The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program is developing the next generation of scientists working in the fields of conservation, environmental science and park management. It is the first and only program of its kind to encourage doctoral students to conduct innovative research on scientific problems critical to national parks.
Established in 1997 and expanded in 2002 to include students and national parks throughout the Americas, the program supports scientists who will learn, discover, invent and create solutions to preserve national parks in the region. Each year, the program awards eight doctoral dissertation scholarships to support student research. Students selected to receive these scholarship awards become Canon National Parks Science Scholars.
The program has an ambitious mission - to conduct research important to the future of national parks, expand scientific knowledge concerning conservation and sustainability and share this knowledge broadly, develop future world leaders in science and conservation, demonstrate kyosei in an innovative partnership, and help preserve the national parks of the 21st century.
2007 marks the 10th and final year of Canon's commitment to this unique scholarship program. Although Canon's support for current scholar activities continues through 2009, there is no competition for scholarship awards planned for 2008. Students are encouraged to check the US National Park Service and American Association for the Advancement of Science Web sites in May 2008 for information on future competitions.
Other Canon programs that foster sustainability and environmental conservation include programs with Yellowstone National Park and the Canon Envirothon, North America's largest environmental education competition for high school students.
