Supporting the conservation of our planet’s most imperiled invertebrates
The Xerces Society is introducing a new award in 2026 for students in higher education who are studying invertebrate conservation. More than ever, we need research on declining invertebrate groups that can contribute to their protection.
Award amounts are determined annually. In 2026 there will be two awards of $5,000 each as well as two honorable mention awards. The Xerces Society is currently accepting applications for this new award through January 7, 2026.
Application requirements
The Deborah BanDrosky Awards are made to students engaged in studies and research as part of a higher education degree related to invertebrate conservation and who intend to continue to work in this field. The Xerces Society is committed to conserving invertebrate species or groups that are known to be in decline, including (but not limited to) native bees, butterflies and moths, fireflies, tiger beetles, freshwater and terrestrial mollusks (including freshwater mussels), and other freshwater dependent aquatic invertebrates. Awards will be given to applications whose proposed research highlights species known to be in need of conservation, is directly relevant to the species’ conservation, and is scientifically rigorous.
Applicants may be graduate or undergraduate students; however, please note that all applications will be judged by the same criteria and standards. Applications from countries outside the United States will be considered but must be written in English and international applicant work cannot involve work in the United States. Eligible students may apply for both this award and the Joan Mosenthal DeWind Award; however, applicants may only win one award. The DeWind awardees will be announced before the BanDrosky awardees.
To apply, students are required to submit a written proposal describing their research question, intended methodologies, expected outcomes, and more. Proposed research must be completed within one year from receiving funds.
Submission deadline for 2026 awards
Applications for this award must be submitted by Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST. Award winners will be announced by April 15, 2026.
Complete application instructions
Submit questions and completed proposals by email to BanDrosky@xerces.org. Download the complete instructions for writing and submitting a proposal below.
Apply to the Deborah BanDrosky Award
Frequently asked questions
Please review Frequently Asked Questions for Xerces Society student research awards.
Deborah BanDrosky’s Legacy
Deborah BanDrosky graduated from Kent State in 1974 with a double major in botany and zoology. There she was inspired by entomologist, Dr. Ben Foote, who brought her to Flathead Lake Biological Station in Montana, introducing her to the west and deepening her love of nature. Living in Seattle for over 40 years, she spent her free time exploring Washington’s national parks and forests. She also excelled in many nonscientific endeavors as a pianist, artist, and athlete. On the trail, Debbie could identify almost any plant, fungus, bird or insect encountered. For the past 15 years she had an intense interest in macrophotography of plant-insect interactions inspired by Piotr Naskrecki, Alex Wild, and Tom Astle and their important contributions to insect conservation. She shared her amazing photographs and natural history knowledge with many people through her “Bug of the Day” postings. More recently, she helped identify a new species of lance fly from Montana and contributed financially and as a volunteer to many species inventory projects, including the Montana Moth Project.
