Scholarship Information.

Application Deadline: 20th October 2023

Research Period: From  November 2023 to January 2024

Introduction to the Scholarship:

The Tortoise and Freshwater turtle field research scholarship for Lao PDR is provided by the Asian Turtle Program (ATP) of Indo-Myanmar Conservation (IMC). This project is supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF). Small research grants of up to $1,000 are available for university students, ideally as part of completing a research project for an undergraduate, Masters or PhD degree. Grants may also be available for early career biologists working in related conservation or research positions within NGOs or forestry departments.

All research applications related to Tortoise and freshwater turtle species in Lao PDR will be considered. A preference will be made for applications focused on priority species, the Asian Giant Softshell Turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) and the Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei). Applicants interested in the Asian Giant Softshell Turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) proposed area is Sekong province. For Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei), the priority areas are Xiangkhouang and Houaphanh provinces. Research supported could include interview or field surveys focusing on confirming viable populations of these species in Laos.  ATP/IMC will support initial training on project design, scheduling and budgeting, and a member of the ATP team will participate with successful scholarship applicants in conducting the research projects during the initial phase to provide training in the field. All results from fieldwork, including photographs, interview, notes, or other data collected, must be made available to  ATP/IMC.

If you’re interested in applying for the scholarship, please fill out the application HERE and send the completed application to Mr Nguyen Thanh Luan at nguyenthanhluan@asianturtleprogram.org with a copy to info@asianturtleprogram.org to arrive no later than the 20th October 2023. 

You can download the application form HERE