The United States-based National Geographic Society yesterday announced a new fund to provide grants for New Zealand and Australian researchers.
Under the Global Exploration Fund, launched in Auckland, three grants will be made annually for projects in Australasia - one each for science, exploration and conservation.
The society, which publishes National Geographic
Magazine and broadcasts the National Geographic Channel, began its grants programme in 1890.
Its recipients have included naturalist Jane Goodall, Titanic discoverer Bob Ballard, Egyptologist Mark Lehner, geneticist Spencer Wells and anthropologist Louis Leakey.
Five New Zealanders have had grants from the society, the first being Northland biologist David Crockett in 1980 to help his search for the breeding ground of the rare Chatham Island taiko.
National Geographic executive vice-president for mission programmes Terry Garcia said more and more grants were being awarded outside the United States.
National Geographic Channel spokeswoman Amanda Farrar described New Zealand and Australia as "a hot-bed of innovative research and ideas".
South Australian Museum director Tim Flannery has been appointed as the fund's adviser and will help to consider potential New Zealand and Australian submissions.
Grants are expected to vary between about US$10,000 ($17,000) and US$30,000 ($50,960).
The society said proposed projects needed to have a geographical dimension and the applicants had to have doctorate degrees or the equivalent.
- NZPA
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
Related links
