Call for applications: The Arboretum Research Scholar Award by Harvard University is now open!!
The Arboretum Research Scholar Award gives scholars a unique opportunity to jump-start their research program and guide the direction of their future research with the support of the Arnold Arboretum. The Arboretum Research Scholar Award supports researchers who utilize the myriad resources of the Arnold Arboretum to investigate any area of science.
Awards of up to $10,000 are granted to support research expenses and/or travel expenses associated with the proposed research. Preference will be given to scholars visiting the Arboretum and in residence for a portion of their research with the goal of gaining connections within the framework of a top-tier academic environment to drive future careers and research initiatives.
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The resources of the Arnold Arboretum include:
Living collections
- The living collections feature extensive biodiversity both in terms of the number of species represented as well as genetic diversity within species, featuring multiple individuals of the same species collected from the wild in diverse biogeographic regions. Bringing these diverse individual trees and shrubs together to grow under shared conditions allows comparative studies within the ultimate common garden experiment.
Weld Hill Research Facilities
- Scholars in residence at the Arboretum have access to world-class laboratories and expert staff, a rich environment for collaboration and making new connections.
Library and Archives
- The Arboretum has extensive documentation of its living collections of accessioned plants, historical photos over decades, library archives, herbarium specimens, and climate data collected since 1918, offering unique and important historical perspectives.
Arboretum Grounds
- The Arboretum is a naturalized environment nestled within an urban setting, offering opportunities to explore complex, city ecosystems. In addition to woody plants, the Arboretum’s 281 acres include meadows of native and non-native herbaceous plants and wildflowers, as well as non-plant organisms and the urban environment.
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Location:
OnlineBenefits
- Awards of up to $10,000 are granted to support research expenses and/or travel expenses associated with the proposed research.
Eligibilities
- Applications are sought from all scholars,
- Preference will be given to early-career individuals and visiting scholars.
- Undergraduate Student
- Master Candidate
- PhD Pre-Candidacy
- PhD Candidate
- Post-doctoral Researcher
- Research Scientist
- Faculty
- Educator
- Other
Application Process
Awards are granted through a competitive review process. Selection of recipient(s) will be based on the educational background of the applicant and their readiness to conduct the proposed research; the quality of the proposed research; and the relevance of the proposed research to the resources of the Arnold Arboretum.
To be considered for an award, online applications should include the following:
- Cover letter.
- Research statement. The statement should be 1 to 2-pages and describes your research project and how additional funding via the Arboretum Research Scholar Award would further your research aims and support your career. Include how the resources of the Arnold Arboretum will be utilized. References should be included, but do not count as part of the page limit.
- Research budget. Applicants should submit a simple, 1-page budget that itemizes the research and travel costs associated with the proposed project. Award funds are not intended to supplement or replace departmental salaries or stipends, but they may be used for the stipend/salary of an undergraduate intern appointed through your home institution.
- Project timeline. Applicants should submit a timeline of the project and anticipated start and end dates.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Two letters of recommendation. As part of the online submission, applicants (with the exception of applicants that are faculty or senior scientist/principal investigators) must send a request to the two referees to submit a letter of recommendation (via the request section). The referee will be automatically sent an email with a link to an online submission form where they will upload a letter of recommendation. It is highly recommended that you contact your referee prior to sending the request. Please inform the referee to expect an email from [email protected] with instructions for submitting a recommendation letter. Each referee must upload his/her letter of recommendation via the link by February 1.
Application Deadline: February 2, 2026
Application ClosedOfficial link
