Fostering connections and lifelong support for conservation leaders
The David H. Smith Postdoctoral Conservation Research Fellowship Program provides a unique opportunity for early-career conservation scientists to pursue novel research, build professional networks, develop leadership skills, and apply science to address critical conservation problems in the U.S. and it’s territories. Smith Fellows are leaders in research, management, policy, teaching, mentorship, and program development. They are helping transform the way we think about conservation solutions.
We work in partnership with the Society for Conservation Biology.
Request for 2026 Proposals coming late spring!
Smith Fellows is a cohort-driven fellowship program supporting future world leaders and entrepreneurs linking conservation science and practice. It is not just a program funding great science, it’s funding great people building a new future for conservation science.
We are committed to an inclusive environment, ensuring that everyone connected to the program feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. We invite individuals who bring a diversity of lived experience and ideas to apply.
Meet the Smith Fellows
Mission
The purpose of the David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship (the Smith Fellows Program) is: To create opportunities for leading conservation scientists to strengthen their skills through two years of applied post-doctoral research, supplemented by training programs, peer networking, and field learning experiences; so that they may:
1. Build productive partnerships with conservation practitioners; and
2. Contribute and communicate scientific knowledge to problems of critical importance in conservation.
Values
The Smith Fellows Program values respect and dignity for all. The Smith Fellows Program recognizes that the advancement and excellence of conservation biology is intertwined with and relies on a commitment to greater access and inclusion of humans of many views, vantage points, identities, lived experiences, and geographies who actively participate in conservation with equal opportunity and access at all levels of the Program’s structure.
As a Program and community, the Smith Fellows Program welcomes diversity of all types and prioritizes equity, inclusion, and belonging. Likewise, as an entity promoting an evidence-based approach, we recognize and embrace multiple ways of knowing, including traditional ecological knowledge, community science, local knowledge, and Western science.
Recent News
“This fellowship has taught me so much— not just about career and conservation, but about friendship, social justice and resistance, leadership, dreaming big, and taking a really diverse listen to the conservation perspectives in the room. It inspires me to be a better person and a better scientist every day.”
We welcome early-career scientists bridging the gap between conservation research and practice to apply.
Are you conducting cutting-edge research in conservation science? Are you looking to define frontiers and lead the future? Learn more about our 2-year fellowship program to see if we’re right for you!
Want to get involved?
If you’re interested in being a Mentor, add your name here.
To learn about mentoring a Smith Fellow as part of their research practice team, read more on our Program Details page.
Mentors work closely with Fellows during the 2-year Fellowship helping with research design, connecting the Fellow and their research to practical applications, and supporting the Fellow’s professional development as a conservation scientist.
The mentor list will be shared with potential Smith Fellowship applicants who are putting together their mentor team. You will be contacted directly by an applicant if they see an alignment with their project. This list in not managed by program staff.
If you’re interested in being a Reviewer, add your name here.
Our reviewers are key to ensuring that each candidate receives a thorough and thoughtful review! If you haven't reviewed for Smith Fellows before, please ensure you meet the following qualifications:
We welcome reviewers from a diversity of fields, application, and life experience. We ask that you have at least 5 years of professional experience (post terminal degree) in a conservation-related field (management, policy, or research).
You must not be eligible (or planning) to apply for a Smith Fellowship in order to be a reviewer. If you have questions, please reach out to our staff! We are happy to discuss your eligibility.
If you’d like to collaborate with a Fellow, please visit their Smith page to learn more and get in touch, or contact Smith Fellows program staff to be put in touch!