Submission Guidelines

All application components and guidelines are listed in the Second Century Stewardship Research Fellowship RFP (PDF).

Relevant research topics

Relevant research topics may include, but are not limited to (in alphabetical order, not by priority): citizen science, climate change, communication, conservation, cultural resources, ecology, economics, education, geochemistry, historic preservation, natural resources, recreation, sustainability, and projects that cross or combine disciplines.

Who should apply

We encourage early-career scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students to apply. Applicants must be U.S. residents and at least 18 years in age. Employees of NPS, AAAS, and Schoodic Institute are not eligible to apply.

Evaluation of proposals

A committee consisting of representatives from Second Century Stewardship institutions will evaluate the proposals based on the criteria listed below. Additional technical and park experts may be called upon to review the scientific aspects of the proposals.

Proposals will be evaluated based upon:

25% - Intellectual merit: advancing knowledge within and across disciplines
25% - Relevance to long-term stewardship of Acadia National Park and potential to inform resource management
20% - Potential to contribute to education and science communication
15% - Potential to contribute or lead to long-term research at Acadia National Park
15% - Qualifications of the applicant—evidence of skills and expertise to carry out the proposed work as well as professional potential

Successful proposals will:

Have high potential to increase understanding of and inform responses to change in socio-ecological systems.
Address priority information needs specific to Acadia National Park, but in ways that can inform our understanding or management of systems in other locations.
Be cost-effective, reasonable, and achievable in terms of scope and goals given the funding, expertise, and experience of the researcher.
Provide evidence that the applicant is committed to connecting their research to management applications and communicating it to varied audiences.

AAAS, Schoodic Institute, and NPS will work closely with fellows to develop and implement appropriate communication, education, and public engagement activities, as well as activities to help translate research to management. Activities could include public talks, media interviews and stories, curricula development support, citizen science, informational exhibits, student mentoring, and work with educators, resource managers, and partner organizations. Fellows will also receive training in science communication. Proposals should not describe specific education and communication activities planned in association with the proposed research—we will develop these activities together after awarding the fellowships—but proposals must show evidence that the PI has strong interest and skills in connecting research with management and communicating to varied audiences.

Expectations and requirements of Fellows

Budget limit

Each proposal may request up to a total of $20,000 for research, including stipend, supplies, equipment, and travel for the duration of the fellowship.

Housing

Housing for researchers and field assistants is expected to be available at Schoodic Institute. Housing costs at Schoodic Institute should not be included in the fellowship budget. Proposals should describe the anticipated housing needs (timing and number of people).

Timeline

The fellowship period may extend one to two years.

Education and communication

Fellows should plan to spend two weeks (80 hours) on education and communication-related activities. Fellows should also plan in their schedule for at least one 3-day trip to a paid training or workshop coordinated by AAAS, Schoodic Institute, and NPS. Overall, proposals should budget for the time spent on education and communication activities and training, but do not need to budget for travel or other expenses related to those education and communication activities organized by Second Century Stewardship.

Mentorship

Fellows will be paired with a mentor to support the project. This mentor could be an established scientist, resource manager, or communication specialist, and the mentorship may include connecting research with management and policy and communicating science to varied audiences.

Permits

Fellows will be required to get NPS research permits and must abide by the conditions and reporting requirements of permits. Please see the Acadia National Park Information for Researchers page for more information on the permitting process and requirements.

Documenting, managing, and sharing methods and data

Fellows must follow best practices for documenting, managing, and sharing research methods, data, and metadata. We suggest fellows follow the recommendations of DataONE.org for documenting workflow and archiving and sharing data.

Reporting

Fellows will be required to submit a) brief annual updates due January 30 each year; b) a final report expected within 90 days of completion of fieldwork; and c) notification of all related reports and publications. The updates and final report will note any modification to objectives, will include summaries suitable for publication by Second Century Stewardship partners, and will include progress made on:

The research timeline and milestones
Data management
Educational and outreach activities and measured impacts
New, additional funding sources, if any (other funding is not required)
Funds spent
Other aspects to be defined

Deadline

Proposals must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 23, 2017.

Notification of Awards

Recipients will be notified by March 1, 2018.

Questions should be sent to: SCSFellowship@aaas.org