Research Grant FAQs
What can Earthwatch offer?
Who is eligible?
What is the Earthwatch model?
How does Earthwatch select projects?
Who are the volunteers?
How much is the Earthwatch field grant?
What does the field grant cover?
What doesn't the field grant cover?
How long does the grant last?
What can Earthwatch offer?
Enthusiastic and committed field assistants
Earthwatch grants are based on an innovative but well-established model of recruiting volunteer field assistants. In the last 40 years, Earthwatch volunteers have contributed over 10 million man-hours and close to £50 million to conservation projects internationally.
Long-term support
One of the unique features of Earthwatch is that we welcome proposals for long-term support.
Sharing information
Earthwatch forms partnerships with key institutions that are able to provide the necessary information systems to ensure that field reports and publications resulting from our projects will reach a wider audience in the environmental sector.
Supporting tomorrow's scientists
Earthwatch has a number of programmes aimed at providing extra support for scientists early in their careers, and researchers from developing countries - from training opportunities in the field, to courses with partner institutions. See details of our Capacity Development Programme.
Training guides and workshops
Earthwatch hosts at least one international training conference a year, bringing both its new and established project scientists together to network and take part in training workshops covering research issues, health and safety, emergency procedures, team communication, and media relations.
Experienced staff
Earthwatch has been supporting projects internationally since 1971 and has a very experienced staff network to provide guidance and support.
Who is eligible?
Earthwatch supports doctoral and post-doctoral researchers and in some instances researchers with equivalent experience supported by a scientific advisor are eligible to apply.
Applicants intending to conduct research in countries other than their own should include host country nationals in their research staff and be able to demonstrate how expertise will be transferred.
What is the Earthwatch model?
The field grant is made up from financial contributions of volunteers taking part in the project. A typical field season might make use of several teams of volunteers, each working in the field for between 8 and 15 days per team. The team size will depend on the type of data to be collected, and the specific field logistics. Team sizes vary between 4 - 12 volunteers, providing 24 - 60 volunteers per field season on three to six sequential teams. Other team lengths and volunteer numbers will be considered.
How does Earthwatch select projects?
Our research department considers a short concept note submitted by the scientist, which covers research relevance and objectives, and some logistical information. If the project meets Earthwatch criteria relevant to the Research Areas (RAs), the scientist will be asked to submit a more detailed proposal, which is then externally peer reviewed. It takes up to 18 months from the preliminary application to the first team of volunteers joining a research project in the field.
Who are the volunteers?
There is no typical volunteer. Earthwatch recruits volunteers worldwide so a team might consist of three or four different nationalities. Ages range from 18 to over 70. The varying levels of physical ability are matched to project requirements. Most volunteers recruited by Earthwatch are either keen amateurs or have no scientific background, but are highly motivated. English is normally the working language.
How much is the Earthwatch field grant?
Field grants are awarded according to the number of volunteers and teams required for the field season. For the typical 2-week model, grants average £700 per volunteer and annual project grants average £16,800 - £42,000.
What does the grant cover?
- Food, accommodation and transport in the field for volunteers, research staff and students from the host country
- Travel of lead scientist(s) to and from the field
- Field equipment, including rental costs (e.g. vehicles)
What doesn't the grant cover?
- Volunteer travel to the rendezvous point - this is paid by the individual volunteer
- Purchase of capital equipment (e.g. vehicles)
- Lead scientist or research staff salaries
- Institutional overheads or indirect costs
- Post-expedition data analysis
- Preparation of results for publication.
In addition to the basic level of support provided through the contributions from volunteers, Earthwatch works with selected scientists to secure additional funding to maintain and enhance their research projects.
How long does the grant last?
Each grant is awarded on an annual basis. If the project reports successes in terms of research results and volunteer evaluation, the researcher is invited to apply for renewed funding for a second year. Every three years a new proposal is required, outlining research progress and justifying the need for future funding.