The UC Nature Field Science Fellowship provides financial support to UC undergraduate-faculty teams conducting scientific research in the field at UC Nature reserves. The fellowships enable students to focus on gaining valuable hands-on research experience under the guidance of a faculty researcher. Each $6,000 award consists of a $5,000 student stipend and $1,000 to cover project costs. A maximum of $24,000 will be awarded annually.
Projects enabling the student to perform full-time research over the summer are preferred. However, we will also consider proposals that explain why the research must be conducted during another season and how the student will be able to accomplish the research while enrolled in classes during the academic year.
At the conclusion of the fellowship, student recipients are expected to report on progress achieved with fellowship funds.
Funding for the Field Science Fellowships is made possible through the Samuelsen Conservation Scholars Initiative.
Access and inclusion
All applications are welcomed and will be considered. We especially invite applications from students from ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the sciences, including but not limited to African-American, Latinx, Native American, Pacific Islander, and first-generation college students.
Application information
Eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, and complete application information can be found here.
The application for Summer 2027 opens October 1, 2026. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2027. Applicants will be notified by April 2027.
Flyer
Download a pdf of the 2026 Field Science Fellowship flyer.
Previous recipients and their projects
A table of Field Science Fellowship recipients and their projects since the award was established in 2020.