Call for applications for 2027
Application Deadline: CURRENTLY CLOSED
The Theodore J. Cohn Research Fund primarily supports research projects on Orthoptera and the other 9 orders of Polyneoptera (Blattodea, Dermaptera, Embioptera, Grylloblattodea, Mantodea, Mantophasmatodea, Phasmatodea, Plecoptera, and Zoraptera) conducted by researchers at the beginning of their careers, often as part of a Master’s or Ph.D. program, although postdoctoral research may also be funded. A total of USD $15,000 per year is available, with individual research grants of up to USD $1,500 per grantee. The fund is named in honor of the distinguished orthopterist, Theodore “Ted” J. Cohn (1930-2012), a generous benefactor of the Orthopterists’ Society who encouraged and supported many young orthopterists throughout his lifetime.
The Committee will consider all applications with equal attention and care. The quality of written English will not be used as an evaluation criterion. The Committee is willing to assist applicants in improving the English presentation of their projects if necessary. Ultimately, the scientific quality, originality, and relevance of the research project will be the primary criteria for evaluation. We particularly encourage students and early-career researchers from Africa and Asia, who are currently underrepresented among grant recipients, to submit proposals.
Other than being a student or early-career researcher, the ONLY requirement is that applicants be members of the Orthopterists’ Society in good standing. Please select one of the options below and complete the application form:
Become a new member HERE.
Renew your membership HERE.
All application materials must be uploaded through the application form HERE.
Project proposals should include the following 3 sections and must not exceed the page limits indicated (2 pages maximum for the 3 sections combined):
1) DESCRIPTION (1 page)
I) TITLE
II) SIGNIFICANCE – Emphasize the novelty and originality of the proposal, its expected contribution to theory or knowledge, and its relationship to previous work. Applicants should clearly explain the significance of their project to help Committee members evaluate proposals, particularly in areas outside their own expertise.
III) RESEARCH PLAN – Describe the polyneopteran taxa to be studied, research methods, field or laboratory logistics, and other relevant methodological details.
IV) TIMETABLE – Provide an approximate timetable to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed work.
2) CURRICULUM VITAE (half page) – Include name and full address, present position or number of years in graduate study, educational background, number of published or completed papers, citations of selected publications relevant to the proposal. These details will assist the Committee in evaluating the applicant’s background and preparation.
3) BUDGET (half page) – Provide a detailed budget, justification for requested items when necessary (e.g., special equipment), information on any additional funding supporting the project. Institutional overhead costs cannot be covered by Society grants.
__________________
The Committee generally favors projects addressing broad biological questions, even when the proposed research focuses on a narrower subject. Proposals should ideally include: clearly stated hypotheses and objectives, the nature of the evidence to be collected, methods for testing hypotheses, and anticipated outcomes. Taxonomic projects are also eligible for funding, particularly those originating from African countries.
Applications from graduate students must include a brief letter of recommendation from their major professor or academic advisor. Applicants not affiliated with an educational or research institution should indicate where the research will be conducted.
Successful applicants will be required to submit a short report upon completion of the research. The report will be published in the next available issue of Metaleptea and should be written in a style accessible to both orthopterists and non-specialist readers.
For inquiries, technical difficulties downloading or submitting applications, or assistance with membership fee payment to the Society, please contact Michel Lecoq, Manager of the Theodore J. Cohn Research Fund Committee.
Click here to see a list of past recipients and their interesting projects.
