The Center for the Ecology and the Environment is seeking applications for the Aldo Leopold Graduate Research Award for the 2026 spring semester. Applicants must be a University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate student in good standing who is pursuing a thesis-based Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. The center is seeking to support graduate students advancing knowledge or understanding in both ecological and societal systems, pursuant to the spirit of Aldo Leopold’s scholarship on land ethics.

Aldo Leopold’s land ethic taught us that human beings are an integral part of the environment and gain physical, economic and spiritual sustenance from it. Students who are passionate about integrating ecology, ethics and culture to enhance our ability to responsibly steward the environment are encouraged to apply.

The Center for Ecology and the Environment (CEE) will be offering two awards of $6,000 each to help support field research, travel-related expenses related to research, conference attendance or other direct research costs. 

Guidelines

The application deadline is February 15.

Required:

1. Pursuing research integrating ecological and social research.
2. Currently enrolled UW–Madison graduate student in good standing pursuing a thesis-based M.S. or Ph.D. degree.

Preferred: 

1. Applicants from across UW schools and disciplines are encouraged to apply, regardless of discipline or the subject of their study; all areas of study across UW-Madison will be considered.
2. Interest in contributing to interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration across diverse communities and disciplines, including capacity-building of the CEE and beyond.
3. Thoughtful engagement with stakeholders or communities that informs socio-ecological research (e.g. public agencies, community organizations, NGOs, tribal nations, cultural institutions or other groups).

To Apply:

Applicants should submit the following as a single PDF to Kyle Webert (webert@wisc.edu):

1. 2-page (max) letter of interest describing the scope of their research and relevance to socio-ecological science and the mission of the CEE
2. Resume/CV
3. Basic budget plan for use of funds including a statement of existing project support (e.g., research or teaching fellowship)

Note: Awardees will be expected to receive their recognitions at the CEE 2026 Spring Symposium in April and present (if available) at the CEE 2027 Spring Symposium. 

Questions about the fellowship can be directed to Prof. Damschen (damschen@wisc.edu).

The funding initiative is possible through generous support from Steven Lawry, who received a Ph.D. in land resources from the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies in 1988.