Award

Fellowship awards are $28,000 for a 12-month period and are made to the fellow's home institution; two-year awards are possible but will be awarded only in persuasively justified and truly exceptional cases. The entire amount is intended to be applied to the research project, student stipend, tuition, benefits, and, if necessary, related travel. No part of the award is to be used to cover institutional overhead, administrative costs, or permanent equipment. Award start dates can be negotiated on an individual basis—but in general are based on the academic year and following summer.

Eligibility

The fellowship is open to all graduate students enrolled at U.S. institutions in full-time M.S. or Ph.D. programs. Approval of the research project by the student's faculty advisor is necessary to begin the application process. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, creed, sex, age, or national origin.

Evaluation

Ocean Leadership convenes a panel of scientists to evaluate research proposals and award fellowships. The selection process is based heavily on an evaluation of research potential and quality; applicants are therefore encouraged to propose innovative and imaginative research. The number of fellowships awarded depends upon the availability of funds, but is generally five per academic year. Financial need is not considered during the evaluation process.

Obligations

Fellows must implement their research plans over the period of the award and abide by the conditions of the award. Major program changes must be approved by both Ocean Leadership and the fellow's faculty advisor. During the award period, fellows are considered guest investigators and not employees of Ocean Leadership, IODP, or associated organizations.

The Fellowship year will begin in either June or August (summer or fall semester) 2009. During the summer of 2010, at the conclusion of the fellowship, Schlanger Fellows will travel to Ocean Leadership headquarters in Washington, D.C., to present the initial results of their research and take part in U.S. Science Support Program related activities.

For more information, email Charna Meth at cmeth@oceanleadership.org.