NGC Provides Scientists, Professors and Students with Equipment to Assist Their Research

Egrets and herons congregate along streams to capture fishes and insects.

A used pair of binoculars can make the difference between a student embarking on a Master's project in conservation or switching over to an agricultural focus with better funding.

The Research Equipment Program (REP) provides basic science equipment to scientists and students in the American tropics to assist their research opportunities and education. Conservation research efforts are often hindered by a lack of basic equipment.

Many outstanding researchers need such essentials as microscopes, GPS units, mist nets, video cameras, binoculars, and science textbooks. Equipment is either donated or purchased and sent to Latin America at relatively little expense.

Our growing network of professors and graduate students dedicated to conservation request specific equipment, describe their projects, and how the equipment will impact the study. At the end of each year we ask for an update on the study and donated equipment. The equipment stays with the research group to encourage further studies and professional development. The impact, particularly for young professionals, is immense.

HOW TO APPLY

Read guidelines

Download application (English)

Download application (Spanish)

Download application (Portuguese)

Mail or submit electronically

The Research Equipment Program (REP) provides basic science equipment to research groups in the American tropics. The intent of the program is that donated equipment and literature should be of general use to a variety of projects, students, and researchers.

ELIGIBILITY

Latin American researchers affiliated with a university or conservation organization are eligible to apply.

APPLICATION DEADLINES AND REVIEW

Applications are accepted by the 1st of April, December and August, and are reviewed by members of the Research Equipment Program committee and two outside reviewers. Award decisions are based on the merit of the associated projects, number of projects and students expected to be impacted by the equipment donation, and how closely projects meet the mission of the Neotropical Grassland Conservancy. Applicants are notified of funding decisions within a month of the application due date.

EQUIPMENT DELIVERY

The REP committee works closely with successful applicants to identify the most reliable and cost effective method for equipment delivery. To avoid unnecessary expenses, it is preferable that the delivery is made by an NGC representative, or shipped to a colleague visiting the US and subsequently delivered to the applicant.

AWARD REQUIREMENTS

At the end of each year we ask for an update on the study and equipment status.The equipment stays with the research group to encourage further studies and professional development.