Yale Undergraduate Research Conference and Funding Opportunities
Yale University provides numerous opportunities and resources for undergraduate students to engage in research across various disciplines. These include avenues for conducting original research, presenting findings at conferences, and securing funding to support these academic endeavors. This article details these opportunities, focusing on specific programs, awards, and conferences relevant to Yale undergraduates.
Global Affairs Senior Thesis and Research Support
For students in Global Affairs, the Jackson School offers comprehensive support for undergraduate research. Starting in Spring 2026, a formal senior thesis course will be available each spring. In addition to this course, students can also pursue a senior thesis within a substantive seminar during either the fall or spring semester. This initiative stems from the demonstrated interest and original research already undertaken by Global Affairs majors in seminars and independent projects.
The Jackson School provides resources to bolster undergraduate research, whether for senior theses or other individual research projects. One key resource is the Jackson School Undergraduate Research Award, which offers funding to support Global Affairs students' research (up to $1,000) and participation in academic conferences or workshops related to global affairs (up to $500). This award has two application rounds annually, facilitating student research throughout the year.
There are two application deadlines each year- October and March-for research or travel to be conducted within six months of receiving the award. (Applicants cannot receive funding more than once per academic year.) Students intending to conduct research over winter break or spring break should apply for the October deadline. The application for Fall 2025 is now open; the deadline to apply is October 24, 2025, at 5:00pm.
For students conducting research involving human subjects, the protocol must be reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and documentation must be attached to the Jackson Undergraduate Research Award proposal showing that the process has begun.
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The Student Academic Workshop Series at the Jackson School of Global Affairs is a bi-weekly forum in which advanced undergraduate and graduate students can present their research projects and receive constructive feedback from their peers. This is an excellent opportunity for students to get feedback on independent research projects or their theses, even at a preliminary stage. They can present fieldwork or other research from the summer and bring together a group of interested fellows to shape their analyses and advise on next steps.
RITM Research and Conference Travel Award
The RITM Research and Conference Travel Award supports conference travel and research by Yale students on topics related to race, indigeneity, or transnational migration. Individual awards typically range from $200-500 for conference travel and from $500-$2,000 for research. Please note: the current deadline for this award will be 1:00pm on October 9, 2025.
Priority will be given to graduate and professional students; however, undergraduates students may apply. Applications will be reviewed based on the following deadlines: Round 1- October 9 (use this deadline for awards during winter and spring break) Round 2 - March 24 (use this deadline for summer awards) NB: Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.
A completed application will include:
- A statement of intent (500-750 words) describing how you will use Award support (including relevant dates & location of travel, research sites,etc.), what experiences or coursework prepare you for this undertaking, and how you see the importance of your project as it relates to the understanding of race, indigeneity, and transnational migration.
- An itemized budget of anticipated expenses and list of other fellowships and sources of financial support which you have already secured or for which you have applied.
- One letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor.
- This can also be uploaded to your application.
- Special Eligibility Requirements: Priority is given to Yale graduate and professional students who demonstrate an academic commitment to RITM topics and to those conducting pre-dissertation research.
Please note that award funds are disbursed as checks and are meant to cover the costs of the proposed activity only. Students will be asked to provide original travel receipts that reflect all expenses covered by the RITM Research and Conference Travel Award funds within 10 days of return or completion of travel. All interested applicants must review the Yale University International Travel Policy. Projects in specific countries within approved regions may not be eligible for funding based on current UnitedHealthcareGlobal threat ratings, State Department Warnings, and the Yale University International Travel Policy.
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Yale University policy requires that certain types of research projects involving human subjects be reviewed by an institutional review board (IRB) prior to the start of the study to ensure that the project meets University requirements and any applicable regulations. Click here to see if your project needs to be reviewed, for advice on working with human subjects, and for more information about the process and requirements. at 432-5530 to avoid delays with the distribution of checks.
Opportunities Across Disciplines
Yale supports research across a wide array of disciplines, reflected in the diverse schools and programs within the university. These include:
- School of Architecture: Encompassing M. Architecture I and II programs, as well as M. Environmental Design.
- School of Art: Covering Graphic Design, Painting/Printmaking, Photography, and Sculpture.
- School of Divinity: Including M. Divinity, M.A. Religion, and S.T.M. programs.
- School of Drama: Offering M. Fine Arts and D. Fine Arts degrees.
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health: With concentrations in Biostatistics, Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Global Health, Health Management, Health Policy and Administration, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
- Yale School of the Environment: Providing M. Environmental Management, M. Environmental Science, M. Forest Science, M. Forestry, and Ph.D. programs.
- School of Law: Including M.S.L, LL.M, JD, and J.S.D degrees.
- School of Management: Offering MBA programs in Finance, Leadership, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Operations Management, Public Management, and Strategy, as well as Ph.D. programs in Accounting, Finance, and Marketing.
- School of Medicine: With M.D. and Ph.D. programs.
- School of Music: Including M. Music, M. Musical Arts, and D. Musical Arts degrees.
- School of Nursing: Offering M.S.N. programs.
External Conference Opportunities
Beyond Yale-specific programs, attending external conferences can significantly benefit undergraduate researchers. Several conferences cater specifically to students in STEM fields and underrepresented groups:
NDiSTEM Conference
NDiSTEM is the leading multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM conference in the country. The NDiSTEM Conference is a gathering which serves to equip, empower, and energize participants for their academic and professional paths in STEM. Over the course of the event, college-level through professional attendees are immersed in cutting-edge STEM research, professional development sessions, motivational keynote speakers, and the Academic & Career Expo, as well as multicultural celebrations and traditions, and an inclusive and welcoming community of peers, mentors, and role models. Simply put, the NDiSTEM Conference is a broadly inclusive space where you are encouraged and empowered to bring your whole self to STEM.
Held annually in a different city, the convention brings together thousands of the best and brightest scientists, mathematicians, and engineers to celebrate our Familia through our STAR Awards, compete for top prize money, and enhance skills and networking through our many workshop sessions and engagement events. For corporate sponsors, it is a beacon of top STEM talent. For SHPE members, it is a life-changing opportunity to build a dream career. You’ll meet people from all over the country. You’ll experience local Indigenous culture. You will be able to try hands-on lessons involving STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).
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ABRCMS Conference
ABRCMS is the American Society for Microbiology’s (ASM) conference in support of multidisciplinary science and workforce development. At ABRCMS, scientists from all communities come together to share research positioned to meet today’s challenges and shape tomorrow’s future. That shared purpose depends on emerging scientists from every background showing up with passion and purpose.
Harvard Biophysics Virtual Open House
They will be hosting a Harvard Biophysics Virtual Open House from 5-6 pm EST on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, where members of the Harvard Biophysics administration and current students will be available to answer questions about the program and the application process.
The Importance of Community and Support
Writing a senior thesis is hard! But it can be a little less hard when you’re doing it in a community of students who are all working toward the same goals. We would greatly appreciate it if you would pass this along to your seniors. We want to help your students achieve their goals!
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