The James R. Jewett Prize is a prestigious research award offered by the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University to support innovative studies in the biology of flowers and fruits. With a focus on utilizing the Arboretum’s world-class living collection of 15,000 documented plants, the prize provides up to $10,000 in funding for research and travel expenses. The award aims to foster international partnerships and highlight the scientific value of the Arboretum’s unique taxonomic diversity, particularly its extensive representation of East Asian flora.
James R. Jewett Prize Award 2026 ($10,000 Arnold Arboretum Research Grant) Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Deadline | February 1, 2026 |
| Award Amount | Up to $10,000 |
| Focus Area | Biology of flowers and/or fruits |
| Preference | Visiting scholars utilizing living collections |
| Location | Arnold Arboretum, Boston, MA |
James R. Jewett Prize Award 2026 ($10,000 Arnold Arboretum Research Grant) Details
The James R. Jewett Prize is designed to catalyze original research that leverages the immense botanical resources of Harvard University.
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Research Resources
- Living Collection: Access to approximately 15,000 thoroughly documented temperate woody plants.
- Global Representation: Exceptional diversity with deep collections from China, Japan, and Korea.
- Libraries & Herbaria: Proximity to the Harvard Botanical Library (250,000 volumes) and the Harvard University Herbaria (5,000,000+ specimens).
Purpose of the Prize
The funding is intended to support visiting scholars in conducting field or lab work that would otherwise be difficult to fund. It encourages “collegial exchanges,” allowing outside researchers to embed themselves within the Harvard botanical community to demonstrate the research value of the Arboretum’s specific accessions.
James R. Jewett Prize Award 2026 ($10,000 Arnold Arboretum Research Grant) Benefits
- Direct Research Funding: Up to $10,000 to cover equipment, consumables, and project-specific costs.
- Travel Support: Funds can be used for travel expenses associated with visiting the Arboretum.
- Staff Support: Use award funds to hire an undergraduate intern from your home institution to assist with the project.
- Institutional Access: Opportunity to utilize one of the world’s most significant documented plant collections.
James R. Jewett Prize Award 2026 ($10,000 Arnold Arboretum Research Grant) Selection Criteria & Eligibility
- Research Focus: Projects must specifically address the biology of flowers and/or fruits.
- Scholar Status: Open to researchers at various levels; however, preference is given to visiting scholars.
- Collection Utility: Strong preference is given to applicants whose research methodology relies on the living collections of the Arnold Arboretum.
- Non-Salary Rule: Award funds are not intended to supplement or replace departmental salaries or stipends for the primary researcher.
James R. Jewett Prize Award 2026 ($10,000 Arnold Arboretum Research Grant) How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Design the Research Statement
Prepare a 1 to 2-page document describing your project.
- Must Include: How the additional funding furthers your aims and specifically how you will utilize the Arnold Arboretum living collection.
- Note: References are required but do not count toward the 2-page limit.
Step 2: Create the Budget & Timeline
- Budget: A simple 1-page itemized list of research and travel costs.
- Timeline: Outline the project phases with anticipated start and end dates.
Step 3: Documentation
- CV: An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
- Cover Letter: A brief introduction to your application.
Step 4: Letters of Recommendation
- Required for: All applicants except current Faculty or Principal Investigators.
- Process: Use the online portal to send requests to two referees.
- Deadline: Referees must upload their letters via the link provided by
Admin@communityforce.comby February 1.
Application Deadline: Febraury 1, 2026
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James R. Jewett Prize Award 2026 ($10,000 Arnold Arboretum Research Grant) FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can the award be used for my salary? No. The prize is intended for research and travel expenses. However, it can be used to pay a stipend for an undergraduate intern from your home institution.
2. I am a Faculty member; do I need recommendation letters? No. Letters of recommendation are only required for applicants who are not yet Faculty or Principal Investigators.
3. What kind of plants are in the collection? The Arboretum specializes in temperate woody plants (trees, shrubs, and vines), with world-renowned collections from East Asia and North America.
4. Is there a specific start date for the research? Applicants must propose their own start and end dates within the “Project Timeline” section of the application.
5. Can I use the funds for work in my own home lab? Yes, provided the research aims are furthered by the prize and you have a plan to utilize the Arboretum’s collections as part of the project.
6. Does the Arboretum provide housing? The award can be used toward travel and lodging expenses, but the Arboretum does not typically provide direct housing.
7. Can I include a co-investigator? The application is generally submitted by a primary researcher/visiting scholar, though collaborative projects are encouraged.
8. What happens if my referee doesn’t get the email? Advise them to check their spam folder for an email from Admin@communityforce.com. You should contact them personally before triggering the system request.
9. Are there restrictions on international applicants? The prize is open to researchers globally, provided they can fulfill the research plan (visiting scholar preference).
10. How competitive is the prize? The prize is awarded based on the scientific merit and the degree to which the project utilizes the Arboretum’s unique resources.
