Deadline: 20th May 2023
MSc Scholarship Programme 2023 at SANParks
MSc Scholarship Programme Available for Research to support Climate Change Adaptation in South African National Parks
SANParks is pleased to announce the availability of MSc grants for student research on addressing climate change impacts in South African National Parks. This should focus on conservation of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and/or the services they provide to people. Research should have significant scientific value and produce results that are directly relevant to management of one or more of South Africa’s national parks and/or marine protected areas.
Topics could include:
- Identifying impacts Assessing vulnerability
- Identifying management interventions
- Building human resilience
- Monitoring intervention effectiveness
- Enhancing carbon sequestration
Successful MSc candidates may be carrying out either research or course work degrees. An amount of R130 000 is available for two years or one year of study respectively. Discretionary operational grants of up to R20 000 are available.
This opportunity is provided through a collaboration between SANParks and the United States National Park Service, supported by the US Embassy, and includes potential for students to liaise with and learn from US researchers.
Students must be registered at a South African university and projects completed by December 2024. Working with one or more SANParks scientist is encouraged. See https://www.sanparks.org/scientific-services/ for details of SANParks conservation research.
Proposals are due by 20th May 2023 and must be submitted in the template
format below, along with a brief (max 2-page) CV of the proposing/proposed student. These should be emailed to SANParks’ Climate Change Scientists [email protected] and [email protected]. Proposers may also submit informal enquiries before planning a full proposal.
SANParks’ Research Selection Committee will consider the following when
evaluating proposals:
1. Are the context and motivation for this research clear?
2. Is the project of direct value for SANParks?
3. Does the proposal have sufficient novelty and scientific merit?
4. Are the scope and ambition of the project realistic?
5. Is the proposed methodology suitable?
6. Does the applicant have the support of a suitable supervisor(s)?
7. Are operational funding requirements reasonable and justifiable?
8. Is there a clear list of expected outcomes?
