Owen F. Aldis Scholarship

The Owen F. Aldis Scholarship Fund was established to support graduate studies in human ethology, defined as the biological study of human behaviour. The goal of the award is to nurture excellence in human ethology by supporting students who are undertaking empirical research in human behavior, drawing on the repertoire of methods developed in biology and the human behavioral sciences. Observational studies in natural environments are especially encouraged. Studies involving non-human species may be considered, if their relevance to human behavior is made clear. Applicants must be students who have not yet formally received their doctorate at the time of the application deadline. They may be from any academic discipline related to human ethology, and their academic advisor or director at a recognized educational or scientific institution must support their application. The proposed research must be ethological in nature. More specifically, the research should pertain to some naturally occurring behavior as identified through direct observation or through reliable informants or documents. Studies involving direct observation in natural environments are encouraged. The research should also be set within an ethological paradigm, showing an understanding not just of evolutionary theory but other basic concepts within ethology relevant to the study. The research outline must include the title of the study; the applicant's name, institutional affiliation, postal address and email address; the mentor's name, email address and institutional affiliation; and an outline of the planned study covering the following areas: aims, concentrating on innovative aspects; theoretical background; methodological issues and procedure; timetable; and itemised budget showing how the award will be spent. A letter from the applicant's institution giving permission for the applicant to conduct the proposed research at that institution and a letter of support from a mentor are also required. Applications must be emailed to the ISHE Secretary and the Chair of Trustees. Please visit the award's website for more information.