IRES: UNDERSTANDING POLLINATOR-MEDIATED DIVERSIFICATION IN NEOTROPICAL
PLANTS

PAID research opportunity for Summer 2026 for U.S. undergraduate students

Application Deadline (extended) - January 22, 2026

This IRES program is funded by the National Science Foundation's
International Research Experiences for Students and implemented by the
Missouri Botanical Garden. It provides U.S. undergraduate students with
a paid opportunity to engage in high-quality international collaborative
research for eight-weeks in Cali, Colombia.

IRES students will conduct individual research projects that address key
questions in pollination biology and evolutionary ecology while receiving
in-depth mentorship and training from US-based and Colombian researchers.

Program Highlights:

Hands-on field research in Colombian forests

Study the pollination biology and floral scent chemistry

Learn floral scent analysis techniques and pollinator observation methods

Explore biodiversity hotspots while gaining international research
experience

Eligibility:

Undergraduate students enrolled full-time at a U.S. institution and
returning to their program in the fall following their international
experience.

Per NSF rules, applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent
residents(i.e. green card holders).

No prior international experience or knowledge of Spanish language
required Students must be available to participate for the entire duration
of IRES program activities, including:

Three-month Virtual Pre-Departure Program focused on preparations for
international travel, Colombian culture, and research (weekly, one-hour
Zoom sessions, March-May)

Eight-week International Research Experience in Colombia where students
will take part in training bootcamps, perform field research and data
collection, and engage in cultural activities (in person, with flexibility
in travel timelines, June-August).

Three-month Virtual Post-Travel Program focused on data analysis,
research dissemination, and career development (weekly, one-hour Zoom
sessions, September-November)

IRES students will receive a $650 weekly stipend for the duration of
the 8-week international research experience in Colombia. In addition,
IRES students will have all travel to and within Colombia, lodging,
and research expenses covered.

Please visit our website for more information:
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plant-science/plant-science/about-science-conservation/resources-databases/study-opportunities/ires

Monica Carlsen-Krause <monica.carlsen@mobot.org>

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