The Graduate Council Fellowship Subcommittee invites applications for the Dissertation Research Grant program. Awards for graduate student expenses directly related to dissertation research are funded up to a maximum of $2000. Once awarded a Dissertation Research Grant in any amount, students are not eligible for further funding from this program. For questions or clarification, please contact the Graduate Division by email at gradawards@ucr.edu.

Only registered graduate students who have advanced to candidacy for the PhD may apply. The student should consult with their Dissertation Chair who will need to submit a letter of recomendation. The application will be automatically sent via email to the Dissertation Chair (using the email address provided by the student on this form).

The research proposal must be written entirely by the applicant; the faculty mentor may provide feedback.   The proposal will be reviewed by a cross-campus faculty review panel and should be written to be understandable to the entire committee. Budgets must be provided and a justification for each budget item must be given.

Research proposals using Recombinant DNA, humans or animals require approval by designated campus committees. Forms and further information may be found at http://or.ucr.edu/. Provide copies of approval notices or indicate that approval is pending. If approvals are pending the release of funds may be delayed.

Support may be requested for research supplies and/or travel to and limited per diem at research sites. Costs of travel within 100 miles of UCR are approved only in unusual circumstances. Reusable supplies, books, etc., remain the property of the university. Budget requests must include itemized details and justifications in order to be considered.

Funds are not provided for: (a) attendance at meetings/conferences/workshops; (b) assistants, such as lab assistants, when the applicant can do the work; (c) computers

All travel expenses are processed through the student's department. Foreign travel requests must include documentation from a host Institution, facility, or individual that the student has the access needed to do the research. All travel must be in compliance with UC Travel Policy G-28: https://www.ucop.edu/search/index.html?q=travel+policy

Research in schools (K-12) must have written permission from the proper authorities submitted with the application.

Research grants are not awarded for salary to the applicant or for the actual preparation of dissertation copy.

Budgets that exceed $2000 will not be considered. Submission deadlines for the application and letter of recommendation are: Fall Quarter - October 16th by 5pm, and  Spring Quater - April 16th by 5pm. Students approved for funding will be notified of their award approximately one month after the submission deadline.  Grants must be use within 12 months from the date on their award letter notification. Extensions of grant periods should be requested in writing. Awards terminate upon leaves of absence or filing fee status. Expenditure reports are due two weeks after the termination of award period.

Expenditures must be within the categories budgeted in the application. Written permission is required for adjustments prior to spending funds.

Budget Request

(Detailed item descriptions and justifications are required) 

Justify the need for each budget line item listed, indicating why that item is essential for your dissertation research. Verify that only items permitted in the guidelines are included.  Applications without complete budget explanations and justifications will not be considered.