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SEEDS Undergraduate Student Travel Awards

To support and promote the participation of underrepresented students in
the field of ecology, SEEDS offers Undergraduate Student Awards to participate in the ESA Annual Meeting every year. For 30 years, the ESA SEEDS program has been supporting students to participate in this annual gathering of ecologists, which brings together over 3,500 scientists to communicate their research. As well as hearing from experts in a variety of fields, you will be under direct tutelage from those same experts as you select your own meeting mentor! This is an amazing opportunity to be exposed to many different realms of science and to develop professional and personal skills – as well as a great resume builder. Take a chance and apply to this great opportunity today! 

The 111th ESA Annual Meeting – Ecology in an Era of Uncertainty will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah from July 26-31.

What does the Award include this year?

SEEDS is proud to offer fully funded and mentored experiences for undergraduates during the ESA Annual Meeting. Each selected participant receives: 

  • Full Meeting Registration
  • Roundtrip airfare
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Meal stipend
  • An ESA Student Membership (Note: ESA membership is based on calendar year, which runs from January 1 to December 31.)
  • ESA mentor – students select their own mentor for the week!
  • SEEDS Alumni Mentor groups – past SEEDS students with graduate degrees that help undergraduates navigate the meeting
  • SEEDS Student Orientation pre-meeting
  • Special SEEDS Only events and meals

SEEDS puts together orientations, events and mentoring so you feel part of a community from day 1! Selected candidates get to experience the world’s largest ecology meeting with guidance and networks already in place to make this the best experience possible.  

Participation Requirements:

  • Must be currently enrolled in a US academic institution at the time of application.
  • Demonstrate a strong interest in ecology!

Preference will be given to students who:

  • come from underrepresented communities in ecology. 
  • demonstrate a strong interest in a career in ecology (i.e. strong interest in attending graduate school)
  • plan to present research at the meeting (Submit an abstract to present before the ESA Annual Meeting deadline – February 19, 2026 at 5PM ET) – you can also submit your presentation for the late-breaking poster session at a later deadline. 
  • exhibit promise in contributing to the ecology program at their home institution or in their community.

Application Requirements:

  • Contact Information
  • Academic Information
  • Meeting presentations (oral or poster) information
  • Resume or CV (PDF format)
  • An Essay (500 word max.)

Click on the image above to visit the SEEDS Application Portal

Applications will be accepted until March 2, 2026

The 111th ESA Annual Meeting – Ecology in an Era of Uncertainty will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah from July 26-31.