Students and scientists have been invited to apply to receive funding for research and conservation projects through an annual grant.

Applications are open for the Atlantic Conservation Partnership’s 2026 Joe and Claire Smetana Research Award, organisers announced.

Senior undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and professional scientists in Bermuda and the United States can apply for the award, which supports “research that contributes directly to the conservation and management of Bermuda’s ecosystems, regional migratory species and biodiversity”.

Bermudian Fae Sapsford, a marine research fellow with the Sargasso Sea Commission, received the award last year.

Ms Sapsford, who is earning her PhD at the World Maritime University in Sweden, said: “I am so grateful to be supported by the ACP with an award that specifically focuses on improving conservation in Bermuda, the place that made me fall in love with the ocean.”

She added: “The Smetana Award grants me the structure, time and mentorship to conduct research and to disseminate results so that other iconic high seas areas can be better conserved as well.”

Tom Sleeter, the ACP research committee chairman, said that the partnership has supported several programmes, including the Bermuda Turtle Project, Whales Bermuda and the health of the Sargasso Sea.

He added: “This new award from the Smetana family will be a valuable stepping stone to help young scientists develop and address important questions.”

Award applicants must submit a detailed research proposal and budget, including collaboration with a Bermudian organisation or scientists, and detail any local resources that may be needed.

The ACP said: “Funding may be used for stipends, travel, supplies, housing, food and laboratory analyses.

“Travel costs for conferences or symposia may also be considered.

“Award recipients are expected to submit a final report, deliver a local presentation on their research and its impact and participate in ACP public relations efforts.”

Applications can be found via atlanticconservationpartnership.org/experience and should submissions can be made to Stuart Smith, a curator at the Bermuda Natural History Museum, at srsmith@gov.bm.

Visit atlanticconservationpartnership.org or e-mail acpbermuda@gmail.com for more information.