Charles Darwin and Galapagos Islands Fund

The Charles Darwin and Galapagos Islands Fund is an exciting collaboration between GCT and Christ's College of Cambridge University.  As one of the most prestigious alumni of Christ's College and the most influential visitor to Galapagos, Charles Darwin is the perfect inspiration to create a long-lasting partnership between key scientists dedicated to Galapagos conservation.  Prior to the infamous voyage of the HMS Beagle, Darwin studied at Christ's College and this is where he brought many of his specimens back to sort.  His observations collections from the trip (most notably the finches and mockingbirds), contributed to his theory of natural selection and ultimately evolution.

The aim of the Fund is to provide support for distinguished scientists whose work is focused on modern aspects of Darwin's seminal works and in promoting scientific understanding and the long-term conservation of the Galapagos archipelago.  The Fund will support Galapagueno researchers, visiting Christ's College, whose research or educational aims further the work of the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF).  The fund will also facilitate researchers from Cambridge University to visit Galapagos and study at CDF in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz.

This collaboration is hoped to stimulate many research projects, conferences and seminars where a long-term group of scholars with the same interest in Galapagos conservation can convene to increase scientific understanding and help secure a sustainable future for the Islands and their inhabitants.

If you wish to make a donation to the Fund, please contact Robert Silbermann (robert@gct.org or 020 7629 5049).  Click here for details of the Scholarship Scheme and the application form.