Program description

Queen’s University

Undergraduate Student Summer Research Fellowship (USSRF) Guidelines

Application Deadline: 4:00pm Friday, April 5, 2013

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Program Description

The Undergraduate Student Summer Research Fellowship (USSRF) provides an opportunity for continuing undergraduate students at Queen’s to develop their research skills under the guidance of a faculty researcher*. Over the course of the summer, students will develop a research project in an area of interest and/or participate in the research program of a selected researcher.

The program is intended to provide students with meaningful opportunities to engage in discovery-based learning and to develop research and presentation skills.

The total funding available for the program is $100,000 with a maximum of 21 summer fellowships to be awarded for 2013.

Up to two of the 21 fellowships will be offered to students whose projects take place at the Bader International Study Centre (BISC) at Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex, England. The list of available BISC research projects can be found at the end of this document (Appendix 1). Return travel and room and board for BISC projects will be provided by Queen’s University. Applicants can apply for either a USSRF at Queen’s campus or the BISC.

For projects at Queen’s University campus:

• Prior to applying, students must find a faculty researcher at Queen’s willing to be their sponsor and provide supervision and the necessary resources (e.g., supplies, field travel costs, and equipment) to complete the research, and provide an additional $1,000 bringing the total fellowship to $6,000.
• Research projects will take place in Kingston, on Queen’s campus. Projects requiring field work off of Queen’s campus are eligible; a full description of the field work must be included in the description of the proposed research project.
• Students and faculty researchers are encouraged to directly contact each other and develop research proposals for submission to the program.

For projects at Bader International Study Centre (BISC):

• Prior to applying, students must choose one research project listed in Appendix 1 (forthcoming).
• Research projects will take place at the BISC.
• Fellowships held at BISC are valued at $5,000 plus return travel and room and board. 
• Students do not obtain the signature of the BISC Faculty researcher.

 

Students and faculty researchers will be notified of decision by e-mail within 15 days of the deadline

Areas of Study

The program is targeted to students enrolled in social sciences, humanities, fine arts, and education, where summer student research funding is typically less available. Students may consider projects in disciplines outside of their own field of study or outside of the four focus study areas, as well as those directly connected to their prime area of study.

Duration and Remuneration

• Fellowships on Queen’s University campus are 16 weeks in duration (May to August)
• Remuneration is $6,000 (includes $1000 contribution by faculty researcher)

• Fellowships at the Bader International Study Centre are 12 weeks (May to July).
• Remuneration is $5,000 plus return travel, room and board (including meals).

Eligibility

Preference will be given to students enrolled in social sciences, humanities, fine arts, and education, who demonstrate a solid record of academic achievement, who demonstrate interest in research, and who have completed one full year of study at Queen’s and will be continuing their studies at Queen’s in September 2013. Preference will also be given to students who have not previously held a USSRF. 

Significant weight will be placed on the student’s description of how participation in a USSRF will enhance their experience at Queen’s University and their future research endeavours.

Requirements

To receive funding under the USSRF, students must meet the research project and employment requirements as agreed upon with their faculty researcher, and be eligible to work in Canada or the United Kingdom. Additionally, students must attend and display a description of their work at an event arranged by the Office of the Vice-Principal (Research) in the fall of 2013, as well as one forum during the academic year (e.g., InQuiry@Queen’s or a departmental or discipline seminar or meeting).

Submission Instructions

Submit your application package (no copies) by the deadline to:

Office of Research Services

Queen’s University

Fleming Hall-Jemmett Wing, 3rd floor

78 Fifth Field Company Lane

Kingston, Ontario  K7L 3N6

Application package includes:

1. A completed application form addressing each question depending on whether or not the project will be held on campus or at the BISC.
2. An academic transcript of your recent marks (as of December 2012). SOLUS produced transcripts will be accepted.
3. One letter of reference from a former or present educator, or the proposed supervisor.

Signature(s) – All students must sign their application form, and for Campus applications, the faculty researcher sponsoring your project must sign the application form indicating their confirmation of a $1,000 contribution toward the USSRF, or for BISC applications, a faculty researcher signature is not required.

Enquires may be directed to: Bonnie Stewart at bonnie.stewart@queensu.ca or Ext. 74686

 

Appendix 1 – BISC Projects will be posted by January 31.