The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences (AAPS), is a non-profit organization, composed primarily of professional commercial paleontologists who promote science. The A. Allen Graffham Research Grant, is a $1000 grant which will be awarded to a selected researcher that will publish on specimens collected by, or in collaboration with, AAPS members. The AAPS will offer this research grant annually to a scientist, researcher, or student in paleontology. This grant will be awarded by a majority vote of the membership attending the annual meeting in Tucson every February.

The applicant must qualify and meet the approval of the Board of Directors. Because a majority of our members are active collectors, we request that the applicant must utilize, publish, and acknowledge which member the fossils came from along with acknowledging the AAPS as a grant provider. The funds may be used for publication costs, technical costs, further collecting costs, or other research costs. Further acquisitions of fossils for continued research may also be an acceptable use.

Allen Graffham started Geological Enterprises in 1955, a business that collects, prepares, identifies, and sells study, research, display and unique specimens to the public and also to institutions. During the past half century, he discovered dozens of new species, several new genera, at least one new Family, and lots of new fossil localities. In addition to selling fossils, he gave thousands of specimens away to scientists, researchers, universities, and museums. Many of these specimens have been published and have helped add to our knowledge of Earth's past; but hundreds more are still in university collections and in dire need of description. Allen has discovered many new and important fossils and localities, and helped introduce fossils to thousands of budding and experienced paleontologists throughout the world.

If you are interested, you may apply by sending a letter of application explaining the focus of your research, who you collected with or acquired the fossils from, and what you plan on using the money for. We would like a copy of your resume, and following the publication, a copy of your paper. All grant applications must be in our offices no later than Jan. 1 to be considered for the award at our meeting in February. Any applications that are incomplete, or not in our offices by Jan. 1, may have to be resubmitted and will not be considered until the following year.

You may send your application to:

AAPS Business Office
96 East 700 South
Logan, UT 84321-5555
george@stonejungle.com