Kessel Fellowships

The Kessel Fellowships are competitive research grants awarded for ornithological research by early-career scientists. Typical research supported includes avian biology, ecology, behavior, conservation, genetics and interdisciplinary work, excluding poultry and agricultural research. Grants are intended to support a Principal Investigator for up to a two-year period, with funds administered through the PI's institution. The 2026 awards include multiple $15,000 fellowships and one $30,000 grant for Arctic research.

Cash research grant ($15,000 each or one $30,000 Arctic grant); funds administered through PI's institution; support intended for up to two years.

Open to early-career researchers (including those who received their Ph.D. within ten years of the grant submission date, with possible parental-leave extension). Eligible applicants include postdoctoral researchers, early-career faculty, and Ph.D. students who will hold the degree by May 2026. Applicants are expected to be active in an ornithological society and AOS membership is required at time of application for citizens of a specified list of countries; applicants from other countries should be active members of an ornithological society in their country or region. Applicants may not have previously received a Kessel Fellowship and may apply for only one AOS research award in a year.

Submit an online application via the AOS Member Portal, including a single PDF with a research plan (max 3 pages), literature cited, PI biographical sketch and other required sections following submission formatting rules.