Award Description:  The CSEE Early Career Awards recognize outstanding accomplishments and promising future research potential in ecology and evolution by scientists early in their career. The selection committee will consider the applications through the lens of CSEE’s Diversity and Inclusivity Statement and draft Code of Ethics. Awards will be given to two candidates each year. Two awardees will receive a 10-year membership to CSEE/SCEE, a $600 cash award and an invitation to give a keynote lecture at the annual meeting. In addition, awardees are eligible to receive up to $1,100 allowance to assist with the costs of care during the CSEE August 2022 meeting. For example, childcare services are considered an eligible expense for the allowance.

Eligibility:  Applicants must have: 1) a research background in the field of ecology and evolutionary biology, and 2) received their doctorate within five years of the application deadline, not including time taken for parental leave(s). There are no citizenship requirements. However, applicants must be either currently working at a Canadian institution, or have obtained their PhD from a Canadian University. Applicants must adhere to the draft CSEE Code of Ethics.

Application Materials:  Applicants must apply directly.  Established researchers may encourage outstanding early-career scientists to apply, but to show their consent nominees/applicants must apply directly.  Applications must contain all of the following supporting materials in the stated order:

1. A completed Applicant Awards Declaration Form.
2. A modified curriculum vitae in which major identifying features are removed. For example, please remove your name from publications and presentations and replace it with “The Applicant”.
3. A summary of research accomplishments (maximum 2 pages). Please use non-identifying language. For example, you can refer to the specific labs you have been affiliated with, but should refrain from identifying yourself by name.
4. A statement of research plans for the next 5 years (maximum of 2 pages).

Letters of Reference: Three letters of reference are required for each applicant and must be sent directly by the referees. Referees must use non-identifying terms, such as “The Applicant”. For example, “The applicant has been a member of my lab…”. In addition to commenting on the candidate’s accomplishments and future research potential, letters of reference should highlight how the applicant has demonstrated conduct that aligns with the draft CSEE Code of Ethics, and how they have demonstrated leadership and commitment that aligns with CSEE’s Diversity and Inclusivity Statement.

Submitting Your Application: All materials and reference letters must be sent in PDF form to both Jasmine Janes (Jasmine.Janes@viu.ca) and Eric Vander Wal (eric.vanderwal@mun.ca).  All materials should be sent with the following filename convention: lastname_firstinitial_CSEE_ECRaward2023.pdf OR lastname_firstinitial_CSEE_ECRreference.pdf.

Time lines: The deadline for receipt of all materials including letters of reference is 3 February 2023. Applicants will be notified of outcomes in March.

Please note: The name (first or last) of the applicant must not appear anywhere within the application other than the file names. Anonymization intends to reduce bias during the evaluation process. Failure to properly anonymize applications could result in disqualification.