Established in 1943, Field Studies Council (FSC) is an environmental education organization in the United Kingdom. FSC has a network of seventeen field centres spread across the UK, and employs over 75 trained geography, ecology and biology tutors. FSC is dedicated to bringing environmental understanding to all and provides informative and enjoyable opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to discover and explore the natural environment.
FSC will organize the Annual Darwin Scholarship Program in the UK from August 21 -31, 2012 at Preston Montford Field Centre, Shrewsbury & Juniper Hall Field Centre, Dorking, near London. In this context, FSC is currently inviting applications for this scholarship program from interested individuals. The scholarship program is aimed at young scientists from around the world, probably working for a non-governmental organization, government department or in a Biology or Ecology faculty at University.
Program Objective
The aim of the Darwin Scholar Program is to develop “better naturalists” in the spirit of Darwin’s love of nature and observing the natural world. The Scholarship will focus on three areas: skills of observation and identification, skills of recording biodiversity and skills of communicating biodiversity to different target groups.
Program Details
FSC aims to train a group of 25 young “up and coming” scientists: Basic techniques of biodiversity monitoring and identification; the creation and management of national databases and recording networks; fundamental approaches to communicating biodiversity to a range of audiences; how to lead and manage school and community based biodiversity monitoring projects; and How to develop biodiversity education materials for different groups based on FSC expertise.
For this. FSC will provide training using the expertise of both the Field Studies Council and other biodiversity organizations in the UK. One of the goals of the course would also be the sharing of positive ideas and solutions to the biodiversity challenges that we all face on a local through to a global scale. The scholarship Program will involve a number of different kinds of activities including: Training workshop activities focusing specifically on identification and observation skills, the development of identification keys and communication skills; Lectures from FSC and other organizations; Meetings with leading ecological organizations in the UK such as the Natural History Museum; and Excursions to areas that inspired Darwin – and to the places he lived,
Scholarship Provisions
The full cost of the 10-day scholarship Program is 1450 GBP per person. This covers the costs of all accommodation, teaching, and local travel in the UK. It does not cover the cost of getting to and from Preston Montford Field Centre in Shrewsbury. The FSC will assist successful applicants in this process and provide suggestions of sources of funding and also letters of support for applications to grant organizations. To help meet the cost of the scholarship the FSC is also providing a limited number of bursaries for 650 GBP.
Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply please make sure that you are able to meet these criteria:
- You are aged 35 or under.
- You are studying for or have a degree in Ecology, Biology or related subject.
- You are an undergraduate, postgraduate, postdoctoral student, young lecturer or work for an environmental organization.
- You can speak and read English well.
Selection Criteria
Your applications will be assessed by a small team from the FSC. The FSC will select the Scholars for the Program and selection will be based on:
The quality of your application especially your letter.
The strength and commitment of your University / Place of work.
Last date for submitting the applications is January 6, 2012.
For more information, visit this link.
