Deadline: 29-May-2026
The GBIF Graduate Researchers Award supports outstanding master’s and PhD students working in biodiversity informatics using GBIF-mediated data. It recognizes innovative research in taxonomy, ecology, and biogeography that advances biodiversity knowledge and conservation.
The programme offers two awards of €5,000 each, with nominations required from GBIF national node managers or delegation heads in participating countries.
Overview
The GBIF Graduate Researchers Award is an international recognition programme for early-career researchers.
It is designed to highlight graduate-level research that uses GBIF-mediated biodiversity data to:
- Advance scientific understanding of biodiversity
- Support conservation and ecological research
- Encourage innovation in biodiversity informatics
The award is closely linked to the mission of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), which promotes open access to biodiversity data worldwide.
Key Objectives of the Award
The programme focuses on strengthening research capacity in biodiversity science.
Promoting Biodiversity Informatics Research
The award recognizes research in:
- Biodiversity informatics and data science
- Taxonomy and species classification
- Biogeography and species distribution analysis
- Ecology and environmental modeling
Encouraging Use of GBIF-Mediated Data
Applicants must use GBIF data to:
- Improve biodiversity knowledge
- Support evidence-based conservation
- Enable global data sharing and interoperability
- Strengthen open science practices
Supporting Early-Career Researchers
The programme aims to:
- Recognize outstanding graduate research
- Support academic and scientific development
- Encourage international research collaboration
Award Benefits and Funding
The programme provides direct financial recognition to selected researchers.
Prize Details
- Two awards are available annually
- Each award is worth €5,000
- Awards are given to outstanding master’s or PhD researchers
Eligibility Criteria
The award is open to graduate students engaged in biodiversity research.
Academic Eligibility
Applicants must be:
- Currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme
- Conducting research in biodiversity informatics or related fields
Geographic Eligibility
Candidates must:
- Be citizens of a GBIF Participant country, or
- Be enrolled at an institution in a GBIF Participant country
Nomination Requirement
Applicants cannot apply directly.
They must be nominated by:
- GBIF national node managers, or
- Heads of delegation from participating countries
Each country may nominate up to two candidates.
Research Focus and Scope
Eligible research must align with biodiversity informatics priorities.
Accepted Research Areas
- Taxonomy and species identification
- Biogeography and spatial distribution of species
- Ecology and ecosystem dynamics
- Conservation biology
- Data-driven biodiversity modeling
Core Requirement: GBIF Data Usage
Research must clearly demonstrate:
- Use of GBIF-mediated biodiversity data
- Contribution to biodiversity knowledge or conservation
- Application of data-driven scientific methods
Application Requirements
All nomination materials must be submitted in English.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- A 200-word research summary
- A detailed project description (up to 5 pages)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Supervisor confirmation letter
- 1–3 letters of academic recommendation
Project Description Requirements
The detailed research document must include:
- Research objectives and scientific questions
- Methodology and analytical approach
- Role of GBIF-mediated data in the study
- Relevant scientific literature
- Expected outcomes and impact
Data Management Plan (If Applicable)
Applicants may also include:
- Data management strategy
- Explanation of how research data will be shared via GBIF
- Plans for open access publication of datasets
Formatting Rules
- Language: English
- Font: Arial
- Font size: 12-point
- Maximum length: 5 pages
Why This Award Matters
The GBIF Graduate Researchers Award strengthens global biodiversity research capacity.
Key Benefits
- Promotes open-access biodiversity data use
- Encourages innovation in ecological research
- Supports early-career scientific talent
- Strengthens global biodiversity knowledge systems
- Enhances data-driven conservation strategies
Scientific Importance
The programme contributes to:
- Global biodiversity monitoring
- Evidence-based conservation planning
- Climate and ecosystem research
- International scientific collaboration
How the Programme Works (Selection and Nomination Process)
The award follows a structured nomination-based evaluation system.
Step-by-Step Process
- Candidate conducts biodiversity informatics research using GBIF data
- Candidate is nominated by GBIF node manager or delegation head
- Nomination package is submitted in English
- Applications are evaluated based on scientific quality and GBIF relevance
- Two top candidates are selected for awards
- Winners receive €5,000 recognition prizes
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed on:
- Scientific innovation and originality
- Use and integration of GBIF data
- Contribution to biodiversity science
- Research methodology quality
- Clarity and completeness of documentation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants often face rejection due to avoidable issues.
- Lack of GBIF-mediated data usage in research
- Missing nomination from authorized GBIF representatives
- Incomplete application documents
- Weak or unclear research methodology
- Exceeding page or formatting limits
- Poor explanation of biodiversity impact
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly highlight how GBIF data is used
- Emphasize research innovation and scientific contribution
- Ensure strong supervisor and academic support letters
- Keep research summary clear and concise
- Provide well-structured methodology and objectives
- Include data sharing and open science components
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the GBIF Graduate Researchers Award?
It is an international award recognizing outstanding master’s and PhD research in biodiversity informatics using GBIF data.
2. How much funding is provided?
Two awards of €5,000 each are given annually.
3. Who can apply?
Master’s and PhD students enrolled in GBIF Participant countries or studying at institutions in those countries.
4. Can students apply directly?
No, candidates must be nominated by GBIF national node managers or heads of delegation.
5. What research fields are eligible?
Taxonomy, ecology, biogeography, biodiversity informatics, and related disciplines using GBIF data.
6. What documents are required?
A research summary, project description, CV, supervisor letter, and 1–3 recommendation letters.
7. Is GBIF data mandatory for eligibility?
Yes, the research must clearly use GBIF-mediated biodiversity data.
Conclusion
The GBIF Graduate Researchers Award is a key initiative supporting early-career scientists working in biodiversity informatics. By recognizing research that uses GBIF-mediated data, it strengthens global biodiversity science, promotes open data practices, and supports innovative solutions for conservation and ecological understanding.
For more information, visit GBIF.