NOAA Davidson Graduate Fellowship 2027

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Research Fellowship (Davidson Fellowship) is a two-year program that provides the opportunity for students to conduct collaborative research at one of the 30 reserves within the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS).

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineDecember 7, 2026
• Study LevelPostdoctoral Fellowships
• SponsorNOAA’s Office for Coastal Management
• City to studyMichigan
• School to studyUniversity of Michigan
• Eligible CountryUnited States

Benefits

• One fellow will be selected for each of the 30 reserves for a two-year duration. Each fellow may request up to $60,000 per year ($120,000 total) for a 24-month project period. Funding is subject to the availability of annual federal appropriations. Awards will be made to the fellow's graduate institution through a subaward agreement with the University of Michigan. Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis.

Requirements

• Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of U.S. states or territories admitted to or enrolled in a full-time graduate program at a U.S. accredited college or university, working to obtain a master’s or doctoral degree.
• Applicants must plan to be enrolled for all of the first year, and at least nine months of the second year of funding.

Selection Process

Applicants should review the process outlined in this solicitation and follow directions to submit an application using the timeline provided below. Expectations for applicants to engage with reserves during the application process are as follows:

• Prior to proposal development, applicants should review the list of reserve management needs, identify reserve(s) whose needs align with their interests, and reach out to the reserve point of contact. The purpose of the outreach is for the applicant to learn more about the need and how their research interests might intersect with those of the reserve, as opposed to discussing the specifics of a project idea. The conversation may also be helpful for better understanding how the reserve approaches collaborative science, reserve facilities, and research equipment. See Applicant Tips for Reserve Outreach.
• Information learned from the reserve is critical for the applicant to discuss with their faculty advisor and develop a proposal for a project. Projects should directly relate to the reserve need and support the applicant’s graduate course of study.
• Please note that reserve points of contact and staff may not co-develop or review a proposal prior to submission. 

Check also:
Fairleigh Dickinson Scholarships for International Students 2026

Application Deadline

December 7, 2026

How To Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management on graham.umich.edu to apply

Applications are made via the Application Portal.