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IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group
Student Research Assistance Scheme (SRAS)

The IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group’s Student Research Assistance Scheme (SRAS) has been developed with the specific goal of encouraging and assisting undergraduate and post-graduate students to undertake formal research on crocodilians, particularly field research. The CSG recognizes that crocodile research often involves a greater commitment of resources and time by students, relative to many other subjects, and believes that this justifies efforts to assist. This is the type of research that gives students the skills needed to assist crocodile conservation and to become active CSG members in the future.

The SRAS will provide up to $US1000 per year to a limited number of projects that meet the criteria for assistance. The grant is not designed to fully fund projects, nor to sustain them over years, but rather to provide some direct financial assistance to students during their study. Students are encouraged to use the CSG funds, and the "CSG Approved Project" status, to try and lever more project funds from other sources.

Eligibility

The proposed project must be part of a formal undergraduate or post-graduate student degree course leading to higher qualification. The applicant must have appropriate academic supervision. Although not mandatory, some involvement with the student or their project by an existing CSG member is desirable.

Project Criteria

Projects meeting one or more of the following criteria are more likely to be considered favourably:

Criterion	Description
1.	Projects on crocodilian species identified by the CSG as in need of conservation action
2.	Projects with direct and indirect conservation significance.
3.	Projects that quantify the status of crocodilians.
4.	Projects at the dynamic population level of resolution.
5.	Projects that develop analytical tools that can assist threatened crocodilians.
6.	Projects that address constraints on sustainable use.
7.	Projects involving local people in crocodilian conservation and management.
8.	Projects that develop educational and promotional materials.
9.	Projects involving training and capacity building.
10.	Projects with exceptional scientific merit.

Projects focused on research largely unrelated to conservation, management and sustainable use will be considered for funding if they have exceptional merit, but they are not a CSG priority at this time.

Eligible Expenditure

Any expenditure that the Supervisor and/or the CSG consider will assist the student's project and/or the student’s professional development in the context of the project will be considered eligible. Ownership of equipment purchased with the CSG funds will be vested in the student unless the student and supervisor agree that it be retained by the institution.

Verification

The Supervisor will be responsible for confirming that the CSG that funds have been used for eligible expenditure.

Applications

The following guidelines apply to all applications for the SRAS:

Applications can be initially submitted at any time, using the SRAS “Application Form” (available in English, Spanish and French).
In the case of Spanish and French, a summary (up to 300 words) in English will also be required.
Applications should not exceed 4 pages.
Applications should stress the significance of the research and the general approach to it. The methodology should be as succinct as possible but understandable for experienced reviewers. Cite references from the scientific literature whenever possible. The emphasis should be on describing the expected outcomes
Applications should be endorsed in writing by the chair/head of the relevant research institution, university, or other major, international conservation organization.
All applications will be evaluated by at least three (3) CSG reviewers.

Conditions

Successful applicants must provide a summary report on their project to the CSG within 3 months of completion of the project (report guidelines). A photograph of the applicant should also be provided for use on the CSG website.

Future Funding

Receipt of the grant in one year of a project does not infer that funding will be provided in subsequent years. The aim is to use the fund to assist the maximum number of students possible. If funding is sought for a continuation of a project, the outcomes/results from the previous SRAS funding will be essential to the application even being considered.

Submission of Proposals

Applications should be e-mailed to the CSG Executive Officer.