Tropical Rainforest Research Funding
Applications for the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation funding is open!
What is the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation?
The Skyrail Rainforest Foundation works towards the protection and conservation of tropical rainforests worldwide. These rainforests are some of the most precious ecosystems with a vast array of biodiversity, bursting with flora and fauna, whose ancestors link back millions of years, which are vital to the health of our planet.
We established the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation in 2005, with the primary objective of raising and distributing funds to support tropical rainforest research and education projects. To date, we are extremely proud to have raised over $631,000 to support and fund tropical rainforest research worldwide. Research funding is particularly focused on the ecology, climate and other impacts and management implications for the Wet Tropics of North Queensland World Heritage Area and other forest landscapes. Many previously funded projects have resulted in new insights, improved management practices and even the rediscovery of a species previously thought to be extinct.
With a strong commitment for better understanding, sustainable practices, research and education, the foundation is pleased to announce applications are currently being welcomed for 2024.
Now in its 19th year, the unique Funding program has supported a vast array of tropical rainforest focused projects. The opening of Funding applications presents a unique opportunity for individuals or organisations to contribute to the foundation’s mission.
Typically aimed at University Students, eligible research applicants will be able to access up to $5,000 for PhD projects per year and $2,500 for Honours projects, Graduate Diplomas in Research Methods projects and other Masters coursework which contain a strong research component. However, community groups are also encouraged to apply.
Sarah Letters
Honours Student at the University of the Sunshine Coast
“I received the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation grant for my honours research that I conducted in the Wet Tropic World Heritage Area in Far North Queensland. I am based at University of the Sunshine Coast, and so without it I would not have been able make the trip to conduct my fieldwork.
It helped to pay for my field equipment and accommodation, allowing me to study the impact of vines on ecosystem function in the unique and spectacular tropical rainforests of far northern Australia.”
The Rainforest Funding Guidelines:
Recent weather events in Tropical North Queensland have prompted the consideration of the funding intent in 2024. For this round of funding, the Foundation would particularly encourage applications that address the following concerns:
- Impacts of and recovery from extreme rainfall events and large-scale landslips on the wet tropics rainforest.
- Impacts of climate change (historic and future) upon wet tropics rainforest and appropriate management strategies to respond.
- Climate-resilient development pathways for tropical forest landscapes.
- A comparison of current methods to estimate the carbon sequestered in tree plantings and secondary forest recovery.
The Bellenden Ker Nursery Frog (Cophixalus neglectus) is Critically Endangered and are only found on the tops of Queensland’s two tallest mountains. Photo credit: Evangelos Papadopoulos.
An adult Bellenden Ker Nursery Frog (Cophixalus neglectus) shown in hand for scale. Animals only handled with appropriate permits and animal ethics approval. Photo credit: Evangelos Papadopoulos.
Nicholas Bail
PhD Candidate, Workshop Demonstrator, and Research Assistant at the College of Science and Engineering. James Cook University.
“The Skyrail Rainforest Foundation funding grant has been indispensable to my PhD project, particularly field work and the collection of data. I am grateful that the Foundation wanted to support my research, which is already leading to collaborations with threatened species managers. Students who are planning research that would make an effective contribution to protecting biodiversity should apply.”
How can I apply for the Rainforest Foundation funding?
To assist with the preparation of submissions, the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation document 2024 Guidelines is now available. To download a copy, please visit the Foundation website, skyrailfoundation.org/funding.
Applications will be reviewed and assessed by the foundation’s Public Fund Management Committee comprising experts in education, conservation, environmental management and business.
Organisations or individuals are invited to submit applications to be considered for this funding opportunity.
The closing date for submissions is Friday 15th March 2024.
How else can I get involved to help protect tropical rainforests?
Become a member of the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation.
If you’re not currently studying, in a research field or part of a community group looking for funding, but you are interested to help support the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation and tropical rainforests, you can become a member or make a donation. Anyone around the world can become a member of the Foundation and one of the perks is receiving ‘Show your card and save’ member benefits at several Cairns & The Great Barrier Reef attractions whilst supporting the Foundation’s objectives.
By becoming a member or making a donation you are supporting the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation, and helping play a meaningful role in preserving our planet’s precious rainforest ecosystems for future generations.
