Overview

The Montana State University Institute on Ecosystems (IoE) connects researchers tackling environmental challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration that bridges science, education, and community perspectives. Our work spans Montana’s diverse socio-ecological systems—from working lands and community health to climate resilience, biodiversity, and water systems—grounded in place-based research and a commitment to collaboration and training.

The MSU IoE invites applications from enrolled MSU graduate students (master’s or doctoral level) for small awards to support summer research, fieldwork, analysis, and professional development related to Montana’s and the Greater Yellowstone region’s social–ecological systems. These awards are intended to advance interdisciplinary environmental research, strengthen student training, and foster engagement with the IoE community. Five awards at $2,000 each will be awarded for the summer of 2026 with use of funds extended through the Fall 2026 semester. These funds, used in accordance with MSU policies and procedures, may be for: fieldwork and travel expenses related to fieldwork, research supplies and equipment, laboratory or analytical costs, conference travel or registration, and publication or dissemination costs.

Application Deadline and Submission: Materials should be submitted a single PDF file by email to IoE Research Program Lead, Madison Hebner (madison.hebner@montana.edu) by April 30, 2026 at 5 PM MST.

Required Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled MSU graduate student (master’s or Ph.D.)
  • Students must be in good academic standing, as defined by the MSU Graduate Catalog: https://catalog.montana.edu/graduate/policiestext-grades-academic-standing/#6.2
  • Research must align with IoE’s mission and focus on Montana-based or regional socioecological systems
  • Applicants must have support from their major advisor

Selection Criteria

  • Enrolled as a MSU Master’s or Ph.D. student during the 2026 summer and/or 2026-2027 academic year
  • Research has demonstrated relevance to Montana or Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem socioecological systems
  • Clarity of research objectives, significance, and funding needs
  • Have experience or interest in interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Experience or interest in communicating research findings to broad audiences

Awardee agrees to submit a brief final report and acknowledge IoE support in presentations and publications.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit a single PDF including:

  1. Cover Sheet (see template below)
  2. Statement of Need (max 3 pages) including:
    • Research objectives
    • Significance and broader impacts
    • Funding needs and budget
      • Detailed budget should include justification of expenses
      • Add 6% to your total direct costs to account for MSU institutional costs (standard for MSU budgets).
      • If applicable: Information on mileage rates, per diem, etc. are available on MSU’s OSP webpage: OSP Forms and Toolkit
    • Timeline for proposed work
    • Experience or interest in interdisciplinary research
    • Plans for communicating research to broad audiences
  3. Current CV 
  4. Unofficial MSU Transcript
  5. Advisor Support Statement and Mentoring Plan (1 page)

Graduate Student Award Cover Sheet Template

MSU Institute on Ecosystems 2026 Graduate Student Awards

Project Title:

Student Name:

Degree Program:

Department/School:

Advisor Name and Email:

Anticipated Graduation Date:

Proposed Project Period:

Brief Project Summary (150 words max):

Intended Use of Funds: