The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) annually awards the prestigious Plant Science Research Fellowship to a highly promising early-career plant scientist, with a strong preference for those working in organismal plant biology. This fellowship provides a unique opportunity for advanced graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and beginning faculty to dedicate two to five weeks to uninterrupted writing and research at the serene Oak Spring estate in Upperville, Virginia. The award is designed to support intensive scholarship and reflection away from the usual academic or professional pressures.

This $10,000 grant includes both financial support and residency accommodations. Fellows benefit from access to OSGF’s extensive 700-acre landscape, its renowned botanical library containing over 19,000 rare items, and interactions with other interdisciplinary residents and fellows. Though the estate lacks laboratory facilities, it offers rich natural environments and is especially well-suited for projects that involve observation or utilize plant species present on the grounds.

Fellows are expected to begin their stay on one of several predetermined dates aligned with other residency programs at OSGF in 2026: March 2, April 14, June 1, July 13, August 13, or September 21. During their residency, fellows may engage in community meals, optional field trips, and volunteer activities such as working in the gardens or the BCCF farm. These are not mandatory, and fellows are encouraged to use their time as they see fit. A final presentation of 20–30 minutes is encouraged, though not required.

Applications open on February 14, 2025, and close on May 31, 2025. A single application process serves all 2026 fellowship and residency programs. Applicants must submit a concise CV (no longer than two pages), a brief research statement, a narrative on how their work aligns with OSGF’s mission, and an outline of how they plan to utilize the residency period. Applications also include the option to be considered for the Interdisciplinary Residency Program if not selected for the fellowship.

Eligible applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree within the last ten years and demonstrate strong independent work capabilities. Selection is managed by a jury of established scientists and administrators in the field, with decisions based on alignment with OSGF’s mission, research promise, and quality of work.