Plant Science Fellowship
Oak Spring Garden Foundation’s Fellowship in Plant Science Research
Purpose
The Plant Science Research Fellowship is awarded annually to one outstanding, early-career plant scientist, with preference given to scientists working in organismal plant biology. The goal is to provide advanced graduate students, post-docs, and beginning faculty, working in organismal plant biology, with an extended a stay of 2 - 5 weeks on the Oak Spring estate to undertake independent writing and thinking, away from the day-to-day demands of their other responsibilities.
This is one of our four most prestigious awards and it includes a $10,000 individual grant. While at OSGF, the Fellow will be able to meet with staff, explore our 700-acre landscape and our efforts in sustainable land management, and visit our rare book library that holds over 19,000 objects, including many examples of botanical art. The Fellowship is well suited for individuals working on dissertations, or writing projects that require dedicated time in a supportive community with minimal distractions.
The Fellow will be scheduled to visit when there are other Interdisciplinary Residents or Fellows on-site. This scheduling will allow the Fellow to join in communal meals, and optional activities and field trips with other artists, ecologists, researchers, or scholars working on projects related to OSGF’s mission. Beyond time to develop their projects, a Fellow’s typical day at Oak Spring might include a walk to enjoy the landscape or birds; an appointment to visit the Oak Spring Library; and/or a morning spent volunteering at the BCCF or in the formal garden. These optional activities provide Fellows time to learn from, and interact with our staff. None of these activities are required, and we understand that some Fellows might want to spend most of their time in their writing or working independently. We support and enable Fellows to use their time as they best see fit. At the culmination of their stay, we encourage, but don’t require, Fellows to give a 20 – 30 minute presentation with time for questions, to Oak Spring staff and any other Fellows, Residents, or program participants who might be on site.
Application Process
The application portal is now open and will close May 31st, 2024. Please note that there is one application for all of our 2024 Residency and Fellowship programs, and you will be prompted to select which programs you would like to be considered for. You will be asked to submit:
a resume/curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages),
a 200 - 300-word statement on your current body of research,
a 200 - 300-word statement on how your work relates to Oak Spring Garden Foundation’s mission to “perpetuate and share the gifts of Rachel (“Bunny”) Lambert Mellon, including her residence, garden, estate and the Oak Spring Garden Library, to serve the public interest. OSGF is dedicated to inspiring and facilitating scholarship and public dialogue on the history and future of plants, including the culture of gardens and landscapes and the importance of plants for human well-being.”
a 200 - 300 description of how you anticipate using your time during a 2 - 5 week Residency at OSGF. OSGF does not currently have a laboratory or any laboratory/science equipment. However, our landscape and formal garden offers an abundance of plant life, and we are especially keen to support work that utilizes or relates to species growing on site. Successful applicants will also be able to indicate a clear and timely need for the Fellowship. Please keep in mind that the OSGF estate is set in a rural and tranquil setting, and we also welcome applicants who would use the Residency as an opportunity to observe and write, free from other distractions.
a CV/resume
NOTE: When applying to this Fellowship, you will be asked if you are interested in being considered for our Interdisciplinary Residency Program, if you are not selected for the Fellowship. To learn more about our Interdisciplinary Residency, please visit www.osgf.org/residencies.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be early-career plant scientists who have completed their undergraduate degree within the past ten years. The successful Fellow must be self-directed and able to work independently while on site. Applicants are expected to show dedication to their work in plant science, exceptional promise, good communication skills and excellence in what they have accomplished or plan to accomplish.
Dates
Fellows should arrive on the same start date of an Interdisciplinary Residency, or Botanical Artist Residency. The Fellows will complete the introductory tours with these cohorts. In 2025, these dates are:
Monday, March 3, 2025
Sunday, April 13, 2025 (only available for a 3-week residency)
Monday, May 19, 2025
Monday, June 30, 2025
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Monday, September 8, 2025
Award
The $10,000 individual grant associated with this award can be put towards travel to and from OSGF, materials and supplies purchased for their Residency, and other items that will support their work, before or after their stay at OSGF.
The selected Fellow should make travel arrangements to Dulles International Airport, where Oak Spring will arrange ground transportation for them to our estate in Upperville, VA. The Fellow will be housed in nicely appointed shared accommodations. The Fellow will have a private bedroom and bathroom, and share a living room and kitchen with 1 – 3 other Residents or Fellows.
Selection
A jury of established plant scientists, and science administrators will review the applicants and select the 2024 Oak Spring Garden Foundation’s Fellow in Plant Science Research.
Quotes from Previous Plant Science Research Fellows
“A wonderful experience. I hadn't realized as a scientist that a Residency would be such a transformative experience. I was able to use the time to reflect and think deeply about my work, write, collect data, and engage in deep conversations with incredibly interesting Residents and Fellows. Living onsite felt absolutely luxurious, supplied with bikes, CSA produce, Saskia's meals, the stunning landscape, and an open invitation to enjoy the resources such as the library and gardens. Thank you!” Aleca Borsuk, 2021 Plant Science Research Fellow
“It was an amazing and unusual experience! Residencies are not a common thing among people in my field, but they should! I think that everyone in the OSGF team was very friendly and I loved to learn about the work of the artists. I particularly loved the volunteering at the farm! I am so thankful to have had this opportunity!” Ixchel Gonzalez-Ramirez, 2022 Plant Science Research Fellow
Oak Spring Garden Foundation supports individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, creed, abilities/disabilities, or socio-economic status.