Grants-In-Aid of Undergraduate Research

The Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ), the Harvard University Herbaria (HUH), and the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University (AA) are pleased to award grants in support of faculty (tenure track)-supervised research by Harvard College undergraduates. Projects in any subject area are eligible for support, although priority may be given to projects that utilize MCZ, HUH, or AA research collections, laboratories and other facilities, and to related fieldwork. Funds from the HUH are available to support HUH collections-based projects; funds from the AA primarily target research that utilizes its living collections. Projects that facilitate senior honors theses or associated preliminary studies are particularly encouraged. 

Awards range from $500 to $4,000 and may provide support for the academic year (fall and spring semesters) or summer. Awards support laboratory and field equipment and supplies, airfare and/or local travel to a research site, or a stipend during the semester. Applicants are strongly encouraged to simultaneously apply for research support from the Harvard College Research Program (HCRP).

Eligibility

Harvard College undergraduates conducting research sponsored by Harvard tenure-track faculty.

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically through CARAT (Centralized Application for Research and Travel). You can begin your work, save it, and return to it at a later time. Applications are due by 5 pm on the due date. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted. To apply, please submit the following via CARAT:

  • Research proposal (approx. 750 words) with citations. Proposals should describe the project's goals, the specific plan and timeline to accomplish those goals, and identify a Harvard faculty member who has agreed to supervise the project and explain his/her role in the project
  • Budget
  • Travel information (as relevant)
  • 1-page Resume
  • Transcript (unofficial accepted)
  • Reference letter.  Reference letters must be written by the faculty member supervising your project (i.e. your "faculty sponsor"). Letters of recommendation from faculty sponsors may be submitted through CARAT OR emailed.

All documents must be uploaded to CARAT as PDFs. When ready to submit your application, upload the documents to your CARAT registration (covering basic demographic information, project information and budget forms) to complete your application.

Deadlines

Proposals are reviewed three times a year.
Fall: September 10, 2023
Spring: January 28, 2024
Summer: March 25, 2024

Please take care to upload your application to the relevant GUR cycle in CARAT. Applications uploaded to other cycles will not be considered. Decisions typically announced within one month of each deadline.

Questions

Please email inquiries regarding the GUR