PELLSTON, Mich. — Research scientists and graduate students from institutions around the world are invited to join the vibrant research community at the University of Michigan Biological Station this year to tap into unique resources and historic datasets that strengthen investigation and discovery of the natural world.
In 2025, UMBS welcomed 92 new researchers and 68 returning researchers to the station situated on more than 10,000 forested acres surrounded by lakes, rivers and bogs.
“We’re gearing up for another amazing field season,” said Dr. Aimée Classen, director of UMBS. “The opportunities for research are endless on our sprawling campus along Douglas Lake and Burt Lake. Founded in 1909, we leverage over a century of place-based research and feature state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for data collection and analysis to help any field researcher be productive.”
In 2026, UMBS will continue to offer its Nature Day Camp for children to support families in residence on the lakeside campus. The program will run from June 24 - July 31, 2026, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. It is designed for children ages 4-12 years old. Three-year-olds can participate if they are already potty trained. Contact UMBS Associate Director Karie Slavik at slavik@umich.edu with any questions about the Nature Day Camp.
Michigan’s field research station in Pellston also offers fellowships to help support researchers — graduate students, faculty, early-career researchers, and post-docs. Access the fellowship applications on the UMBS Research Fellowships website.
The deadline to submit new research proposals or renewals and fellowship applications is Feb. 1. Projects older than three years or projects where you changed or intensified your sampling/research require renewal.
Review the project submission and review process and access the research application on the UMBS Researchers Project Proposal and Renewal Application website.
UMBS attracts researchers working on a wide variety of topics ranging from disease ecology and animal behavior to plant community ecology and changing winters. To name only a few, there are scientists tracking carbon storage and fluxes through successive forest systems and to the atmosphere; others are monitoring mating habits and nesting sites of the endangered Great Lakes Piping Plover; and still more are assessing the impacts of dam removal on animal and plant populations in local rivers and wetlands.
Visit the UMBS website to find information about UMBS research sites and projects, facilities and data and stewardship policies.
Questions regarding application processes, research equipment, facilities, and space requirements may be directed to UMBS Data Manager Jason Tallant at jtallant@umich.edu and Resident Biologist Adam Schubel at aschubel@umich.edu.
The University of Michigan Biological Station serves as a gathering place to learn from the natural world, advance research and education, and inspire action. We leverage over a century of research and transformative experiences to drive discoveries and solutions to benefit Michigan and beyond.
Our vast campus engages all of the senses. Its remote, natural setting nurtures deep thought and scientific discovery.
Founded in 1909, UMBS supports long-term research and education through immersive, field-based courses and features state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for data collection and analysis. It is where students and scientists from across the globe live and work as a community to learn from the place.
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