Promega Scholarship for International WiCOR Graduate Research

Provided through a grant from the Promega Corporation, this scholarship generously supports graduate students who are members of the Wisconsin Center for Origins Research (WiCOR) to undertake a summer research project at an international university, institute, or research facility that will enhance or expand the student’s thesis work. Graduate students from all WiCOR research fields are eligible.


Eligibility:
The international research should be focused on "advancing our understanding of the origins of life in the universe”. Research must be conducted at a university research lab or nonprofit organization, and may not be based at a for-profit company. Students must be based outside the US for at least 6 weeks in the summer and must be enrolled in the UW Graduate Fellowship Research Program through International Academic Programs (IAP), UW’s central Study Abroad office.

The international research location should not be the student’s home country or a location where they have already spent significant periods of time. It should also not have a level 4 advisory through the U.S. Department of State. Level 3 advisories require students to submit a supplemental waiver for approval through the University International Travel Committee.

Selection will be based on: Relevance of the Proposed Research to WiCOR, Scientific Merit of the Proposed Research, Suitability of Proposed Mentor for the Project, Ability of the Project to enhance or expand the student’s thesis work.

Previous recipients may not apply for a second award.

Award
$20,000
Organizations
International Academic Programs (IAP), International Internship Program
Deadline
10/02/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. Please describe the proposed international research and how it relates to the WiCOR scientific goal of “advancing our understanding of the origins of life in the universe” (500 words max)
  2. Please describe how the proposed research will advance or enhance your thesis work. (500 words max)
  3. In what country/countries will your research take place?

    Please note that UW-Madison travel policy precludes university-affiliated student travel to locations that are under a current U.S. Department of State Level 3 or 4 advisory designation, a Center for Disease Control and Prevention Warning Level 3 notice, and locations specifically designated as a “Travel Warning” location by the Provost. There is a waiver request process for students who can articulate a compelling educational reason to travel to these locations that are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

  4. Which university/institute/center/etc. will you conduct research at? (include City and Country)
  5. Who will mentor your research project at that institution?
  6. Have you or your advisor collaborated with this mentor before?
  7. Upload your CV (2 pages max) here.
  8. Upload your research proposal (1,000 words max) here.
  9. Upload your project budget here.
  10. Upload your UW transcript (unofficial copy) here.
  11. Please comment if there is anything else you would like us to consider as we review your application.
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