The 2025 Appleton-Whittell Research Fellow application window is closed. Click here to learn about this year's awardees, and read on to learn more about the program and how to apply in 2026.

At Audubon Southwest, we seek science-based solutions to the biggest threats facing the region’s birds, other wildlife, habitats, and communities. We need sound science to tell us what birds need, and we believe that securing conservation wins tomorrow depends on fostering a young, diverse cohort of aspiring scientists today.

That is why we offer our annual Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch (AWRR) Research Fellowships! Through this program, we offer support to young scientists embarking on research with the potential to further Frank and Ariel Appleton’s founding mission of the Research Ranch – to leave the land better than we found it. Supported research includes, but is not limited to, studies focused on:

• Grassland conservation
• Arizona Species of Greatest Conservation Need
• Ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation
• Natural history at any scale
• Impacts of climate change and aridification
• Community engagement in science and conservation

For more information, check out our 2025 fellowship announcement and application scoring rubric. To see some of the projects that previously made the cut, check out the work of past AWRR fellows here and below.

Fellowship details

Each year, up to three applicants will receive:

• A Cash award of $1000 to be used on any research-related expenses; gear, books, travel, conferences, etc.
• A $500 Housing voucher to be used for lodging on the Research Ranch
• Opportunities to share their work through our annual AWRR Fellowship Webinar Series and Audubon websites, newsletters, social media, and more

All eligible persons conducting research in southeastern Arizona are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to those conducting research on the AWRR.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 30
• Be conducting conservation related research in Southeastern Arizona
• Demonstrate a strong conservation ethic
• Show a commitment to scientific rigor by presenting a well-designed study

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following materials to steven.prager@audubon.org.

• A cover letter (max. 1 page)
• A research proposal (max. 3 pages) outlining the purpose, significance, methods, and expected products of your research
• Your CV or resume
• A letter of recommendation from an individual who is knowledgeable about your project and can speak to your conservation ethic and scientific ability

Timeline

• Application deadline: March, 2026
• Recipients announced: April, 2026

(exact dates TBD)

Questions? Please reach out to Steven Prager at steven.prager@audubon.org.

Thank you to the Research Ranch Foundation and the generous Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch community whose contributions make this award possible!