apply for an underground explorers grant

Objective

Our objective is to fuel, motivate, and support high-quality research initiatives to sample mycorrhizal fungal diversity around the world using standardized collection protocols and metabarcoding sequencing. Our small grants can be used to sample and sequence mycorrhizal communities from soil and roots, with a particular emphasis on under-sampled ecological systems or geographic regions.

Who can apply?

Researchers from around the world are welcome to apply, including PhD students, postdocs, independent researchers, and professors. Access to laboratory facilities is required for the project. We particularly encourage applications from the Global South as well as self-identified women, transgender and non-binary, Black, and other marginalized ethnic candidates and under-represented groups in science.

Preferred locations

We will prioritize projects focusing on ecoregions that have been under-sampled for mycorrhizal fungi (see updated list of ecoregions here), however, applicants that fulfills the above criteria will be eligible. Local applicants or researchers with sustained collaboration in the study area will be also prioritized. If the Principal Investigator of the proposal is not local, including at least one local collaborator is required.

Ecoregions are unique regions of biodiversity that host specific assemblages of species that cannot be found in other environments. This framework is guiding SPUN’s mission to fill in gaps on mycorrhizal diversity. To date, 538 Ecoregions around the world lack information on either ECM or AMF fungal diversity. This map highlighting in orange the unsampled ecoregions and in black, ecoregions that have been previously sampled and therefore already have geo-located mycorrhizal samples. These represent sequences in current global databases, and are constantly being updated:

What we provide

Along with funds for sampling under-studied regions, SPUN offers support and feedback on sampling protocols, fungal DNA extraction, primer selection, sequencing, and downstream analyses of metabarcoding data. In addition, if desired, SPUN can help create bridges between media outlets and Underground Explorers awardees to highlight their research.

Funding available

Up to $10,000 USD (depending on location and logistics) per project.

Maximum project duration

12 months from receipt of grant funds

Key project milestones associated with this grant

There are key milestones associated with this grant which all grantees are required to adhere to both in their proposals and in their project execution. Grant milestones are as follows:

• Fieldwork should be done between August 2023 and January 2024.
• At least 30 samples should be sequenced, with the aim to share this minimum amount of sequencing data with SPUN no later than May 2024.
• Any remaining sequence data should be sent no later than September 2024.

Project minimum requirements

• Only one application per person
• Only one Principal Investigator (PI) will be allowed per proposal, the rest of the team can be included as collaborators on the project
• A minimum of 30 soil samples per project
• Training of at least three local community members in soil collection protocols
• Sample collection should be carried out during the second half of 2023 and sequencing results of at least 30 samples should be ready by May 2024
• Images and videos from expeditions should be provided to SPUN for use promoting the Underground Explorers program and your research projects

Highly encouraged

• A plan for engagement of local non-academic communities present in the impacted region as part of the project is highly encouraged

Covered expenses

The awarded funding can be used to cover travel expenses (including transportation to and within site, food, and lodging), laboratory expenses (including kits and reagents, technical services, and consumables), permits, sequencing, hiring of a temporary field assistant, and a field camera for documenting the expedition (maximum of $500 USD).

Detailed project budget template

Applicants shall download and use the following budget detail form for submitting detailed project budgets along with their proposals.

Adherence to SPUN Policies

This grant comes with specific terms to which all grantees are required to adhere.  These terms involve the following:

• Open data commitment
• Embargo policy
• Expense reporting requirements
• Media sharing policies
• Indirect costs are not cover by the grant

Results Reporting, Video Documentation, Community Training

Awardees will be required to present a final technical report and to submit an expense report no later than 60 days following the conclusion of the funded project, which is assumed to be one (1) year from the receipt of funds from SPUN.

Awardees will be asked to submit video footage documenting the expedition in their native language. This footage may be used to promote the Underground Explorers Program and the research of grant winners  Requirements for this video documentation will be provided to all awardees.

Awardees will be required to submit proof of training of three or more local community members as a part of the terms of this grant.  This can be video and/or photo documentation which also includes a summarization of the training that was provided.

SPUN DEI Statement & Ethical Guidelines

All grantees are required to respect and adhere to SPUN DEI and ethical guidelines which can be read here.

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