The Ecological Society of America Excellence in Ecology (EEE) Scholarship aims to advance the careers of ecologists whose research and service meaningfully enhance access and participation in the ecological sciences and/or impact community engagement. Early- to mid-career ESA members conducting research across all subfields of basic and applied ecology are encouraged to apply. Funding for this program comes from ESA.

Benefits

This program is designed to create a cohort experience and peer support network for Scholars and alumni. The two-year Scholarship will be effective July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2029 and comes with a $5,000 award that can be applied towards:

• A speaking opportunity and travel support to attend the 2027 ESA meeting

• Support for research, publication fees, or family/childcare provision
• Opportunity to host web events related to research, professional development, teaching, etc

Eligibility

• Applicants must have received their PhD within the last 20 years in any field that will advance ecological science. All basic and applied fields of research are welcome
• Only ESA members at the time of the application will be eligible**

**Membership Verification

To verify your ESA membership, please login in at https://eservices.esa.org/Eservices/Contacts/Sign_In 
Please be informed that the ESA membership is based on the calendar year. 

If you have any questions about your membership, please contact membership@esa.org 

Application Questions

Applicants will be asked to address four key questions:

1. Describe your current research interests and their significance to the discipline. Discuss up to three contributions that support this statement (e.g. this may be a combination of publications, presentations, or grants). (300 words)
2. Describe how your research and service meaningfully enhance access and participation in the ecological sciences and/or impact community engagement. (300 words)
3. How have you interfaced with a pressing challenge that affects the development, retention, or success of ecologists across the broad ecological workforce? Address the strategy or strategies you used to address this issue. (300 words)"
4. What activities will you contribute to support a long-lasting, impactful peer support network for EEE Scholars and alumni (e.g. ESA webinars, other online outreach activities, in-person Annual Meeting events)? (300 words)

Criteria for Selection

Scholars will be selected based on the: 

• Relative merits of their research ideas and  contributions to the discipline.
• Impact of their research and service for increasing access and participation in ecological sciences and/or community engagement.
• Merits of the challenge/action strategy for enhancing the development, retention, or success of ecologists.
• Appropriateness and feasibility of proposed activity to strengthen the EEE Scholars and alumni peer network.

Projected Timeline

Questions?

Contact: education@esa.org