Instructions for Obtaining Financial Support: A Compilation
At Princeton University, students seeking financial support for their research projects can turn to the Student Activities Funding Engine (SAFE) and the Princeton Office of Undergraduate Research (PUR). This article offers insights into how students can secure funding for their research endeavours, with a focus on using SAFE and other resources provided by the PUR.
To begin, students should apply through the SAFE system, a central platform that streamlines grant submissions for various funding programs at Princeton. For instance, graduate students applying for summer language or research funding are required to use SAFE, demonstrating its role as a gateway for multiple funding sources.
When preparing a funding proposal, it's essential to clearly articulate research interests, project goals, and how the work aligns with broader academic or societal interests. Emphasizing mentorship and supplementary funding applications outside of Princeton can strengthen proposals, as seen in graduate funding applications through SAFE.
Besides SAFE, the PUR offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and fellowships dedicated to supporting undergraduate research projects. These may include departmental awards, center-specific grants, and university-wide fellowships.
The PUR provides advising to help students prepare competitive proposals, navigate funding requirements, and seek external funds if needed. This includes assistance with budget preparation, project design, and compliance with university policies.
Once funding is awarded, students may need to comply with reporting requirements through the Princeton ERA system, which handles tracking of sponsored research proposals and agreements.
Rebecca Cho, the Natural Sciences Correspondent, highlights the HMEI Environmental Scholars Program as a valuable funding opportunity for students. The funding received through this program was instrumental for a student to stay on campus over the summer and pursue a research project. To secure funding through the HMEI Environmental Scholars Program, students must work with their faculty mentor to revise and submit a research proposal outlining a potential two-year project plan and a budget proposal.
In summary, a Princeton student should begin by preparing a clear project proposal, submit their funding application through the SAFE platform as directed by the PUR, and leverage available support resources. Staying organized with follow-up and maintaining compliance with reporting procedures is crucial after securing funding.
This article also discusses finding funding for unpaid internships, as securing funding can give students more leeway to pursue the types of opportunities and projects they are interested in. While the article does not mention any new funding opportunities offered by the PUR, it provides a guide to funding your research before your Senior Year and offers tips on writing a successful funding proposal.
- Undergraduate students at Princeton University can apply for scholarships, grants, and fellowships dedicated to supporting their research projects through the Princeton Office of Undergraduate Research (PUR).
- For instance, the HMEI Environmental Scholars Program is a valuable funding opportunity for students, providing funding to pursue a research project over the summer.
- In addition to utilizing the SAFE system for grant submissions, students should emphasize mentorship and supplementary funding applications, as well as aligning their work with academic or societal interests, when preparing a funding proposal.
