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 collected, prepared, identified, and sold study, research, display and unique specimens to the public and institutions. For the next 50 years, Allen discovered dozens of new species, several new genera and at least one new Family. In addition to selling fossils, he gave thousands of specimens away to scientists, researchers, universities, and museums. Many of these specimens were figured and published helping add to our knowledge of Earth's past; but hundreds more are still in university collections and in dire need of description. Allen alsodiscovered many new and important fossils and localities, and helped introduce fossils to thousands of budding and experienced paleontologists throughout the world.

Allen was a founding member of AAPS, our first President, and served on the Board of Directors from the late 1970's through the 1980's. In 2004 he was awarded the Sternberg Medal by the AAPS, the highest award given by this organization recognizing his life-long contributions and achievements in the field of paleontology. Allen passed away on July 13, 2009 at age 90 due to complications from Parkinson's disease.

If you are interested, you may apply by sending a letter of application explaining the focus of your research, which AAPS member 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. AAPS and the A. Allen Graffham Research Grant must be mentioned in all of your publications on the specimens. Grant applications must be to our offices no later than December 1 to be considered for the award at our meeting in February. Any applications that are incomplete, or not in our offices by December 1, will be returned and will have to be resubmitted.

You may send your application to:

Neal Larson, Scholarship and Grant Chairperson
ammoniteguy@gmail.com
C/O Larson Paleontology
P.O. Box 1313
Hill City, SD 57745

Past Recipients