The central objective of SPSAS Co-designing Biodiversity Assessments is to empower young scientists and environmental technicians to design, obtain, and analyze biodiversity data suitable for supporting effective environmental action programs and policies.
They aim to encompass biodiversity of key taxa in their genetic, phylogenetic, functional, and sociocultural dimensions, developing comprehensive and adaptable assessment procedures that meet real-world demands.
Biodiversity or biological diversity is the variety and variability of life on Earth. Biodiversity is a measure of variation at the genetic (genetic variability), species (species diversity), and ecosystem (ecosystem diversity) level. Biodiversity is not distributed evenly on Earth; it is usually greater in the tropics as a result of the warm climate and high primary productivity in the region near the equator. Tropical forest ecosystems cover less than 10% of earth’s surface and contain about 90% of the world’s species. Marine biodiversity is usually higher along coasts in the Western Pacific, where sea surface temperature is highest, and in the mid-latitudinal band in all oceans. There are latitudinal gradients in species diversity. Biodiversity generally tends to cluster in hotspots, and has been increasing through time, but will be likely to slow in the future as a primary result of deforestation. It encompasses the evolutionary, ecological, and cultural processes that sustain life.
60 participants will be selected, 30 from Brazil and 30 from other countries. Doctoral students and recent doctoral researchers and professionals from governmental environmental bodies and/or non-governmental organizations may apply.
The selection will take into account geographic and gender representation, aiming to promote the diversity of training and experience of the School’s participants.
Location:
BrazilBenefits
- SPSAS – Biodiversity is funded by FAPESP, with support from other agencies and institutions. There are no tuition costs, and financial support is avaible to cover travel and expenses for participants without their own funding.
Eligibilities
- Young researchers (especially PhD students and postdocs) and technicians (analysts, researchers) from government agencies and NGOs in the environmental field, both from Brazil and other countries.
- Brazilian nationals or long-term residents (this includes foreign PhD candidates affiliated with a Brazilian institution and professionals with long-term contracts or permanent positions in Brazil).
- Other nationalities (including Brazilians who are long-term overseas residents, such as PhD candidates or professionals with long-term contracts or permanent positions in other countries).
Application Process
- Curriculum vitae, prioritizing the relationship between the candidate’s area of training/activity and the School’s theme, as well as their academic merit.
- Motivation letter, in which the candidate must explain the reasons for applying to the School and how their participation will benefit their future training and work.
- Sufficient fluency to communicate in English, declared on the application form by candidates.
Application Deadline: March 11, 2024
Application ClosedOfficial link
