our team with any questions at: smithinfo@conbio.org

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