All students may apply for competitive grants to support independent research, associated with curricular programs including:

• Senior Thesis
• Independent Study (260 or s50)
• Independent, individualized research within the context of an academic course

Students working on group projects may submit group applications. 

Students may receive more than one grant per year. Requests for additional funding will not be considered until the last round in Short Term.

The grant provides an award of up to $300 per approved project.

Grants cover direct expenses for research, creative projects, and presentations.

Research & Lab Costs: Specialized supplies, animals, external lab sample analysis, books, software, or databases not available on campus.

Artistic Production: Studio art thesis supplies, design materials, musician fees, and creative production costs.

Travel & Fieldwork: Travel to research sites, archives, museums, libraries, or external laboratories.

Participant Compensation: Incentives for study or interview subjects.

Dissemination: Registration or technical fees for presenting at online conferences.

Note: Additional costs associated with remote study are also considered.

Ineligible Expenses: Regular course supplies/textbooks, inter-library loan fees, standard department-purchased materials, ongoing faculty lab costs, thesis production fees, or personal gear (e.g., hiking equipment).

Applications must include: 

1. The title of your project
2. One paragraph (max 150 words) abstract of the project written for the general reader
3. Brief narrative description of the project 
4. Detailed budget
5. Written endorsement by a faculty member

Checklist 

1. Is the application complete? Is the abstract clear and concise?
2. Is the project well-defined and realistic?
3. Has the appropriate faculty sponsor provided a written endorsement of the project?
4. Is the budget itemized and reasonable?
5. Do the funds requested reflect the kind of support which will make a difference in the project?
6. Do the funds requested meet expenses which are not covered by the student’s department or program?
7. Can the project be completed in the amount of time specified?

What makes a good proposal? Visit tips for grant writing.

Applicants using animal or human subjects must specify in their application and narrative whether their project required and received Animal Care Committee or IRB approval. 

Instructions

The Bates Student Research Fund Application is an Adobe Sign Form.

1) You will need to have all of the information listed on this PDF in order to complete the application.

2) You will be REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR EMAIL immediately after submitting the form. To do this, you will receive a verification email from Adobe Sign with the subject “Please confirm your signature on Bates Student Research Fund Application”. Your application will not be submitted until you follow the prompt in that email.

3) You will know your application has been submitted and received when you receive a copy via email once you complete the verification.