Far Eastern Curlew in flight by Rebecca Citroni
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Mark Barter Travel Award for Australasian Shorebird Conference, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, 19 – 20 September 2026.
Closing date for applications – Sunday 12 July 2026
The Australasian Wader Studies Group (AWSG) has sponsored an Award to honour the late Mark Barter. Shorebird workers and others will be aware of the tremendous contribution that Mark made to the understanding and conservation of shorebirds in the East Asian- Australasian Flyway over many years. In view of Mark’s substantial contributions through monitoring, training and education focussed on the Yellow Sea region, this Award seeks to build on this work by encouraging the further experience and development of young people who have demonstrated an interest in this work.
Scope of Award
The recipient of this Award will be sponsored to attend the next Australasian Shorebird Conference (ASC) which will be held in Newcastle, Australia from 19 – 20 September 2026. The conference will include the excursions offered on 21 September. Following the Conference an opportunity will be given for the recipient to undertake further specific training and/or field experience which may include visiting other locations in Australia.
The Award will include: Return air fares, all internal transportation, accommodation and all conference registration costs.
Selection Criteria
The Award is focussed on potential participants from Asian countries in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in shorebirds and supporting their conservation through a scientific approach. It would be of benefit if the applicant would be prepared to make a presentation to the ASC.
Applicants should provide a short CV and proposal that outlines why they wish to attend the Australian Shorebird Conference, how their research interests align to the objectives of the AWSG, and how their research project will contribute to the conservation and management of shorebirds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
The Mark Barter Award is made possible this year by generous donations from artists in the Overwintering Project.