ISURG: International Small Undergraduate Research Grants
The International Small Undergraduate Research Grant (ISURG) is a program at Carnegie Mellon, run through Carnegie Mellon's Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development (OURSD). ISURG allows students who are planning to study/travel abroad to apply for funds to support a research project while they are abroad. ISURG (like our SURG) is open to undergraduates in all disciplines at Carnegie Mellon to defray research expenses. All ISURG students must submit a proposal following the guidelines and deadlines for SURG; there are two types of proposals, Type I for Arts and Creative Humanities, and Type II for all other areas; students select the proposal format most appropriate for their research project.
What can I do?
Students interested in any form of research may apply. Projects are individually based due to location and short duration.
The OURSD adheres to a broad definition of research: "Research, scholarly, or artistic activities that lead to the production of new knowledge; to increased problem solving capabilities, including design and analysis; to original, critical or historical theory and interpretation; or to the production of art or artistic performance."
How much funding can I get?
Grants are offered to individual students for up to $500 for materials, supplies and possible travel related to the research project. The grants are given as cash scholarships, and will not affect your financial aid.
Am I eligible?
You are eligible if you are:
-A CMU undergraduate student - including freshmen - in a degree-granting program;
-Going to be enrolled during the semester of your grant for Fall or Spring awards, or the semester following your grant for Summer awards;
-In good academic standing (not on probation, leave of absence or suspension).
When should I apply?
All interested students should first meet with a representative of the OURSD to discuss your study abroad situation. Those interested in grants for the Summer or Fall 2024 semester must apply by Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Faculty letters of recommendation will be due by Sunday, March 24, 2024. Appointments with the OURSD to review proposals should be made no later than Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
Review a Draft
You are strongly encouraged to work with your faculty advisor on your proposal, attend a proposal writing workshop run by the OURSD, and to meet with a OURSD representative at least once prior to submitting your ISURG proposal to review a draft.
How do I apply?
Follow the same instructions for applying for a SURG grant and writing a proposal, but choose "ISURG" when registering through the online system.
What are the Grant Requirements?
By accepting an ISURG grant, you are agreeing to:
- participate in all required OURSD events
- write thank you notes to donors
- complete all assessments connected to your grant
- present your work at the Undergraduate Research Symposium (Meeting of the Minds)
- follow human subjects protocol.
Failure to satisfy these requirements will result in ineligibility for future awards.