The Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research Program

The Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research (GIAR) program has been providing undergraduate and graduate students with valuable educational experiences for more than 80 years.

By encouraging close working relationships between students and faculty, the program promotes scientific excellence and achievement through hands-on learning.

The program awards grants of up to $1,000 to students from all areas of the sciences and engineering.

Designated funds from the National Academy of Sciences allow for grants of up to $5,000 for astronomy research and $2,500 for vision related research.

Students use the funding to pay for travel expenses to and from a research site, or for purchase of non-standard laboratory equipment necessary to complete a specific research project.

Eligibility:

  • Only undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in degree seeking programs may apply.
  • Undergraduates who are graduating seniors must plan to complete their research prior to graduation.
  • While membership in Sigma Xi is not a requirement for the program as a whole, the majority of the funds (75%) are designated for use by individuals whose primary advisors are Sigma Xi members or who are Sigma Xi student members themselves.
  • An applicant seeking support for a new project or a continuation of a previously supported project must submit a new application and new letters of recommendation.
  • Each application is evaluated independently.
  • To receive additional funding, the applicant must have submitted a completed report of their previous research funded by Sigma Xi.
  • Applicants are eligible to receive a total of two Grants-in-Aid of Research from Sigma Xi headquarters in their lifetime.
  • There are no citizenship restrictions.
  • International students and non-U.S. citizens are encouraged to apply.
  • Individual applications are accepted from co-workers on the same project.
  • Each applicant must demonstrate how the applicant's work is a unique contribution to the larger project.
  • Where possible, each co-worker's application should request funding for expenses related to that applicant's work only.

    Deadline: 15th March and 15th October annually

    For more information and application, visit: The Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research Program Website