Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Liber Ero Fellowship Program
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
The Liber Ero Fellowship Program is a Canadian philanthropic foundation that funds post-doctoral fellowships for early-career scientists conducting conservation research in Canada. Founded in 2013 and modelled after the Smith Fellows program in the United States, the program provides $90,000/year stipend plus $15,000 annual research budget to support emerging conservation leaders working on applied conservation and management issues relevant to Canada. View Liber Ero Fellowship Program's website for more information.
Content last updated: March 17, 2026
About Liber Ero Fellowship Program
What is the mission of Liber Ero Fellowship Program?
To support exceptional early-career scientists in conducting and communicating world-class research that informs conservation and management issues relevant to Canada, while providing training opportunities for emerging conservation leaders.
What type of organization is Liber Ero Fellowship Program?
Liber Ero Fellowship Program is a Foundation.
When was Liber Ero Fellowship Program founded?
Liber Ero Fellowship Program was founded in 2013.
What is Liber Ero Fellowship Program's official website?
Liber Ero Fellowship Program's official website is https://liberero.ca/.
What else should I know about Liber Ero Fellowship Program?
Role of Liber Ero in the Funding Ecosystem
The Liber Ero Fellowship Program is a unique Canadian initiative that fills a critical gap in funding for early-career conservation scientists. Modeled after the successful Smith Fellows program in the United States, Liber Ero provides substantial financial support to post-doctoral researchers who are addressing pressing conservation challenges in Canada.
Program Focus and Eligibility
The program supports outstanding post-doctoral researchers from any country who are based at Canadian institutions. Research projects must focus on conservation and management issues relevant to Canada, with an emphasis on applied research that can inform real-world conservation outcomes. The program encourages applications from members of historically marginalized groups, including BIPOC communities.
Funding Structure
Fellows receive $90,000 per year for two years (second year contingent on satisfactory progress), plus a $15,000 annual travel and research budget. Funding is held at the host institution but directed by the fellow. The program does not consider itself the employer of the fellows.
Research Areas
The fellowship supports research across a wide range of conservation topics, including wildlife biology, marine ecology, freshwater ecosystems, Indigenous knowledge integration, climate change impacts, and species-at-risk recovery. Projects typically involve collaborations with academic institutions, government agencies, and conservation organizations.
Impact and Outcomes
Since its launch in 2013, the Liber Ero Fellowship Program has supported numerous emerging conservation leaders who are making significant contributions to understanding and addressing Canada's conservation challenges. Fellows work on projects ranging from protecting endangered species to understanding ecosystem changes and developing innovative conservation approaches.