As part of this process we have reframed our Science Program around four Priority Research Areas (PRAs):

  • Climate Change
  • Oceans
  • Sustainable Cultures
  • Sustainable Resource Management

which we feel will define Earthwatch as a key player in conservation research and education. 

During this strategic review process, we are placing a temporary hold on reviewing new project proposals.  Nonetheless, we encourage you to start thinking about and drafting the details of your project.  Below you will find a summary of the characteristics we look for in a research project and details of our application process.

How Earthwatch Operates

Earthwatch Institute promotes sustainable conservation by creating partnerships between scientists, practitioners, educators and the general public. We primarily operate on a system of participant-based funding whereby volunteers (recruited by Earthwatch) pay for the privilege of directly assisting scientists with their work in the field. This unique funding model enables us to support field research in a variety of disciplines, on the basis of a researcher's need for volunteers and Earthwatch's ability to find them. Our volunteers are highly motivated non-specialists who help researchers to collect data, record observations and perform a variety of research tasks as required.

Research Project Details

Typically, Earthwatch projects have the need for 30-60 volunteers per field season, over multiple teams. For example, during the year a Principal Investigator (PI) may run 4 - 5 teams of between approximately 5-12 volunteers. Most projects have teams that do field work for approximately 8-15 days each. Typical field grants average AU$900 per volunteer. This money covers volunteer and staff food, accommodation, transport in the field, equipment costs, communications, etc. Principal Investigator salaries are not covered, although there is provision for staff support required during the fielding of Earthwatch teams.

In general we prefer to support long term projects that plan to run for at least 3 years. Earthwatch encourages cross-institutional, cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural partnerships among PIs.

How to Apply

The first step in the process for applying for a grant is to submit a concept note, at least 18 months in advance of the proposed field season, which outlines the project, along with a CV from each of the Principal Investigators. Research objectives must be clearly stated, and linked to scientific and applied outcomes. The research abstract must include a concise theoretical framework, methods, expected results, and means of analysis and dissemination.

The concept note will be reviewed by an Earthwatch internal committee, and a decision will then be made on whether or not to invite a full proposal. All full proposals received will be independently peer-reviewed. A funding decision will be made based on the comments of the reviewers and provision of a workable budget.

Further Information

Further information including copies of the concept note and guidelines can be found here. Please be aware that the guidelines cover both the concept note and the full proposal. You will only need to complete the proposal if your concept note is approved. 

Thank you for Your Patience

We thank you for your patience during this critical phase in the development of our organisation. We encourage you to continue to think of us as a potential supporter of your project in the future.  If you submit a concept note before we have finished our strategic review, we will keep your proposal on file and evaluate it as soon as we re-initiate our proposal review process.