The Paleontological Society

Paleontological Society
International Research Program

Sepkoski Grants

For 2009

The Paleontological Society is pleased to announce continuation of its small grants program for paleontologists living in Eastern Europe and republics of the former Soviet Union. For 2009, the Paleontological Society will award fifteen grants of US $1000. These grants will be made directly to individuals and not to institutions. Grantees will be selected by a committee of the Paleontological Society based on the quality and feasibility of the proposed research. Consideration will be given to paleontologists of all levels and begins with graduate student research. PalSIRPSepkoski Grants are named in honor of Dr. J. John Sepkoski, Jr., founder of the program. Dr. Sepkoski died at age 50 in 1999.

Applications for a PalSIRPSepkoski Grant must include the following four items, all typed in English: see website paleosoc.org for further information.

  1. The Cover sheet (download Word doc here) completely filled out and sent with the rest of the application.

  2. Cover letter, stating the applicant's full name as it appears on the passport, passport number, date of birth, institutional affiliation, address, telephone number, FAX number, and especially the e-mail address. The letter should also provide names and addresses (including e-mail) of North American/European Community (exclusive of former Warsaw Pact countries) paleontologists familiar with the applicant's research; these persons will be used as referees and will be contacted by the Sepkoski Grants Committee

  3. Research proposal, no longer than two pages, single-sided, providing a project title, a brief

    4. Description of proposed research, its significance, and the general uses of the PalSIRPSepkoski Grant funds. The subject matter covered by grant proposals may be in any field under the discipline of paleontology/paleobiology. Applicants should look over the Journal of Paleontology as a guide to acceptable topics. Appropriate ancillary uses of Sepkoski Grant funds include (but are not limited to) salary support, domestic and foreign travel, and equipment purchase. Requests for field expenses, publication costs, attendance at scientific meetings, and related aspects to any of these areas is acceptable. No detailed budget or accounting is required for the $1000 grant.

  4. Curriculum vitae (C.V.) listing birth date, education, current professional position, and all published papers, articles, and books. Additional information, such as employment history, awards, participation in international conferences and projects, etc., may be included.

The cover sheet and items (2-4) must be sent by e-mail (in Microsoft Word or plain- text) as a single attachment, (not multiple attachments), to the following address:

< parsley@tulane.edu >

Please do not submit proposals by post!

Proposals must be received by April 1, 2009 to be considered for 2009 funding. Proposals received after that date will not be considered. Proposals not written in English will be returned without consideration.

Paleontologists living in the following countries are currently eligible for PalSIRPSepkoski Grants: all republics of the former Soviet Union, including the Baltic States, Mongolia, and nations in Eastern Europe (other than East Germany), including Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, and the countries of the former Yugoslavia.

There is no limit to the number of times a paleontologist may apply for a PalSIRP Sepkoski Grant but only one application, per year, will be considered. Awards are usually made in November and December.

Applicants for the 2009 grant program are strongly encouraged to contact their North American or European Community referees by e-mail to determine their willingness to act as recommenders. It is also suggested that applicants send along a copy of their proposal to their referees for informational purposes.

The Paleontological Society asks all colleagues for their assistance in advertising PalSIRPSepkoski Grants. Please send this grant application information to your colleagues in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

Dr. Ronald L. Parsley, PalSIRPSepkoski Grants
Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Tulane University
New Orleans, LA 70118 USA