Grants-In-Aid of Undergraduate Research
About
GUR grants support faculty (tenure track)-supervised research by Harvard College undergraduates. Projects in any subject area are eligible for support, although priority may be given to projects that utilize MCZ or Harvard University Herbaria (HUH) research collections, laboratories and other facilities, and to related fieldwork.
Funds from the HUH are available to support HUH collections-based projects.
Projects that facilitate senior honors theses or associated preliminary studies are particularly encouraged.
More information
Deadlines
Fall: 2026 date to be determined
Spring: 2027 date to be determined
Summer: 2027 date to be determined
Harvard College undergraduates conducting research sponsored by Harvard tenure-track faculty.
Awards support laboratory supplies, travel-related expenses to a research site, or a stipend.
- On-campus research is typically eligible for a $1,200 stipend during the fall and spring semesters.
- Research during the summer is typically eligible for 1) a stipend of $500 per week of full-time research on campus or 2) travel expenses including airfare, lodging and meals. The maximum for summer awards is $6,000.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to simultaneously apply for research support from the Harvard College Research Program (HCRP).
- Research during the summer is typically eligible for a stipend of $500 per week of full-time research.
Applications must be submitted electronically through CARAT (Centralized Application for Research and Travel). You can begin your work, save it, and return to it at a later time. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted. To apply, please submit the following via CARAT:
- Research proposal (approx. 750 words) with citations. Proposals should describe the project's goals, the specific plan and timeline to accomplish those goals, and identify a Harvard faculty member who has agreed to supervise the project and explain his/her role in the project
- Budget
- Travel information (as relevant)
- 1-page Resume
- Transcript (unofficial accepted)
- Reference letter. Reference letters must be written by the faculty member supervising your project (i.e. your "faculty sponsor"). Letters of recommendation from faculty sponsors are submitted through CARAT.
All documents must be uploaded to CARAT as PDFs. When ready to submit your application, upload the documents to your CARAT registration (covering basic demographic information, project information and budget forms) to complete your application.