Smithsonian Institution and Mpala Postdoctoral Fellowship for Graduate Studies in USA and Kenya

Fellowships:
Smithsonian Institution and Mpala Postdoctoral Fellowship

Course(s) Offered: Sciences
Course Level: Postdoctoral
Provider: Smithsonian Institution, Mpala
Country to Study in: Kenya, USA

Scholarship Description
The Smithsonian Institution, USA and the Mpala Research Centre and Mpala Wildlife Foundation, both in Kenya, have co-operated to offer the Smithsonian Institution and Mpala Postdoctoral Fellowship for postdoctoral studies.

The Mpala Postdoctoral Fellow in biology, anthropology, geology, hydrology, material science, social science, soil science or related areas resides at Smithsonian facilities AND Mpala Research Centre, Kenya.

The Smithsonian Institution and Mpala Postdoctoral Fellowship is for East African Masters students, and for scientists from Kenya Wildlife Service and National Museums of Kenya.

Eligibility
In addition to the standard conditions for Smithsonian Postdoctoral Fellowships, the following apply:

1. the research topic must be in area of science supported by Smithsonian that is also appropriate to Mpala;
2. at least one half of the fellowship period will be spent in residence at Mpala;
3. the fellow must be sponsored by a scientist at an appropriate Smithsonian unit (collaboration with multiple units is encouraged);
4. the fellow must also collaborate with an appropriate Kenyan organization. This is usually National Museums of Kenya or Kenya Wildlife Service. Collaboration with international organizations in Kenya, such as the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology, is also encouraged.

Eligible groups
Citizens of East African countries

Participating Institutions
Mpala Research Centre and Mpala Wildlife Foundation

Fields of study
The fellow is expected to actively participate in the science community at Mpala, including in research open days, field courses, outreach programs, etc

Number of awards
Not specified

Sponsorship duration
The appointment would be one or two years

Scholarship benefits
Stipends and tenure vary. Awards are contingent upon the availability of funds

Method of Application
Contact: Office of Research Training and Services, Smithsonian Institution, Victor Building 9300, MRC 902 P.O. Box 37012, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012, 202.275.0655, E-mail: siofg@si.edu , www.si.edu/research+study

DEADLINES:
The deadline to apply is January 15 annually.

PLEASE NOTE:
Mpala lies beneath the shadow of Mt. Kenya, in the heart of central Kenya's Laikipia County. It is home to nearly 7,000 elephants, the world’s 4th largest African wild dog population, and the globally endangered Grevy’s zebra. These large populations of wildlife mingle alongside herds of livestock as they traverse between private and pastoralist ranches.

The Mpala Research Centre (MRC) receives hundreds of students, educators, and scientists from around the globe each year, conducting research on everything from parasites to elephants. The unique set up of Mpala allows for researchers to use the land as a ‘living laboratory’ in which to conduct experiments and answer pressing questions on conservation and wildlife.

The Mpala properties were purchased by Sam Small in 1952 and bequeathed to his brother George in 1969. George Small focused his energies and resources on conserving the habitats and wildlife of Mpala and providing healthy livelihoods for Mpala’s employees and families. In 1989 George created the Mpala Wildlife Foundation and the Mpala Research Trust to fund the activities necessary to achieve his vision.

In accordance with George Small’s mission, the Foundation supports the wildlife conservancy, a primary school for employee’s children, a community outreach program which includes the Mpala Mobile Clinic, as well as a working cattle ranch that successfully coexists with an abundance of wildlife. The Foundation contributes to the Mpala Research Trust that supports and directs the Mpala Research Centre, a well respected, international research facility located on the Mpala property.

The Smithsonian Institution, established in 1846 "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge," is a group of museums and research centers administered by the Government of the United States. Originally organized as the "United States National Museum," that name ceased to exist as an administrative entity in 1967.

Application Deadline: 15 January 2011
Open to International Applicants: No (ONLY East Africans)

More Scholarship Information and Application

Related: Scholarships in Kenya for International Students