The Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry offers mini-grants (up to $500) to undergraduate students to support their research endeavors in two categories:
- Funding to support research-related travel (examples included attending a conference to present research or design during a poster session or oral presentation). This may include registration fees, airfare, lodging, etc.
- Funding to support research-related purchases for an ongoing project. This may include purchasing supplies, data access, membership fees, etc.
*YOU MAY BE AWARDED A MINI-GRANT ONE TIME PER ACADEMIC YEAR*
To apply, please complete the following application. Be prepared to include:
- Title of project or poster
- Copy of abstract submitted to conference OR summary of research project
- Statement on why funding is relevant to you academic or career goals
- Resume
- Letter of support from mentor/advisor
Timeline Requirements for Funding:
Students must apply for travel-related funding no later than the first day of travel. Funding will only support lodging, airfare, train or bus tickets, registration fees, or a per diem. OURI will not reimburse for ride shares or individual meal purchases. Students will need to save all receipts and be reimbursed. Students must submit receipts no later than 30 days after travel. Failure to submit receipts will result in forfeit of award.
Students must apply for (and be awarded) funding to support research-related purchases BEFORE making purchases. Students will not be reimbursed for purchases made proir to applying for the mini-grant. Upon award confirmation, students have 30 days to make purchases and to submit receipts. Failure to submit receipts after 30 day will result in forfeit of award. Addtionally, students must register as a supplier and be reimbursed directly. We will ont reimburse labs or research groups.
All awardees must present at Inquiry Weeks during the corresponding academic year. Century Scholars and students in the Rice Undergraduate Scholars Program (RUSP) are not eligible.
Review process:
Applications have a rolling deadline and will be reviewed on the last Thursday of each month. Funding will be equally distributed between the Fall and Spring semesters. Note that funding is not guaranteed and may run out.
Questions? Email Abby Schuh at as60@rice.edu.