Introduction

SEAMEO BIOTROP is a Regional Center in the field of tropical biology under the coordination of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), mandated to carry out cooperation in the field of tropical biology education and human resource capacity building in the Southeast Asian region through research, training, and information dissemination activities. SEAMEO BIOTROP's vision as a center for sustainable biodiversity management with a good reputation in Southeast Asia, carrying the tagline "Saving Biodiversity from Mountains to Seas," entails the mission of developing highly competent human resources for the sustainable management of biodiversity in Southeast Asia. As a manifestation of this mission, in 2024 SEAMEO BIOTROP launched the Academic Leaders Programme.

The Academic Leaders Programme is one of the flagship programme in 2024. One of the projects under the Academic Leaders Programme is the Fellowship on Tropical Biodiversity. On this project, the Centre will support the post graduate students from Universities to conduct their research which are related to the Centre’s research themes.

Objectives

The Fellowship project was initiated to address human resource issues that caused by the  regulation of the Government of Indonesia (GoI) on restriction on new staff recruitment who are hired with GoI funding. This project is expected to be a strategy of the Centre to achieve the targeted programme outputs with limited human resource.

Participant Requirements 

Fellowship Program sets specific eligibility criteria, where applicants are required to demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and strong commitment to their chosen field of study.

Specific Requirements:

1. Currently enrolled in a Master's or Doctoral’s program related to programme topics at the Centre;
2. Must be from accredited/reputable universities;
3. Must have at least finished the second semester of their study;
4. Include a Motivation Letter.

General Requirements:

1. Must be an active student (verified by Student ID);
2. Health Certificate;
3. Enrolled as an active participant in health insurance;
4. Attach Curriculum Vitae;
5. Recent photograph;
6. Obtain a recommendation letter from the university;
7. Attach the permission letter from the Head of Faculty; 
   
8. Attach the latest academic transcript.

PRIVILEGES AND OBLIGATIONS

Rights and privileges for the fellowship participants are:

1. Receive incentives for transportation, meals, and publications (Scopus indexed/Sinta 2 accredited journals);
2. Use of SEAMEO BIOTROP facilities (office space and dormitory), laboratories, libraries, data, and equipment at SEAMEO BIOTROP;
3. Collaboration and technical guidance from scientists, researchers, and practitioners (Affiliates and Associates) at SEAMEO Centres;
4. Opportunities for national and regional networking;
5. Participation in programs and activities of SEAMEO BIOTROP and SEAMEO Centres;
6. Opportunities to participate in the capacity building activities of SEAMEO Centre

Obligations that must be fulfilled:

1. Participate in programs and activities according to the output targets of SEAMEO BIOTROP;
2. Complete the fellowship program period as stated in the acceptance letter;
3. Produce reputable scientific publications and popular articles according to the implemented program;
4. Contribute to SEAMEO BIOTROP's visibility (publications, social media, events, etc);
5. Collaborate within the area of expertise during the program;
6. Attend regular meetings, seminars, or workshops held as part of the fellowship program to share progress, discuss challenges, and receive guidance;
7. Prepare progress reports and final reports according to the agreed-upon schedule.

REGISTRATION AND SELECTION

Registration Process

1. Fill out the registration form via the link https://forms.gle/QuAVHjRQpCjgkbqL7 Ph.D. and Master fellowship: Submit formal application documents, research proposal (20%), academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statement.
2. Upload supporting documents including Curriculum Vitae, Health Certificate, Student ID Card, Photograph, University recommendation letter, and latest transcript of records.
3. Research proposal template: Proposal Template  

Themes for the the fellowship program for the year 2024 are as follows:

1. Tropical Biodiversity Conservation
2. Conservation of Rare Plant Biodiversity
3. Seaweed Biotechnology
4. Small-Scale Lake Management
5. Ornamental Fish Farming
6. Biotechnology Risk Management
7. International Treaties on Biodiversity
8. Bioprospecting and Bioeconomy
9. Stingless Bee Farming and Propolis Products
10. Socioeconomic Aspects of Biodiversity
11. Fish Feed Technology
12. Biofertilizers
13. Bio-Prospecting Products
14. Climate Change and Agriculture
15. Precision Agriculture and Climate Change
16. Urban Biodiversity
17. Technological Transformation in the field of Tropical Biodiversity
18. Digital and Spatial Ecology of Biodiversity 19. Visual Communication

Timeline

1. Opening begins on February 23 to June 30, 2024.
2. Fill out the e-form at the link: https://forms.gle/QuAVHjRQpCjgkbqL7
3. Selection period: June 30 - July 2, 2024.
4. Announcement: July 5, 2024.
5. Inception Ceremony: July 15, 2024.

Expected Outputs

1. Research results and reports must adhere to SEAMEO BIOTROP standards.
2. Publications or journals should at least reach the "accept to review" stage.
3. Generate a prototype if the output of the program is a product or model.

Duration

The fellowship duration is 18 weeks or adjusted according to the implementation of the SEAMEO BIOTROP program.

Proposal Template

Download the research proposal template here:
Proposal Template Download