Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Oscar Beingolea Research Grant Program by the Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) supports field-based research on raptors in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Guianas, with a strong emphasis on conservation relevance and under-studied species. The grant offers up to USD 4,000 plus waived publication page charges in the Journal of Raptor Research, with applications due by June 30.
The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is inviting applications for the Oscar Beingolea Research Grant Program, a competitive funding opportunity designed to advance field research on birds of prey (raptors) in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the Guianas.
The program prioritizes research that fills knowledge gaps, supports conservation outcomes, and strengthens local research capacity in regions where access to funding is often limited.
Purpose and Focus of the Grant
The Oscar Beingolea Research Grant aims to promote high-quality scientific research that improves understanding and conservation of raptors in the Neotropics.
Key research priorities include:
Poorly known raptor species or populations
Under-studied ecosystems or ecological systems
Novel research questions related to raptor biology, behavior, or conservation
Projects with a clear conservation impact and/or community engagement component
Applications that do not focus on raptors in Latin America or the Caribbean are not eligible and will not be reviewed.
Funding Amount and Benefits
Successful applicants may receive:
Up to USD 4,000 in research funding
Waived page charges for publication in the Journal of Raptor Research
To qualify for the publication benefit, the grant recipient must:
Be the primary author of the paper
Ensure the published research directly reflects the funded project
Who Is Eligible?
The program is open to researchers conducting raptor field research in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Priority is given to:
Latin American and/or Caribbean nationals or residents
Researchers with limited access to alternative funding sources
Applicants affiliated with universities, research institutions, or conservation organizations
All applicants must submit materials in English. While translation or editorial assistance may be available depending on the applicant’s native language, evaluation is based solely on scientific merit, not language proficiency.
Why This Grant Matters
Raptors play a critical role in ecosystem health, yet many species in the Neotropics remain poorly studied. This grant supports locally grounded research that:
Generates new scientific knowledge
Informs conservation strategies
Builds research capacity in under-resourced regions
Encourages community involvement in raptor conservation
By focusing on underrepresented researchers and regions, the program helps ensure more equitable participation in global raptor science.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application package, including the following components:
1. Cover Letter
The cover letter should clearly describe:
Motivation for the research
Study objectives
Expected scientific and conservation outcomes
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A current CV outlining academic background, research experience, and relevant publications.
3. Research Proposal (Maximum 5 Pages)
The proposal must include:
Background and justification
Study objectives and methodology
Detailed budget explaining use of funds
List of other funding sources requested and/or received
Expected results and outcomes
4. Literature Cited
References are limited to a maximum of one page.
5. Applicant Photograph
A photograph of the applicant, preferably taken in the field, is required and will be used for award announcements.
How the Application Process Works
Prepare all required documents in English
Ensure the proposal does not exceed page limits
Confirm that the research focuses on raptors in Latin America or the Caribbean
Submit the complete application before the deadline
Incomplete or non-compliant applications may not be reviewed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting projects outside Latin America or the Caribbean
Proposals that do not clearly focus on raptors
Exceeding the five-page proposal limit
Missing required components such as the budget or CV
Failing to link the proposed research to conservation relevance
Key Dates and Deadline
Application deadline: June 30
Only one grant is awarded annually, making early preparation and careful alignment with priorities essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can students apply for the Oscar Beingolea Research Grant?
Yes, students may apply if they are leading the research and meet all eligibility requirements.
2. Is institutional affiliation required?
While not explicitly mandatory, affiliation with a university or conservation organization is strongly recommended.
3. Can the grant be used for non-field research?
The program is specifically intended to support field-based raptor research.
4. Are collaborative projects allowed?
Yes, but the grant recipient must be the primary investigator and primary author of resulting publications.
5. Is prior publication experience required?
No, applications are evaluated on scientific merit, not publication history.
6. Can applicants request more than USD 4,000?
No, USD 4,000 is the maximum award amount.
7. What happens after receiving the grant?
Recipients are expected to conduct the approved research and are encouraged to publish results in the Journal of Raptor Research.
Conclusion
The Oscar Beingolea Research Grant Program provides vital support for raptor research in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly for researchers working on under-studied species and conservation challenges. With targeted funding, publication support, and a focus on scientific excellence, the program plays a key role in advancing raptor conservation and ecological knowledge across the region.
For more information, visit Raptor Research Foundation.
