Doctoral Student Research, Travel, and Professional Development Award, FY25
The College of Arts and Sciences will provide funds for students enrolled in doctoral programs in the college to conduct research, professional travel, or professional development activities in FY2025. These awards are intended to foster high-quality doctoral research, enhance student career outcomes, and reduce time-to-degree.
These funds will be made available to reimburse costs associated with professional activities. Funds must be spent no later than August 31, 2025.
Funds will be available in two categories.
Category 1: Conference Travel
Students who will present their research at a professional conference or workshop are eligible for a maximum of $1,000 in funding from this program.
Category 2: Research or Professional Development
Students seeking funding to engage in research-related activities are eligible for up to $2,000 in funding. Activities include but are not limited to: costs associated with domestic or international field work, visits to archives/libraries, intensive language study, formal skills development programs or training, or costs associated with an unpaid or minimally paid internship.
This year, there will be two rounds of review. The first round will be for activities that will be completed by March 16, 2025. The deadline for first round submissions will be October 25, 2024. The second round of applications will be for activities that will be completed by August 30, 2025. Applications for the second round of funding are due by February 21, 2025.
Students may apply for both category 1 and 2 funding in a given round but can only receive one award per fiscal year. A student who applies for the first round, but is not funded, may apply for funding in the second round provided that the proposed activity meets all criteria. Students who received an award from this program in fiscal year 2024 are not eligible for another award in fiscal year 2025.
Applications should be submitted VIA INFOREADY by 5:00 PM CT on the day of the deadline.
Applications will consist of the following:
-
A narrative description of the proposed activity (maximum 500 words), including a brief description of the student’s graduate research project and a clear indication of how the proposed activity will support the student’s research or career development.
-
A detailed budget. For activities projected to cost more than the maximum award amount, indicate cost-sharing or other sources of funding that will cover the difference. Please use the budget template, providing additional narrative explanation if needed. (Please make the word here point to the link below)
-
Where appropriate, supporting documentation. This might include a notice of acceptance to a conference, pricing information related to a training or other development program, or a formal offer letter for an internship.
A letter of support from the student’s primary faculty advisor(s) will be solicited automatically through InfoReady. The letter should specifically address the importance of the proposed activity to the student’s research or career goals. If the advisor is contributing funds to the student’s proposed activity, they should confirm this commitment in their letter.
Faculty advisors for students who are funded through this program will be asked to serve as reviewers in future award rounds.
Applications for conference funding will be assessed based on the likelihood that participation will substantially enhance the student’s doctoral dissertation or career goals. Applications in category 2 will be assessed based on the feasibility of the proposed activity, the relevance of the activity to the student’s research or career goals, and the likelihood that the proposed activity will meet the stated purposes of the award.
Faculty panels will review all applications. Please make sure that your material is written for an informed general reader. The best applications will provide clear statements about the likely impact of the proposed activity on the applicant’s future research and career development.
Funds may not be used to purchase personal computers or similar electronic devices. Funds cannot be used to pay for housing or other accommodation costs in and around Bryan/College Station, or for tuition/fees at Texas A&M University. All travel associated with this award requires permission through the university.
Students enrolled in interdisciplinary doctoral programs are only eligible if their primary faculty advisor/PI is a faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Questions about the award my be directed to grad-artsci@tamu.edu.