Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URF) oversees the awarding of several summer research fellowships for CC students. These fellowships include the Class of 1939 Summer Research Fellowship, the Lubar Family Research Fellowship, the International Affairs Research Fellowship, and the Yatrakis Summer Research Fellowship.
The intent of this funding is to give students the opportunity to pursue their intellectual goals, gain valuable research experience, and cultivate stronger relationships with academic experts in their field. Conducting research under the supervision of a Columbia faculty member is prioritized, but applications for research at other institutions is also eligible for students proposing independent research projects.
Individual awards usually range from $500 to $6,000, depending on the budget required for each project. Awards cannot be used for the completion of formal coursework or structured internships. Fellows will be required to present their research in poster format at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in the Fall, and may be asked to speak at information sessions for interested prospective applicants.
Please note, this opportunity funds full-time research (meaning a minimum of 30 hours/week), and is therefore not compatible with coursework.
Eligibility is limited to current Columbia College students. Graduating seniors are not eligible. Eligible students may submit one application only.
TO APPLY
Students interested in applying need to complete the online application (click "Start an Application" at the top of the page).
Timeframe of research: Students applying for funding for full-time, independent research projects may propose projects that last either six weeks or ten weeks in duration. Students who will require on campus summer housing must propose the start of their research to coincide with the start of Summer Session A or B. (Noting: Applicants who do not require on-campus summer housing will only be considered for proposals of six or ten week duration as well, but are not required to coincide with the start of Summer Session A or B.)
Independent Research Projects: To propose an independent research project, you will need to develop a research plan and you will need to have identified a faculty supervisor who has agreed to support this research project. A letter of support from the faculty member who has agreed to supervise your research project should be emailed directly to ugrad-urf@columbia.edu by the deadline provided as well.
Please note the following guidelines regarding summer research proposals:
- All research projects must last for six or ten weeks in duration.
- All research projects requiring on campus housing for the researcher must start at the beginning of Summer Session A or B. A research stipend will be calculated based on living costs for the period of the proposed research project.
- Applicants who will not require on campus housing are free to propose research projects for six or ten weeks in duration, but these need not coincide with the start of Summer Session A or B. You will, however, be required to submit a budget proposal alongside your research proposal.
- Application Materials: A letter of support from the faculty member who has agreed to supervise your research project is required. This letter should indicate that you and your supervisor have agreed upon a research project together. The letter may comment on your suitability for the experience. It is not intended to be a confidential letter of recommendation. The applicant must also include a research project proposal and the timeframe of your research and other details as requested in the application.
- Students who receive funding are expected to commit to full-time research for the period of their funding. Full-time research is defined as 30+ hours/week; you are not allowed to take courses during this time, nor are you permitted to hold other full-time obligations. A research stipend will be calculated based on living costs for the timeframe and location(s) of the proposed research project.