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?
Intrested students should follow the posted deadlines for SURG applications.
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.