Provost Offers Scholarships for Undergraduate Research

March 18, 2015—The Office of the Provost has launched a pilot program to offer support for undergraduate students who would like to present their research to a larger academic community. There are multiple mechanisms for supporting thesis and independent research on campus, such as tutorials, GUROP, Raines, Kalorama, and various research fellowships. However, limited funds are available for the creative and expansive dissemination of the results of research, through, for example, conference presentations, publications, and performances.

The Provost Undergraduate Research Presentation Awards (PURPAs) provides competitive awards of up to $500 to support the following activities: (1) conference fees incurred to present research beyond Georgetown’s campus; (2) travel support for the student to present a paper or poster or perform his/her creative work (hotel, travel, meals); (3) publication fees for a peer-reviewed journal or similarly prestigious publication; and (4) entry or other fees directly associated with the performance, exhibition, or public presentation of visual, literary or other forms of artwork.

The typical award will range from $200 to $500, with a maximum of $500 per student. Students would receive no more than one PURPA grant in the course of their undergraduate time at Georgetown.

The criteria that will be used are: (1) professional or scholarly significance of presentation, performance, or publication venue; (2) student commitment to project; and (3) relevance of the project and its dissemination to student’s future goals.

Students from all majors in all of Georgetown’s undergraduate schools are eligible for funding.

Applications are due April 15, 2015. In academic year 2015–16, the two deadlines will be October 2, 2015, and February 2, 2016.

Learn more about the PURPAs and download the application form.