Guidelines of applications for logistic support at the Huinay Scientific Field Station

The knowledge of the fjord ecosystems in Chilean Patagonia, both terrestrial and marine or limnic, is very rudimentary. There is an urgent need for data, in many cases even on a very basic level. Based on this fact, the Huinay Foundation has defined a hierarchic list of research interests. In an effort to enhance the knowledge of the biota in this region, the Huinay Foundation can offer logistic support for research projects that harmonize with our primary research goals. Support can be granted for projects that are completely or partially realized on the HSFS. In exceptional cases support can also be granted for projects that are not realized on the HSFS but either focus on the marine or terrestrial biota of the Comau Fjord or that are realized in cooperation with the HSFS.

Primary research goals are:

• recording (monitoring), analysis and display of basic oceanographic data
• species lists and taxonomic inventories (marine and terrestrial)
• recording (monitoring), analysis and display of climatic data
• qualitative and quantitative inventories of the biota on the community level (terrestrial and marine)
• recording / analyses of basic and principal ecological factors and dynamics which mould the communities (terrestrial and marine)
• hydrological inventories and analyses (both qualitative and quantitative) of water cycles
• qualitative and quantitative analyses of fluxes of organic and inorganic matter (both terrestrial and marine or limnic)
• terrestrial-marine coupling
• geological, geomorphological and pedological inventories and analysis of geological history
• inventory and analysis of mayor geological and pedological processes
• special conservation oriented research, subject of major urgency

Reduced or waived fees on either housing, food, use of lab space and equipment, boat use and transport, or combinations of these services may be applied for. Support can be granted for single researchers or research groups. Interdisciplinary projects are most welcome. Multinational projects, with Chilean contribution and projects from Chilean research groups are given preference.

The application should show the scientific competence of the applicant or group. It has to describe the aim, form and time frame of the project. The relevance of the project has to be explained, as well as clearly present where the project aims meet the prior research interests of the HSFS. Only research projects which are planned to result in scientific publications are eligible for support. A clearly presented plan for publication(s) (journal article, field guide etc.), time frame, and the journal(s) in focus is a prerequisite for support. A commitment to submit a publication of the project within 18 months after departure from Huinay is strongly recommended

The application must include:

1. CV and a publication list of the applicant or the head of the applying research group

2. An outline of the research project including:

• description of the state of knowledge in the field
• citation list of relevant literature on the subject
• description of personal experiences in the field and preliminary work on the project
• Time frame for the project
• Aims of the project and explanation of their relevance
• Description of the applied methods including explanation of their advantages and originality

• if applying for free or reduced housing, please make a detailed list of planned stays including duration of each stay, number of person for each planned stay, minimum number of rooms needed (this refers to personal restrictions for room sharing, e.g. male-female separation or couples)
• if applying for free food, please state the number of days and persons (in the case that you will not join three meals a day, please specify)
• if you are applying for free use of lab space and equipment, please specify the number of days, required space and equipment needed
• if applying for boat use, please specify the dates (or number of boat days), the purpose and duration of each trip, and willingness to share boat trips with other groups
• if applying for a free special transport to or from the station, please state the date and the number of persons
• if applying for student assistance, please state the number of assistants needed and specify the required skills (please note that student assistance depends on the availability of students and cannot be guaranteed)

Applications have to be written in English. In exceptional cases, applications in Spanish, German or French can be accepted.

Length of the application should be between 2 and 10 pages (without CV, publication list, and references).

Applications have higher probability of approval if the planned stay on the station is not during the peak season (January to March).

Please e-mail your application at least 2 months prior to your first planned stay, to the scientific director of the HSFS:
Dr. Vreni Häussermann



or  

The applications are evaluated by the director of the Huinay Scientific Field Station who makes a recommendation to the scientific director of the Huinay Foundation.

Definite responses are generally given within four weeks after reception of an application. Regulations applying to paying scientist are the same for those under financial support, please check the Research Policies.