E-SCORE Award (Excellence in Scientific Collections-based Research) awarded by CETAF (Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities).
CETAF (Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities) is the European network of Natural Science Museums, Natural History Museums, Botanical Gardens and Biodiversity Research Centers together with their biological collections and research expertise, which aims to promote training and research in biology systematics and paleobiology as well as facilitate access to information (collections) and expertise of its member institutions throughout Europe.
The CETAF network includes 37 members representing 63 of the largest taxonomic institutions from 22 European countries. Its member institutions include Natural History Museums, Natural Science Museums, Botanic Gardens and other research institutions, with their associated collections and research expertise.
More information about CETAF can be found at the link: https://cetaf.org/about-us/what-cetaf.
For the first time, in 2020 CETAF launches the award E-SCORE (Excellence in Scientific Collections-based Research).
The CETAF E-SCORE AWARD is given annually to young researchers with a 1-year career who meet the following three criteria:
- Conduct studies, including taxonomy, based on natural history collections, which directly or indirectly contribute to addressing global challenges, including biodiversity sustainability;
- Has published studies (eg a taxonomic monograph, article, database, thesis or software) that presents innovative aspects of the research approach, methods/techniques and theory that conform to the principles of open science;
- Is enrolled in a third-cycle study program to obtain a doctoral degree or has a maximum of 5 years of postdoctoral experience (excluding career breaks) at the time of the award (May 22, 2020).
The prize will be awarded taking into account the scientific importance, innovation, social impact and international impact of the study. Applications from all backgrounds are encouraged, especially those underrepresented in science, particularly women and minorities
Price features:
The award will be given annually and will consist of 3 parts:
- A lot of cash of €1,000;
- Financial support (up to €1,000) to facilitate a scientific visit of the Winner to one of the CETAF institutes;
- An invitation to the next meeting of the CETAF Steering Board for a (virtual) presentation of the winning study.
Applications will be submitted by completing the Application Form provided on the CETAF website by 12:00 PM UTC (16:00 PM local time) on January 31, 2020. The applicant must attach:
- A CV, including a list of publications (most relevant) or other research results (maximum 2 pages in total);
- A copy of the applicant's Doctoral degree or a certificate of enrollment in a graduate school
For more information, including eligibility criteria and application form, go to the CETAF website: https://cetaf.org/news/cetaf-e-score-award-excellence-research-based-natural-science-collections-first-edition-2020.