The American Elasmobranch Society, the world’s oldest and largest professional society focusing on the scientific study and management of sharks and their relatives, is now welcoming applications for the 2nd year of our Young Professional Recruitment Fund diversity initiative. Awardees will be given one year of Society membership, in addition to specialized professional development training, mentorship, and networking opportunities specific to their needs as scientists and professionals from developing nations or historically underrepresented minority groups.

Applications, which can be found here, are due by 5 P.M. U.S. eastern standard time on Tuesday, November 15th. All winners will be notified by Friday, December 16th.

To be eligible for a Young Professional Recruitment Fund award, applicants must fill out the application and demonstrate that they:

A) Have a demonstrated professional interest in the scientific study or management of elasmobranch fishes (to be described in your application essay); and

B) Are an undergraduate or graduate student, postdoctoral researcher, or early career scientist or management professional within 5 years of earning their degree; and

C) Are a representative of a historically underrepresented group in marine science (including ethnic/racial minorities and women), and/or perform your research in a developing nation.

D) Are not a current member of the American Elasmobranch Society and have not been a member in the past.

The American Elasmobranch Society’s Grant Fund Committee will evaluate applicants with guidance from MinorityPostdoc.org, an organization specializing in improving diversity in the sciences.

Application essays and photos of awardees may be made public on the Society blog and newsletter, but recipients will be given the opportunity to re-edit them. Awardees will be strongly encouraged to participate in discussions (mostly online to facilitate including international awardees) related to professional development training and networking.

Please share with any interested colleagues, and please let us know if you have any questions!