Deadline: January 9, 2026
The Botany in Action Fellowship Programme 2026 supports innovative plant-based PhD research while strengthening public engagement in science. Designed to empower emerging scholars, the programme provides funding, training, and a platform for meaningful outreach that connects botanical research with real-world impact. The Botany in Action Fellowship Programme 2026 continues to build a global network of scientists dedicated to conservation, ethnobotany, and the vital relationships between plants, people, and the environment.
About the Opportunity
The Botany in Action Fellowship is administered by Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and offers a one-year fellowship with the possibility of renewal for up to three years based on previous performance. Fellows join an active cohort of plant-focused researchers and gain lifelong membership in a collaborative scientific community.
The programme emphasises rigorous plant-centred research alongside engaging, clear and accessible science communication. Fellows participate in public-facing activities and represent their research through talks, exhibits, fieldwork updates, and online outreach.
Priority Research Areas
Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals aligned with one or more of the following focus areas:
- Ethnobotany, especially research exploring how plants contribute to physical or psychological well-being
- Diversity and biocultural conservation in regional forests (e.g., southwest Pennsylvania) and tropical forests
- Landscape and brownfield restoration with an emphasis on plant-based ecosystem services
- Sustainable landscape development
- Interdisciplinary research at the nexus of human and environmental health
- Food systems science, including regenerative agriculture, traditional agricultural knowledge, and underutilised crops for food security
Eligibility
To qualify for the Botany in Action Fellowship Programme 2026, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a PhD programme at a U.S. institution (citizenship is not required)
- Conduct plant-based research
- Be available to travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for Science Engagement Week
- Commit to ongoing monthly outreach contributions (e.g., podcasts, vlogs, blogs) following participation
- Renewal applicants must demonstrate measurable research progress and completed outreach activities from previous years
Benefits / Award Details
Fellows receive:
- USD $6,000 to support research and outreach activities (usable within the U.S. or internationally)
- An all-expenses-paid visit to Phipps Conservatory for Science Engagement Week, scheduled for 24–27 September 2026
- Continued opportunities to connect with the public through Phipps’ programming and digital platforms
- Access to a growing network of researchers working across diverse fields of plant science
Application Requirements / Documents
Applicants must prepare the following materials:
- A proposal and CV submitted together as one Word or PDF file
- File naming format: LastName_BIA_2026_App
- If submitting a PDF, applicants must also provide a Word document with:
- Full contact information
- University and degree details
- Recommender information
- Proposal title
- Two abstracts (technical and public-facing summaries)
- Two letters of recommendation:
- One from the academic adviser (research-focused)
- One addressing the applicant’s science communication or outreach capabilities
All materials must be emailed to bia@phipps.conservatory.org with the subject line:
BIA 2026 application + LastName
Timeline / Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 January 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST
- Science Engagement Week: 24–27 September 2026
How to Apply
Applicants must email their complete application packet to the programme’s dedicated email address, following the file naming, document preparation, and subject line requirements listed above. Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be reviewed.
Selection Process
The selection committee evaluates candidates based on:
- Relevance and scientific merit of proposed research
- Alignment with programme priority areas
- Strength of outreach experience and public engagement potential
- Clarity, organisation and feasibility of the proposal
- For renewal applicants: evidence of progress, outreach impact and programme contribution
Successful applicants will be notified directly after the review period.
Additional Information / Terms
Fellows must attend Science Engagement Week in Pittsburgh and commit to monthly digital outreach contributions for the remainder of the fellowship year. Renewal is subject to performance evaluation, successful completion of outreach commitments and demonstrated research development.
Application Links
- Apply Here: Click to Apply
- Read More About the Programme: Programme Details
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