The call for the 2026 edition of the 2026 GBIF Graduate Researchers Award is now open. Two 5,000 € awards will be given to graduate students whose master’s or doctoral studies rely on GBIF-mediated data. Italy, as a GBIF Participant Country, will nominate two candidates selected among national applications submitted to the GBIF Italy Node by May 15th, 2026, to compete for the award. The winners will be announced in October 2026, in the Governing Board 33.
Eligibility
Candidates to be nominated by Italy must be enrolled in a university graduation programme in Italy to be eligible for the award.
Submission process and deadlines
Candidates should submit their application, by email, to [diego.fontaneto@cnr.it] by 15th May 2026. Award nomination documents: Research summary (200 words) Project description (maximum five pages, 12-point Arial) that describes a. How the research advances biodiversity informatics and/or the conservation of biological diversity. b. The role of data accessed through GBIF in addressing these questions. The description must clearly demonstrate how the study incorporates data mobilized through GBIF. Students with questions about GBIF-mediated data should work with academic advisors, their GBIF national node, the GBIF Secretariat or members of the Science Committee to increase their understanding. c. The research scope, plan, methodologies, relevant literature citations. d. If relevant, a description or an excerpt from a data management plan that outlines how data related to the research is published or will be prepared for publication through the GBIF network to GBIF.org. Curriculum vitae, including contact information of the university institution where the student is currently enrolled. Supporting documents a. An official letter from the student’s faculty mentor/supervisor certifying that the applicant is a student in good standing in the graduate programme of the university. b. At least one, and no more than three, letters of support from established researchers active in a field that encompasses and incorporates biodiversity informatics.
Selection process
Proposals will be evaluated at national level, for the selection of two candidates, which will be nominated by GBIF Italy to GBIF. The GBIF Science Committee will review the nominations and select winners of the Young Researchers Awards. Awardees will be announced in October 2026.
Selection criteria
Originality and innovation Use of and strategic significance for data accessed through GBIF Measurable effectiveness and impact in advancing biodiversity informatics and/or the conservation of biological diversity.