Applications open for Research Equipment Program

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The Research Equipment Program supports Latin American researchers and students by providing basic scientific equipment and educational resources that may be difficult to obtain locally. Eligible researchers affiliated with universities or conservation organizations can request equipment such as microscopes, GPS units, binoculars, video cameras, mist nets, and science textbooks to strengthen scientific research, conservation, and education.

Research Equipment Program: Overview

The Research Equipment Program is designed to improve scientific research capacity, conservation research, field studies, and science education in Latin America by increasing access to essential equipment and learning resources. The program focuses on practical equipment that can serve multiple users. Rather than supporting highly specialized resources for a single researcher, the initiative aims to maximize the broader value of donated or purchased equipment by making it useful to students, research teams, and research groups. Why the Research Equipment Program Matters Researchers and students in Latin America may face difficulties accessing basic scientific equipment because of limited local availability, high costs, or logistical challenges. The program helps address these barriers by providing equipment that can strengthen: Research capacity within universities and conservation organizations Collaboration between researchers and research groups By providing equipment that can be shared across multiple projects, the program seeks to create longer-term benefits for the scientific community. What Support Does the Program Provide? The program provides basic scientific equipment and educational resources, either through direct donation or purchase. Examples of potentially available resources include: Microscopes for laboratory research and scientific education GPS units for field research, mapping, and conservation studies Mist nets for appropriate wildlife and bird research Video cameras for field observation and documentation Binoculars for wildlife and ecological observation Science textbooks to strengthen educational and research resources Other basic scientific equipment that can provide broad benefits to researchers and students The exact equipment provided depends on availability, the applicant’s needs, and the program committee’s assessment. Who Is Eligible? The program is intended for Latin American researchers affiliated with a university or conservation organization. Eligible applicants should be able to demonstrate a legitimate scientific, educational, or conservation purpose for the requested equipment. The program is particularly relevant to researchers who: Conduct scientific research in Latin America. Work through a university or conservation organization. Need basic scientific equipment that is difficult to obtain locally. Can use the equipment for research or educational purposes. Can demonstrate benefits for students, researchers, or research groups. What Makes a Strong Equipment Request? The program aims to maximize the impact of its resources. Therefore, applicants should demonstrate that requested equipment will have general and shared use rather than benefiting only one individual.

A strong request should explain:

What equipment is needed. Why the equipment is difficult to obtain locally. What research or educational activities it will support. Who will use the equipment. How many students or researchers could benefit. Whether the equipment can support multiple projects. How the equipment will strengthen long-term research capacity. For example, a microscope that can be used by several researchers and student groups may demonstrate broader institutional value than equipment designed exclusively for one narrowly defined project. How the Research Equipment Program Works The program does not simply provide applicants with unrestricted funding. Instead, it works with successful applicants to determine the most appropriate way to provide the requested scientific resources. The process generally involves the following steps: Identify the research or educational need. Determine which equipment or scientific resources are required and why they are important. Prepare the equipment request. Clearly describe the requested equipment and its intended scientific or educational use. Explain the broader impact. Show how the equipment could benefit students, researchers, conservation programs, or multiple research projects. Submit the application. Provide the required information about the applicant, institutional affiliation, research activities, and equipment needs. Program review. The program committee evaluates the request and considers the usefulness and practicality of the proposed equipment. Determine the delivery method. If selected, the applicant works with the committee to identify a reliable and cost-effective way to deliver the equipment. Receive and use the equipment. Equipment may be donated or purchased and then used for the approved research or educational purposes. How Equipment Is Delivered The program committee collaborates with successful applicants to determine the most reliable and cost-effective delivery method. The program has a preference for delivery through: The final delivery arrangement may depend on the type of equipment, its availability, transportation requirements, and the applicant’s location. How to Prepare an Application Applicants should prepare a clear explanation of their research or educational needs before submitting a request.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Make sure you are a Latin American researcher affiliated with a university or conservation organization.

Step 2: Identify the Equipment Needed

List the basic scientific equipment or educational resources that would address your research or teaching needs.

Step 3: Explain the Need

Clearly explain why the requested equipment is important and why obtaining it locally is difficult.

Step 4: Demons