In 2021 the Oak Spring Garden Foundation will award our inaugural Oak Spring Fellowship in Plant Conservation Biology to one outstanding, early-career practitioner, scholar or scientist working on issues related to plant and landscape conservation in the broad sense. This is our most prestigious award for practicing plant conservation biologists. The award includes a $10,000 individual grant and requires a two-to-four-week stay at Oak Spring. This fellowship will be granted to an exceptional individual who is engaged nationally or internationally in research or conservation action to help conserve plants, and the landscapes and ecological systems of which they are part.
The individual selected for this award will spend 2 – 4 weeks at Oak Spring where they will be able to meet with staff, explore our 700-acre landscape and our efforts in sustainable land management, and visit our rare book library that holds over 19,000 objects, including many examples of botanical art. The Fellow will have ample time and space to work independently on their own projects during their stay. The only requirement during their time at Oak Spring will be to give one 45-minute presentation with time for questions, to Oak Spring staff and any other fellows or residents who might be on site.
Application Process
To begin your application, click the button below and locate the Plant Conservation Biology Fellowship. You will be asked to submit:
- a resume/curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages),
- a 200 – 300-word statement on your current work in plant conservation,
- a 200 – 300-word statement how your work relates to Oak Spring Garden Foundation’s mission to “perpetuate and share the gifts of Rachel (“Bunny”) Lambert Mellon, including her residence, garden, estate and the Oak Spring Garden Library, to serve the public interest. OSGF is dedicated to inspiring and facilitating scholarship and public dialogue on the history and future of plants, including the culture of gardens and landscapes and the importance of plants for human well-being,”
- any and all relevant links/up to 10 pages of writing that demonstrates your work and current interests in plant conservation biology.
NOTE: When applying to this fellowship, you will be asked if you are interested in being considered for one of our other residencies, if you are not selected for the fellowship. To learn more about our residences, visit www.osgf.org/residencies.APPLY NOW
Eligibility:
Eligible applicants must be early-career practitioners, scholars or scientists, not enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in 2021. The successful Fellow must be self-directed and able to work independently while on site. Applicants are expected to show dedication in their work in plant conservation in the broad sense, exceptional promise, good communication skills and excellence in what they have accomplished or plan to accomplish.
Other information:
The selected Fellow should make travel arrangements to Dulles International Airport, where Oak Spring will arrange transportation for them to our estate in Upperville, VA. The Fellow will resident in a nicely appointed, self-catering accommodation during their time at Oak Spring. The fellow will have a private bedroom and bathroom, and share a living room and kitchen.
Selection:
A jury of established conservation biologists will review the applicants and select the 2021 Oak Spring Garden Foundation Fellow in Plant Conservation Biology.
The deadline for applications is 12 August 2020
