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The Katherine Schexneider Arctic Climate Science Award recognizes outstanding graduate students and early-career researchers whose work advances understanding of Arctic and sub-Arctic climate systems. The award supports research that demonstrates excellence, feasibility, and clear relevance to climate science and/or climate change in high northern ecosystems.

Projects should contribute meaningfully to Arctic/sub-Arctic research through innovative methods, strong scientific design, and potential for real-world impact. Up to $5000 in funding may support travel, supplies, tuition, or other allowable research expenses.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current graduate student in good-academic standing or an early-career researcher within five years of completing their degree at the University of 91ÊÓƵ Fairbanks
• Conduct research directly related to Arctic or sub-Arctic climate science, including but not limited to climate change, engineering applications, or ecosystem processes.

Preference may be given to applicants:

• With a clear Arctic fieldwork component
• Without significant alternative funding sources
• Whose work promotes interdisciplinary collaboration or diversity across UAF units

• Award Amount: Variable; typically supports research-related expenses such as travel, fieldwork, supplies, or tuition.

• Funding Period: Awards are intended to support projects within the academic year or up to 12 months from the start date.

• Use of Funds: Recipients must adhere to UAF and sponsor guidelines; allowable costs include research materials, data collection, travel, and dissemination activities.

• Reporting: Awardees will submit a brief progress or final report summarizing outcomes, expenditures, and impacts on their professional development.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis using the Katherine Schexneider Arctic Climate Science Award Rubric, which assesses:

• Relevance to Arctic/Sub-Arctic Focus (25%)

• Scientific and Scholarly Merit (20%)

• Feasibility and Budget (20%)

• Applicant Qualifications and Potential (20%)

• Professional Development Potential (15%)

Top-rated proposals will demonstrate strong alignment with Arctic research priorities, methodological rigor, and clear potential for academic and community impact.