The Wilson Ornithological Society (WOS) is offering four distinct research grant categories for 2026, providing up to $5,000 in funding for diverse avian research projects. These grants—comprising the Louis Agassiz Fuertes, WOS Research, Paul A. Stewart, and Hall/Mayfield awards—target different academic levels, from undergraduates and Master’s students to independent researchers and high schoolers. Key focus areas include bird movement, telemetry, and economic ornithology, with a mandatory condition that awardees present their findings at a WOS annual meeting within five years. Applications must be submitted through the official portal by February 1, 2026.
Wilson Ornithological Society Research Grants 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | USA (Global Research Permitted) |
| Study Abroad | Research Anywhere |
| Category | Undergraduate, Graduate & Independent Grants |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Global Eligibility) |
| Reward | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Key Criteria | Original avian research, WOS membership (preferred), presentation commitment |
| Application Deadline | February 1, 2026 |
Wilson Ornithological Society Research Grants 2026
The Wilson Ornithological Society (WOS) Research Grants program is a premier funding initiative designed to foster the next generation of ornithologists and support innovative avian science. By offering multiple grant categories, the society ensures that researchers at every career stage—from high school students to seasoned independent professionals—have access to the resources necessary to conduct high-quality field and laboratory work.
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The 2026 grant cycle emphasizes the society’s commitment to accessibility and scientific communication. Beyond providing financial support, the program integrates awardees into the broader scientific community by requiring a formal presentation of results at an annual WOS meeting. This approach not only funds the research itself but also ensures that the findings contribute meaningfully to the global body of ornithological knowledge.
Scholarship Details
The WOS Research Grants are open to both international and domestic researchers, with no strict citizenship requirements, though the research focus must be avian. The core philosophy of the program is to support a wide range of topics, from basic natural history to complex behavioral ecology and conservation. Each category has a specific niche, ensuring that students aren’t competing directly with established professionals for the same pool of funds.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the Wilson Ornithological Society Admission
The WOS utilizes a tiered system to categorize its funding, ensuring that the most prestigious awards recognize high-potential projects while general grants support a broad base of student inquiry.
Tier 1: Most Prestigious Professional and Graduate Awards (Up to $5,000)
- Louis Agassiz Fuertes Grants: Up to two awards of $5,000 each are given annually for any area of avian research. These are the society’s highest-value awards and prefer graduate students or young professionals.
Tier 2: Specialized Research and Independent Awards
- Paul A. Stewart Grants: Up to four awards of $2,000 each. These awards prioritize studies on bird movements (banding, telemetry) or economic ornithology.
- George A. Hall / Harold F. Mayfield Grant: One $2,000 award restricted to independent researchers and non-professionals (including high school students) who lack institutional funding.
Tier 3: General Student Research Awards
- Wilson Ornithological Society Research Grants: Funding for budgets up to $3,000. Two awards are strictly reserved for Master’s students, and two are strictly reserved for Undergraduate students, ensuring fair competition within those levels.
Eligibility Requirements for Wilson Ornithological Society Research Grants 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must demonstrate a clear research plan and the scientific merit of their proposed avian study.
- Study Status: Open to Undergraduate students, Master’s students, young professionals, and independent researchers depending on the specific grant category.
- Visa Status: Not applicable; researchers from any country may apply for global research projects.
- Program Admission: Applicants do not need to be admitted to a specific university but must have a feasible plan to carry out the research independently or through their current institution.
How to Apply for Wilson Ornithological Society Research Grants 2026 (Step by Step)
- Select Category: Review the four grant categories to determine which one best fits your career stage and research topic.
- Prepare Proposal: Draft a research proposal following the official WOS PDF guidelines, including a detailed budget and project timeline.
- Submit Online: Complete the online application form and upload your proposal documents through the official submission link.
- Notification of Award: The WOS committee will evaluate applications based on scientific merit and notify successful applicants prior to the annual meeting season.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply for more than one WOS grant category?
You should identify the one category that most closely aligns with your eligibility (e.g., Undergraduate status) and research focus (e.g., telemetry) to submit your strongest application.
2. Is there an application fee for these grants?
No, there is no fee to apply for the Wilson Ornithological Society research grants.
3. Do I need to be a member of the WOS to apply?
While not strictly required for all categories, membership is highly encouraged and often viewed favorably by the review committee as a sign of commitment to the society.
4. What is the maximum award amount for a Master’s student?
A Master’s student can receive up to $3,000 under the WOS Research Grant category or up to $5,000 under the Fuertes Grant.
5. Are high school students eligible for funding?
Yes, high school students are specifically eligible and encouraged to apply for the George A. Hall / Harold F. Mayfield Grant.
6. What research topics are prioritized for the Paul A. Stewart Grant?
Preference is given to bird movement studies using banding or telemetry, as well as projects focused on economic ornithology.
7. Is the presentation at the annual meeting mandatory?
Yes, all awardees must agree to present their results as an oral or poster paper at a WOS annual meeting within five years of receiving the grant.
8. Can the grant be used for international field work?
Yes, the grants can be used for avian research conducted anywhere in the world.
9. What should be included in the photo requirement?
Awardees must provide a professional-quality photograph of themselves, often in the field, for the society’s webpage and archives.
10. How competitive are the WOS Research Grants?
They are moderately competitive, with the Fuertes Grants being the most sought-after due to their higher monetary value.
