RICHARD E. PETIT STUDENT RESEARCH AWARD FOR REVISIONARY TAXONOMY AND SYSTEMATICS OF MOLLUSKS

About the Grant

This award honors Richard “Dick” E. Petit (1931–2013) and recognizes his major contributions to malacological taxonomy and systematics, as well as his long service to the Society. Dick served as President of the Society (then AMU) in 1988, held numerous leadership and service roles, and was named an honorary life member in 1997.

The award supports student research focused on revisionary taxonomy and systematics of a molluscan taxon.

• Eligibility: Students only

• Number of awards: One per year

• Maximum award amount: $1,200

CONDITIONS OF AWARD

• Awardees are encouraged to present the results of their research at an annual meeting of the American Malacology Society.
• The applicant must be a current member of the American Malacological Society. To join, please visit: https://ams.wildapricot.org/Membership
• Institutional overhead is not permitted.
• The research must include an explicit focus on revisionary taxonomy and systematics of a molluscan taxon.
• Within one year of the award date, recipients must submit a short summary of the research and results for publication in the AMS Newsletter.
• Proposals should be developed in collaboration with the applicant’s advisor or mentor and reflect a substantial, well-planned research project.
  

HOW TO APPLY

Deadline: March 31

Required Application Materials

Submit a single PDF containing the following:

1.   Research Proposal (2 pages)

   • Title

   • Research goals

   • Methods

   • Timetable

   • Plans for publication

   • Budget and justification for funds requested

   • Required permits (if applicable) should be noted

   • Literature Cited (May extend to a third page if needed)

2.   Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Submission Instructions

• Applications must be submitted online via the application form: Apply here

• Attach one PDF file containing all materials.

• Name the file: LastName_Petit.pdf (e.g., Jones_Petit.pdf)

• Each proposal may be considered for only one award. Applicants seeking multiple awards must submit separate proposals and applications for each award.
  

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Novelty and importance of the research questions or hypotheses

• Appropriateness and feasibility of the proposed research

• Clarity and completeness of writing, including:

  • Background and context

  • Data collection and analysis methods

  • Interpretation and potential implications of results

• Appropriate use of requested funds

• Contribution to the applicant’s development as a malacologist