Cunin/Sigal Research Award
Cunin/Sigal Research Award supports students’ botanical research and travel to advance their research aims, giving preference to investigations using the Arnold Arboretum’s living collections.
This grant was recently updated
The application window changed from November 5–February 1 to November 15–January 25; recommendation letters are now due by the application deadline, January 25, rather than February 1. A single application now covers multiple Arboretum awards; designate a primary award and tailor your research statement to it.
Funder: Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Due Dates: November 15, 2026 (Applications open) | January 25, 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $2,000 for student research and travel expenses
Summary: Supports botanical investigations by graduate and advanced undergraduate students, with preference for research using the Arnold Arboretum’s living collections.
Key Information: Both recommendation letters must be uploaded by referees by the application deadline.
Description
The Cunin/Sigal Research Award at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University supports graduate and advanced undergraduate students engaged in botanical research. It provides funding for research and travel expenses, with preference given to investigations that use the Arboretum’s living collections. The award helps students further their research aims through access to and use of these plant resources.
Recipients are selected through a competitive review that considers students’ educational backgrounds and readiness to conduct their proposed work, research quality, and relevance to the living collections. The award is supported by the Cunin/Sigal Research Award Endowment, established by Elise and Marlowe Sigal in tribute to her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Harry L. Cunin.
