The Waterbird Society aims to promote basic and applied research on waterbirds and their habitats, foster science-based waterbird conservation, and enhance communication and education among professionals, policymakers, and citizens.
The Ian Nisbet Research Award is designed to encourage and support research and conservation efforts focusing on terns and gulls. This grant program is open worldwide to students, professionals, and amateurs alike, without consideration for financial or educational status. The selection of recipients is based on the potential of the applicant to produce significant scholarly publications or contribute to the conservation of waterbirds, with a preference for projects that emphasize terns or gulls.