The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) has opened the call for nominations for the 2026 GBIF Graduate Researchers Award, an annual program recognizing exceptional graduate research that advances biodiversity science through the use of open data. Each year, GBIF honors two graduate students—one master’s and one PhD—whose work demonstrates innovative use of GBIF-mediated biodiversity data. Awardees are selected through an international review process coordinated by the GBIF Science Committee and each receive a €5,000 prize. Winners will be announced in advance of the 2026 GBIF Governing Board meeting.
Eligibility
Nominees must:
- Be currently enrolled in a master’s or PhD program
- Be either a U.S. citizen or enrolled at a U.S. institution
- Conduct research that makes significant use of GBIF-mediated data
As with previous years, students may not apply directly. Nominations must be submitted through national GBIF nodes.
U.S. nominations (GBIF.US)
The U.S. node, GBIF.US, will coordinate the national selection process and submit up to two nominations to GBIF.
Students in the United States who wish to be considered for nomination should work with their advisors to prepare materials and contact GBIF.US by 15 May 2026 to express interest and receive submission instructions.
To be considered for the U.S. nomination, please contact Libby Ellwood: 📧eellwood@floridamuseum.ufl.edu
Because the U.S. node must review and select candidates ahead of the global deadline, internal deadlines will occur earlier than the GBIF submission deadline. Prospective nominees are strongly encouraged to reach out well in advance.
Nomination Materials
Nomination packages must be submitted in English and include:
- A brief (≈200-word) summary of the research
- A detailed project description (up to ~5 pages)
- Curriculum vitae
- A letter from the student’s supervisor confirming enrollment
- One to three letters of support
- Submissions should clearly demonstrate how GBIF-mediated data were used and how the research contributes to biodiversity knowledge, informatics, or conservation.
Timeline
- U.S. nomination deadline: (set by GBIF.US; contact early for details)
- Global deadline for submission to GBIF: 29 May 2026
About The Award
The GBIF Graduate Researchers Award supports the next generation of scientists working at the intersection of biodiversity science and data. By recognizing innovative research built on open, FAIR biodiversity data, the program highlights the value of global data sharing and its role in addressing pressing environmental challenges.