As is the case with members of many professional societies, those currently active with the WOS typically get involved via their connections with those who preceded them. The difficulty of building these professional networks can add to the substantial barriers already faced by many hoping to go into ornithology as a career, and the new WOS Mentoring Program hopes to address this.

The initial cohort of mentees will receive financial support to attend the 2022 WOS meeting and free WOS membership for one year following the award and will be matched with mentors to receive individual career mentoring, professional development, and networking opportunities. This program is open to both students and early-career professionals (five years or less of professional experience) who live within a ten-hour drive of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and are willing to attend the meeting in July in person. See this page for full eligibility details and application instructions. Applications from potential mentees are due January 15!

Applications for two important opportunities from the Wilson Ornithological Society are open now through February 1!

Our four categories of research grant provide up to $2500 to support ornithology projects by researchers including students, early-career professionals, and those with limited access to funding. See here for full eligibility details and application instructions, and read about the 2021 recipients here.

We are also now accepting nominations (including self-nominations) for our brand new Early Professional Avian Conservation and Community Impact Award! This award honors the contributions of WOS members working in non-research careers that contribute to bird and bird habitat conservation, including applied science, education and outreach, communications, advocacy, and habitat conservation and protection. To be eligible, you must have five years or less of work experience in a job related to avian conservation. The winner will receive an original piece of artwork from an early career artist as well as funding to support attendance at the WOS annual meeting (meeting registration, travel, hotel, per diem) and an honorarium. See here for full eligibility details and application instructions.

Again, applications for both the research grants and the Impact Award are due February 1. Please spread the word!

Proposals are now being accepted for workshops, field trips, and symposiums for the WOS’s 2022 meeting, to be held July 17–20 in Santa Fe, New Mexico!

The deadline to submit a proposal is February 1. For instructions and submission forms, as well as a tentative schedule for the meeting, details on how to request accommodations regarding accessibility, and a link to the meeting code of conduct, see here. Email woscommunications@gmail.com with any questions. We can’t wait to see you in Santa Fe! 

On October 22 at 4 pm EDT, the Wilson Ornithological Society and the Association of Field Ornithologists will be hosting the first of a series of quarterly virtual events held via Zoom for students and early professionals. The inaugural event, a panel discussion on “Careers in Ornithology and Avian Conservation Outside the Academy” moderated by WOS 2nd Vice President Auriel Fournier, will include discussion from the panelists on what their jobs in ornithology and avian conservation look like, what they find rewarding, and what skill sets they use. There will also be time for questions so everyone can learn more about these career paths. Please register in advance using the link below. We hope to see you there!