The David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship Program was founded in 1998 with a bold vision: to bridge the gap between conservation science and practice by investing in the next generation of applied conservation leaders. Funded by the Cedar Tree Foundation (CTF) and administered by its administrative partner the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), the Smith Fellowship offers a prestigious full-time, two-year postdoctoral opportunity for early-career scientists to pursue innovative, solutions-oriented research addressing pressing conservation challenges in the United States and its five permanently-inhabited territories (Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa). The program is grounded in the belief that science can more effectively inform conservation outcomes when integrated with practical, on-the-ground needs and real-world partnerships. Smith Fellows’ research and activities have long served on the cutting edge of conservation research, producing future world leaders in applied conservation science.
Each year, Smith Fellows are selected based on demonstrated research excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to applied conservation. Fellows receive two years of salary and research support, along with structured mentorship, training retreats, and membership in a vibrant network of Smith Fellows alumni spanning academic, governmental, and nonprofit sectors. A defining feature of the program is the requirement for each Fellow to work closely with a team of mentors - at least one academic and one practitioner mentor - who support the Fellow's scientific and professional development and ensure the research is meaningfully connected to conservation practice. This close mentorship and the program's emphasis on partnerships make it uniquely positioned to cultivate interdisciplinary, collaborative leaders.
The core scientific focus of the Smith Fellowship Program is on innovative, applied conservation research that directly informs and improves real-world conservation outcomes. Fellows are expected to design and lead projects that address urgent ecological challenges through methods such as field experimentation, applied modeling, synthesis, and/or incorporation of social science approaches. All proposals must clearly articulate how the research will be actioned; that is, applied through collaboration with conservation practitioners, policymakers, or communities. Projects should go beyond a continuation of prior doctoral work by incorporating novel, bold, or “risky” elements that push the frontiers of conservation science. The program values transdisciplinary integration, problem-solving relevance, and tangible contributions to conservation management and policy within the U.S. and its territories.
All applications materials must be received by September 30, 2025.
Career Stage: The program is open to early-career postdoctoral researchers. To be eligible, individuals must have completed their doctorate within the three years preceding their award date, or by the time the award is made in 2026. For the 2026-2027 Fellowship, applicants must have completed their doctorate after June 1, 2023 and before September 30, 2026 to be eligible. Applicants who have not yet completed their doctorate must clearly indicate on the application the date the degree is expected, and should expect to be asked for confirmation from their advisor(s) that they are on track to complete their doctorate within the required timeline during the review period. Please reach out if you need clarification or would like to discuss exceptional circumstances.
Citizenship: Applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens. International applicants must secure a visa through their host institution; the Smith Fellows Program does not provide visa sponsorship.
Geographic Research Focus: Research must be of primary relevance to conservation management or policy in the U.S. or its five permanently-inhabited territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa). The majority of the research must take place on site within these locations and include relevant local partnerships.
Institutional Affiliation: The Fellowship must be administered by a U.S.-based institution (academic or conservation organization). The host institution is responsible for administering salary and benefits, providing necessary office/lab space and other resources, and confirming compliance with program policies for equipment and indirect costs.
Please note we accept only one proposal per applicant each cycle. If you submit multiple proposals, you will be asked to choose one and the other(s) will be excluded from the review process.
Each Fellow will receive an annual salary of $72,100 in 2026 and $74,263 in 2027, plus benefits, with the post-doctoral position expected to run for two consecutive years. In addition to the stipend, each Fellow receives a travel and research budget of $40,000 over the 2-year fellowship period.