Request for Proposals: Kevin Kritz Research Grant Program

The Kevin Kritz Research Grant Program by the Raptor Research Foundation supports high-quality scientific research focused on eagles and eagle conservation worldwide. The grant offers up to USD 5,000 plus waived publication fees, prioritising merit-based research with clear objectives, sound methods, and publishable outcomes.

Overview of the Grant

The Kevin Kritz Research Grant Program is an annual funding opportunity offered by the Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) to advance scientific research on eagles and eagle conservation anywhere in the world.

The programme is designed to support rigorous, merit-driven research that contributes meaningful knowledge to eagle biology, ecology, behaviour, conservation, and management, with an emphasis on studies suitable for publication in the Journal of Raptor Research.

Purpose and Research Focus

The primary goal of the Kevin Kritz Research Grant is to strengthen evidence-based conservation and scientific understanding of eagles through well-designed research projects.

Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate:

• Strong scientific merit

• Clearly defined research questions and objectives

• Robust and appropriate study methods

• Justified and transparent use of grant funds

• Alignment between proposed research and intended publication outcomes

Research may be conducted in any geographic region and across diverse ecological or conservation contexts, as long as the focus remains on eagles.

Grant Amount and Benefits

Successful applicants receive the following support:

• Funding of up to USD 5,000

• Waived page charges for publication in the Journal of Raptor Research

Grant recipients must serve as the primary author on the resulting publication, and the published paper must directly reflect the research supported by the grant.

Only one Kevin Kritz Research Grant is awarded each year.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The grant is open to researchers working on eagle-focused studies worldwide.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be conducting research directly related to eagles or eagle conservation

• Be able to serve as the primary author on the resulting publication

• Submit a complete application package in English

Applicants whose first language is not English are welcome to apply. Translation or editorial assistance may be available, and applications are evaluated strictly on scientific merit rather than grammar or language quality.

What the Application Must Include

A complete application package must contain the following components:

1. Cover Letter

The cover letter should clearly outline:

• Motivation for conducting the study

• Research objectives

• Expected outcomes and contributions to eagle research or conservation

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The CV should summarise the applicant’s academic background, research experience, and relevant publications or fieldwork.

3. Research Proposal (Maximum 5 Pages)

The proposal must include:

• Background and justification of the study

• Clearly defined study objectives

• Detailed research methods and approach

• Itemised budget explaining how funds will be used

• Disclosure of other funding sources requested or received

• Expected results and scientific contributions

• Literature cited, limited to one page

4. Applicant Photograph

Applicants must provide a photograph, preferably taken in the field, for use in award announcements.

How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications are assessed solely on scientific merit.

Evaluation criteria include:

• Quality and relevance of the research question

• Appropriateness of study design and methods

• Feasibility within the proposed budget

• Contribution to eagle conservation or scientific knowledge

• Clarity and consistency between objectives, methods, and expected outcomes

Language proficiency, grammar, or writing style does not affect evaluation.

Key Dates and Timeline

• Application deadline: June 30

• Number of grants awarded annually: One

Late or incomplete applications are not considered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants are encouraged to avoid the following issues:

• Vague or poorly defined research objectives

• Budgets that are not clearly justified

• Failure to disclose other funding sources

• Proposals exceeding page limits

• Research outcomes that do not align with publication requirements

Strong applications demonstrate clear logic, feasibility, and relevance to eagle research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What species does the grant focus on?

The grant supports research on all eagle species worldwide.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to USD 5,000.

Is publication required?

Yes. Grant recipients must publish their findings in the Journal of Raptor Research as the primary author.

Can students apply for this grant?

Yes, provided they meet the research and authorship requirements.

Is English proficiency required?

Applications must be submitted in English, but language quality does not influence evaluation, and assistance may be available.

How many grants are awarded each year?

Only one Kevin Kritz Research Grant is awarded annually.

Can applicants have other funding sources?

Yes, but all other funding requested or received must be clearly disclosed.

Conclusion

The Kevin Kritz Research Grant Program is a highly competitive, merit-based opportunity for researchers dedicated to advancing eagle science and conservation. By combining targeted financial support with publication opportunities, the grant plays a vital role in strengthening global knowledge and evidence-based protection of eagle species.