1. FSF Acorn and Lucas Research Grants

• The FSF Acorn Grants (up to and including $1,000) and Lucas Grants (up to and including $5,000) are intended to help the investigator/researcher initiate original in-depth, problem-oriented research. These grants are open to members and affiliates (at any level) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
  1. Requirements

• An abstract not to exceed three pages for Acorn Grants or five pages for Lucas Grants. Abstracts must contain a well-developed title and the research question. Research must be creative and unique. Research conducted as a follow-up to a previous study is discouraged. Issues related to the use of live humans or animals as research subjects must be dealt with explicitly in the proposal. Similarly, your plan for accommodating any issue related to privacy, appropriate permissions, and the harvesting, transport, or disposal of human tissues or body fluids must be included. FSF Lucas and Acorn Grant proposals on the same subject, differing only in scope and budget, may not be submitted by the same investigators in the same year.
• A brief literature review of not more than ten references pertinent to the subject of the research.
• A detailed budget. Funding requests may not include requests for travel, equipment, bibliographic preparation, routine agency operations, including salary of investigators/researchers or assistants. Applicants must disclose if funding for this project is being sought from other/additional sources.
• A timetable and a specific plan for dissemination of results. The dissemination plan and timetable must be compatible with the annual schedule of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and its meeting date in February. The grants are awarded in the late fall; presentation will be at the meeting in two years. Example: 2015 grant recipients would submit an abstract by the August 1, 2016, deadline for presentation at the 2017 AAFS annual meeting.
• Disclosure. Applicants must disclose current or previous FSF research grants awarded to any of the investigators.
• CVs from all involved. One investigator, preferably the Principal Investigator, must be an affiliate or member of the AAFS.

2. 2017 FSF Emerging Forensic Scientist Award

• FSF Emerging Forensic Scientist Award is presented to the author of the best paper on any topic focusing on the reliability and validity of techniques, processes, or methods in a forensic area of the author’s choice.
  1. Requirements

• An eligible entrant need not be an AAFS member. However, entrants who are AAFS members must be a Student Affiliate or Trainee Affiliate member.
• All entrants must be within three years of completion of formal training (must submit proof from laboratory director or university professor) at the time the paper is presented.
• Only the presenter is eligible for the award; no substitutions will be accepted after the abstract is submitted.
• The award shall consist of basic registration at the next AAFS Annual Meeting, up to $1,000 for airfare, five nights lodging, $75/day per diem, and a commemorative plaque.

3. FSF Jan S. Bashinski Criminalistics Graduate Thesis Assistance Grant

• The Jan Grant Award is to provide graduate students with financial assistance to complete their thesis or independent research project as required for a graduate degree in Criminalistics/Forensic Sciences. The thesis or research project must be in the field of Criminalistics/Forensic Sciences.
  1. Requirements

• The applicant must be a full- or part-time student completing his or her graduate degree requirements by conducting a research project at an educational institution accredited in the United States by a recognized academic body.
• This project must, in the opinion of the Forensic Sciences Foundation (FSF) Awards Committee, make a significant scientific contribution to the field of Criminalistics/Forensic Sciences.
• No student is eligible for more than one grant until at least six (6) years have elapsed since receipt of a previous Jan’s Forensic Science Fund – Grant.
• Grant Amount: The Jan Grant Award is $1,700. In addition, up to $1,300 is available for travel expenses to attend a future American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Annual Scientific Meeting where the awardee has an approved platform presentation of the completed research. The funding must be used to complete the research project.

4. FSF/CRC Press Student Travel Grant and Book Prize

• In collaboration with the Forensic Sciences Foundation (FSF), CRC Press will fund the top-scoring FSF Student Travel Grant candidate, as determined through the FSF selection process outlined in the article entitled “FSF Student Travel Grants.” In addition to funding the $1,500 travel grant, CRC Press will donate an “instant library” worth $1,500 (list price) in pre-selected books to this student at the Annual Scientific Meeting. The “FSF/CRC Press Student Travel Grant and Book Prize” will have an overall value of $3,000.

5. FSF Student Travel Grants:

• The Forensic Sciences Foundation (FSF) is pleased to offer Student Travel Grants to assist with travel expenses in attending the 2018 American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Annual Scientific Meeting in Seattle, WA. The FSF Board of Trustees has allocated $12,000, not to exceed $1,500 per student, including complimentary meeting registration. This is a wonderful opportunity, and members are encouraged to promote it.
  1. Requirements:

• Prior Student Travel Grant award recipients are not eligible to reapply.
• The applicant must be an AAFS member/affiliate or an AAFS Applicant for membership. Applications for membership must be received and completed by the October 1 deadline.
• The applicant must have submitted an abstract by the August 1 deadline, either as a presenter or co-author for the Annual Scientific Meeting he/she will be attending.
• The applicant must be a fourth-year undergraduate or a graduate student at an accredited four-year college, university, or professional school whose accreditation is acceptable to the FSF Board of Trustees. Those who have completed their terminal degree and are now pursuing internship, residency, or fellowship positions are considered to be in the training phase, and therefore are not eligible.
• The applicant must submit a letter of recommendation from his/her advisor or professor. This recommendation is separate from any membership application requirements.
• The applicant must submit a 400-600 word essay explaining how attendance at an AAFS meeting will impact his/her career decision.
• The applicant must submit a curriculum vitae, highlighting their involvement in forensic science and their current grade point average.

6. Ellis R. Kerley Scholarship

• RULES: One application per qualifying student per year. Students may only qualify for one scholarship per year. Students must reapply each calendar year to be considered for scholarship. Qualifications must be met before application will be considered for scholarship. Application does not ensure scholarship award. Improper conduct may result in loss of scholarship.
• The Ellis R. Kerley Forensic Sciences Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, political affiliation, or age in awarding scholarships or grants or in conferring any other service or benefits.
• Officers and members of the board of directors of The Ellis R. Kerley Forensic Sciences Foundation and their immediate family members, are not eligible to receive any scholarship benefits or grants awarded herein.
  1. Requirements

Scholarship Application Process Selection of the scholarship occurs at the beginning of each year with applications due by close of business on April 30TH of the year of the scholarship grant. The announcement of the winning recipients will by August 15TH of that same year. Applications and supporting materials must be submitted online here or mailed to Ellis R. Kerley Forensic Sciences Foundation, Application Dept. Box #359, 11275 Hwy 98 W Suite #6, Miramar Beach FL 32550.

• Submit an application which includes name, address, school of study, area of interest and expected date of graduation.
• Submit an essay, not to exceed 2 pages, which explains your background, your education and what goals you have in the study of forensic anthropology and how this scholarship can help you reach those goals. Also describe what contributions you want to make to the field and relate your personal experience in choosing this field.
• Submit a current copy of official university transcripts which prove the GPA, school that you are attending, and area of study.
• Submit a sponsorship letter from a Diplomate of the ABFA that is on the faculty of your university program which states why you are a good candidate for the scholarship.
• Submit a letter of reference from another professor from your school or university.
• Submit any substantiating documentation on any independent research that you might be working on or have completed including school projects/thesis.
• Applicants will be notified in writing when their application has been received and again when the Directors have made a decision.

7. International Student Travel Award- Ellis R. Kerley Forensic Sciences Foundation

The Ellis R. Kerley Forensic Sciences Foundation offers a travel stipend for a deserving international candidate for the purpose of attending the American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting. The candidate will have the opportunity to learn, participate and share with fellow scientists during the meeting in hopes they will return to their country to share their knowledge and experience with their counterparts back home.

The Kerley Foundation will provide the winner:

• $1,500 US dollars to cover travel expenses while attending at the AAFS meeting
• Complimentary conference admittance to the AAFS meeting (Provided by the AAFS)
• Invitation to Kerley Foundation/Anthropology section reception on Thursday evening (with opportunity to speak and share your experience at the meeting)
• Opportunity for networking with other members of the scientific community
  1. Requirements

• Applicant must submit a vitae, letter of interest explaining why attending the AAFS meeting will benefit them and their community, letter from a sponsor who will be attending that year’s meeting and will agree to “host” applicant.
• The candidate is expected to present a scientific paper at the AAFS meetings.

8. Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) Scholarship Program

AFTE awards $2000.00 annually to students seeking a career in Forensic Science. Applications will be reviewed and recipients chosen by the Scholarship Committee prior to the annual AFTE Training Conference.
Scholarships granted will be for the school year beginning on or about the following September. Scholarship renewals are not automatic; therefore, it will be necessary to apply every year for a scholarship. Scholarship funds approved will be sent directly to the applicant, payable to the applicant and the educational institution.
NOTE: The AFTE Scholarship is a financial award only. AFTE does not administer an instructional program or teach courses in Forensic Science.
The AFTE Scholarship Program will be administered by the AFTE Scholarship Committee.

The Committee Chair will:

• Acknowledge receipt of all applications by email.
• Electronically post all applications in a secure forum on the AFTE website at least 30 days prior to the annual conference for review by the Scholarship Committee.
• Announce the recipient(s) of the scholarships at the annual AFTE Training Conference.
• Request that the recipient(s) provide a brief biography and photograph.
• Forward the names, biographies and photographs of the recipient(s) to the AFTE Webmaster for posting on the AFTE Website.

The Scholarship Committee will:

• Review the applications within the designated timeframe as determined by the Scholarship Committee Chair.
• Select the recipient(s) of the scholarships based upon the following factors:
• Scholarships will be granted on a merit basis, without regard to age, race, sex, religion, or country of origin.
• If there are sufficient qualified applicants each year, every effort will be made to give scholarships to students from different geographical locations.
• The quality of the applicant’s narrative statement that explains why he/she decided to choose a career in Forensic Science
• Contributions of the applicant to the field of Forensic Science (if applicable). Preference will be given to students moving toward a career in Firearm and Tool Mark Identification or working on a project related to firearm or tool mark examination.
• Recommendations of academic advisor(s), instructor(s) and employer (if applicable).
  1. Requirements
     *Additional information on website
     Applicants for scholarships must satisfy the following requirements:

• Applicants must be entering their third year or higher of a Bachelor’s degree or enrolled in any year of an advanced degree (MS, PhD, MD or comparable) program.
• The applicant must be enrolled as a half-time student or greater with the intent of seeking a career in Forensic Science and majoring in a natural, physical, or biological science.
• Minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent (76% or higher).

9. ASCLD Scholarship Program

• Scholarship application submission deadline: All application sections are due FEBRUARY 15

ASCLD awards scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students in forensic science on an annual basis as approved by the Board of Directors. Scholarships are generally awarded in the amount of $1,000; however, the number and dollar amount of scholarships will be determined annually after the availability of funds is determined.
At least three ASCLD members who are not affiliated with institutions from which students are applying will evaluate the pool of applicants. The subcommittee’s recommendation will be presented to the Board of Directors for approval.

Applicants must be a junior or senior in a baccalaureate program or a graduate student (masters or doctorate) at an accredited university who is pursuing a degree in forensic science, forensic chemistry, a physical or natural science. Applicants from FEPAC accredited programs will be given additional consideration. High school students or college/university students in their freshman or sophomore years will not be eligible for application. As the scholarship program was created to provide opportunity to students intending to enter the forensic field, scholarships will not be granted to current forensic science laboratory employees pursuing graduate degrees.

10. NEAFS: THE GEORGE W. CHIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP NEAFS and the Chin Family

See website

Eligibility requirements for the George W. Chin Memorial Scholarship:

• Currently enrolled in a Forensic Science program
• Full-time undergraduate students in their junior or senior year
• Full or part-time graduate students (limited to first two years for PhD students)
• The student must demonstrate excellence in his/her academic program.

Application requirements:

• Two letters of recommendation (each accompanied with the recommendation form) from Professors involved in the Forensic Science curriculum.
• A letter from the student describing his/her personal aspirations in the Forensics field, achievements and reasons for award consideration. (Minimum of 250 words - maximum of 500 words). This must be provided to the Professors submitting the recommendation letters.
• Applicants should be attending college/university within the area from which the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists draws its members (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania).Most current academic transcripts.
• Application requirements must be emailed by April 30th.Out of fairness to all potential candidates, no exceptions will be made.

11. NEAFS: George W. Neighbor Jr. Memorial Scholarship

See website

Eligibility requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a Forensic Science or related science program
• Full-time undergraduate students in their Junior or Senior year
• Full or part-time graduate students (limited to first two years for PhD students)
• The student must demonstrate excellence in his/her academic program.

Application requirements:

• Two letters of recommendation (each accompanied with the recommendation form) from professors involved in a Forensic Science curriculum.
• A letter from the student describing his/her personal goals, achievements and reasons for award consideration. (Minimum of 250 words - maximum of 500 words)
• Either 1) an official school transcript (mailed to: Elizabeth Duval, 124 Acton Street, Maynard, MA 01754) or 2) a student copy sent electronically (unofficial transcripts must be signed by an Advisor/Program Director), which must include Fall 2015 grades. Official transcripts being mailed must be postmarked no later than April 30th.
• Applicants should be attending college within the area from which the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists draws its members (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania).
• Application requirements must be emailed by April 30th. Out of fairness to all potential candidates, no exceptions will be made.
• Interested candidates should submit the above requirements electronically in a single PDF titled (GWN_Last Name_First Name_Grad, or GWN_Last Name_First Name_Undergrad) to awards@neafs.org.

12. NEAFS: Carol De Forest Student Research Grant

See website

• The applicant must be a full-time student completing his or her undergraduate or graduate degree at a regionally accredited institution located in the Northeastern U.S. (New England, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania).
• The applicant must be majoring in a natural, allied or forensic science.
• The student must have a research advisor who is a faculty member at the student’s academic institution.

Applicants must complete the application and submit with the required attachments. All submissions must be received and completed by April 30th. The deadline is firm with no extension. Please submit application and all accompanying documents electronically in a single PDF titled (CDF_Last Name_First Name) to awards@neafs.org.