EOL Rubenstein Fellows Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a taxonomist to be an EOL Rubenstein Fellow?

While many applicants are taxonomists, Fellows come from a range of scientific fields that study biological diversity. All biological scientists are encouraged to apply.

Where can I do my work? Do I have to be in the United States?

EOL Rubenstein Fellows work at research institutions and field sites worldwide. There are only a few countries whose citizens are not easily fundable due to US restrictions. Please contact the EOL Fellows Coordinator with specific questions at eol.fellows AT gmail.com.

Does the program support DNA sequencing (e.g. barcoding) and phylogenetic analysis?

No. But we encourage you to apply for matching funding that would enable you to conduct this kind of research.

Does the program support work revising a taxonomic group?

The revisionary work itself is not fundable, but you may propose to construct or improve digital classifications based on already published work, for example in a LifeDesk or a Scratchpad. Fellows are expected to engage in activities that will add new content, such as images, maps, or descriptions to EOL pages.

I want to spend my time contributing to another database, not EOL.

We encourage this, as long as that database is connected to one of the EOL partners so that your information will be shared with EOL. Your database may be negotiating an EOL partnership and not appear on this list - contact eol.fellows AT gmail.com to inquire. Potential partners can visit EOL's Content Partner Registry to get started.

Do I have to be an active curator of the EOL site in order to apply?

No, but it will certainly help! The EOL Rubenstein Fellows selection committee looks for candidates who have demonstrated a willingness to participate in EOL and an understanding of the online curatorial process. Explore these resources to learn about becoming an EOL curator.

Does EOL prefer projects that address particular taxa, regions, or other subject area foci?

EOL has begun to prioritize taxa that are of urgent interest to society. Please see the documentation on our "hotlist" taxa to better understand what those emphases are and why. It will always be valuable to justify the importance of your taxa, region, or research emphasis in your proposal.

Am I required to have a mentor?

Beginning with the 2012 class, the EOL Rubenstein Fellows program no longer requires that applicants have a mentor. However, we do emphasize the value of collaborative and community-based approaches to projects. You should describe how your project will mobilize a community or group of researchers to participate with EOL.

The application requires “matching funding.” What is that?

The EOL Rubenstein Fellows program does not provide full-time financial support and expects Fellows to identify “matching funding,” or alternate forms of support. This may be research funding from another institution, but may also come from teaching, technical services, or even unrelated work.

In any twelve-month period as an EOL Rubenstein Fellow, at least half of your support should be provided through matching funds. The scheduling is flexible. Fellows may devote six months full-time to their EOL project before switching to a different project, or alternately, Fellows may contribute part-time work to EOL for twelve months while also receiving part-time support through a different project.

If you are applying for matching funding but do not have the award yet, you should: 1) let the other source know that you are also applying for Fellows funding and would like to combine them and 2) let us know where you have applied. If you are selected for an EOL Rubenstein Fellows Award we will hold EOL funding for you at least six months until you can demonstrate that matching funding has also been awarded.

Who is responsible for health benefits while I am an EOL Fellow?

You'll need to cover benefits via your matching funds or out of your stipend/salary. The EOL Rubenstein Fellows program does not provide health benefits.

How can I receive EOL funds?

Funds are distributed as contracts to individual Fellows through a management agency. Home institutions are not permitted to receive funds to distribute to Fellows and may not collect overhead expenses.

Other questions?

Please contact the EOL Fellows Coordinator at eol.fellows AT gmail.com.