Hoffman Research Fellowships are overseen by the Student Research Committee.

Application Deadline: March 3, 2008

Funded through an endowment established by the Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, the Hoffman Research Fellowship provides support for full-time research (approximately 40 hours per week) for eight to ten week during the summer. The fellowship supports work in any academic discipline. The research projects are usually undertaken under the direction of a Bates faculty advisor, however in some cases the summer work may be advised by a specialist from another institution.

The fellowship includes a taxable grant of $3,500.

First-year, sophomore, and junior students may apply.   Graduating seniors are not eligible. Two Hoffman Fellowships will be awarded.

Note: Applications for Hoffman Research Support Grants for up to $1,000 for research in all disciplines are due March 17.

Application Procedures

Students applying for a Hoffman Fellowship need to complete an application form for STUDENT RESEARCH GRANTS (available in the Office of the Dean of the Faculty, 121 Lane Hall or online at www.bates.edu/Prebuilt/General-Grant-Application.pdf.). On a separate sheet, the applicant should provide a one-paragraph abstract of the research project, and a description of not more than two additional pages (double-spaced) describing the project in greater detail, including the research goals and methodology, the project timetable with the begin and end dates of the project (these dates will be used as the basis for the payroll contract), and how the research relates to the student's academic program. The applicant should explain his or her qualifications to undertake the project, including relevant coursework or other research experience. A short list of bibliographic resources should be attached to the narrative. The application must be submitted to the Office of the Dean of the Faculty by March 3. PLEASE submit your ORIGINAL PAPERWORK AND 4 COPIES of the APPLICATION FORM AND 4 COPIES of the ENTIRE PROPOSAL for a TOTAL of 5 COMPLETE PACKETS.

Students may apply to one or more of the research support grants, as applicable. In addition, a box on the application form may be checked if the student wishes to be considered for a $1,000 Hoffman Research Support Grant (due March 17) in the event that he or she does not receive a Hoffman Research Fellowship, a Ruggles Scholarship, or a Stangle Grant.

Letters of Support. The proposal must be accompanied by a letter of support from the project advisor, usually a Bates faculty member. If the summer project advisor is NOT a Bates faculty member, a letter of support is required from the off-campus advisor in addition to a letter of recommendation from a Bates faculty member. Letters of support are due March 3.

More Important Information:

• All summer funding is contingent upon a student maintaining a GPA of at least 2.5.
• You can not use research grant funding to participate in a credit-earning summer academic program or receive academic credit for summer research.
• This is a research project that involves a full-time (up to 40 hours per week) commitment for eight to ten weeks; therefore you cannot earn additional funds at the College during the weeks you do your research.
• Hoffman Fellows are expected to submit an abstract and a brief final report (in the form of a letter to the Hoffman Foundation) by Sept. 15 and present their research during the Parents Weekend Poster Session unless they are studying off campus in the fall.

8/2007