About the Grant
The Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research supports doctoral students pursuing hands-on field studies around the world. It encourages the collection of specimens and data while fostering creativity and observational insights that arise from direct fieldwork. The grant is designed for disciplines highly dependent on field research, including archaeology, anthropology, biology, ecology, geography, geology, linguistics, paleontology, and population genetics, while remaining open to other innovative projects. This fund prioritises early-career researchers aiming to advance knowledge through exploratory research. By funding field studies that may involve astrobiological, ecological, or geological investigations, the grant promotes interdisciplinary exploration, supports scientific discovery, and strengthens the global research landscape.
Grant Details
- Grant Name: Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research
- Funding Agency/Institution: American Philosophical Society
- Location: International / USA
- Research Field(s): Archaeology, Anthropology, Biology, Ecology, Geography, Geology, Linguistics, Paleontology, Population Genetics, Astrobiology
- Grant Type: Field Research Grant
- Project Duration: Short-term travel and fieldwork (variable, typically weeks to months)
- Funding Amount: Up to $5,400 USD (depending on travel and project costs)
- Grant Start Date (Expected): May 2026 onward
- Mode of Research: Individual
- Application Type: Open call
Research Areas Supported
- Field-based exploratory studies
- Collection of specimens and scientific data
- Astrobiological research projects
- Ecology, environmental, and geological field studies
- Archaeological and anthropological fieldwork
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements
- Academic Qualifications: Doctoral students (PhD candidates)
- Career Stage: Early-career researchers
- Nationality/Residency: U.S. citizens or residents; foreign applicants must be based at a U.S. institution or conduct work in the U.S.
- Affiliation Requirements: Must be affiliated with a university or research institution
Preferred Qualifications - First-time applicants preferred
- Relevant fieldwork experience
Not Eligible - Postdoctoral fellows, Master’s or undergraduate students
Grant Benefits
- Funding Support: Travel and fieldwork expenses, personal field equipment
- Travel Allowance: International or domestic fieldwork
- Reporting Requirements: Brief project and financial reports archived in APS Library
- Professional Development: Experience in independent field research, interdisciplinary exposure, mentorship guidance
Key Responsibilities
- Execute the proposed field research according to the approved plan
- Submit financial and project reports within one month after fieldwork completion
- Ensure ethical compliance and safety measures for hazardous projects
- Secure necessary permits and permissions for field activities
Application Process
How to Apply
Submission Mode: Online application: Apply Online
Submission Steps:
- Register/Login
- Fill out the application form
- Upload required documents
- Submit before the deadline
Required Documents:
- Completed Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research Proposal / Project Description
- Budget Plan
- Letter of Endorsement from Academic Advisor or Host Institution
- Ethical Approval Statement (if applicable)
- Prior Work or Publications (if applicable)
- Two Reference Letters
Important Dates
- Call Opens: Immediately
- Deadline: November 17, 2025 (Letters of Support due November 14, 2025)
- Review Period: December 2025 – April 2026
- Results Notification: April 2026
- Project Start Date: May 2026 onward
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: American Philosophical Society
- Official Grant Page: Lewis and Clark Fund
- Apply Online: Application Portal
📧 Contact for Queries
Email: info@amphilsoc.org
Phone: +1 (215) 440-3400
FAQs or Guidelines: Grant Guidelines
Learn about more PhD and research grant opportunities at HigherJobz
