The goal of the François Vuilleumier  Fund is to award one or more cash grants per year for thesis studies of Neotropical birds to one or several graduate students from any country in Latin America and the Caribbean (the “Neotropical Region’” as broadly defined by the Neotropical Ornithological Society).  The funds are provided to assist thesis research by students, enrolled in an institution in the Neotropics who have little or no access to funds within their country or at their institution.  Awards will be competitive and are expected to be in the range of $500.

Students from Latin America and the Caribbean enrolled in a graduate degree program (Masters or Ph.D.) at an institution in the Neotropical Region are eligible to apply.  Students must be members of the Neotropical Ornithological Society (students can become members at the time of their application).  Students enrolled in institutions from outside the region are ineligible for funding.  Neither Licenciatura  or post-doctoral students will be funded.

François Vuilleumier funds are expected to be used for thesis research-related expenses including equipment, supplies, travel and living expenses related to field work, etc.  Grant monies will not cover salaries, stipends, travel to meetings, routine living expenses, overhead or indirect costs to the educational institution.

• Application Guidelines:

1. Proposals may be submitted in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

2. Applications are to be sent by email as an attachment (Microsoft Word or pdf) to John Blake (john.blake@ufl.edu) and must be received by 15 September.  The original signed application is also to be sent via airmail to: Dr. John G. Blake, Department of Biology and International Center for Tropical Ecology, University of Missouri–St. Louis, One University Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63121, USA.

3. Application should include cover page, proposal, as summarized below, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation.