[Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University](https://arboretum.harvard.edu)

November 2026 (Application opens) | February 2027 (Application and letters of recommendation due)

Awards up to $2,000 for student research and travel; typically one-year projects.

Supports botanical research by graduate and advanced undergraduate students, with preference for projects using the Arnold Arboretum’s living collections.

--- ## Description The Cunin/Sigal Research Award is designed to foster botanical research by graduate and advanced undergraduate students, especially those whose projects make use of the living collections at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Made possible by the Cunin/Sigal Research Award Endowment, this program encourages student engagement with the Arboretum’s extensive plant collections and supports both research and travel costs associated with eligible projects. --- ## Due Dates - **Anticipated application opens:** November 2026 - **Anticipated application and recommendation letter deadline:** February 2027 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Awards are up to $2,000 per project. - Funding may be used for research and travel expenses related to the proposed project. - The award is typically for a one-year period. --- ## Eligibility - Open to advanced undergraduate and graduate students. - Strong preference is given to projects that utilize the living collections of the Arnold Arboretum. - No citizenship requirements are specified. - Applicants must be ready to conduct the proposed research and demonstrate relevant educational background. --- ## Application Process Applications are submitted online and must include: - Cover letter - Research statement (1–2 pages) describing the project, its relevance to the Arboretum’s collections, and expected research outcomes - Research budget (1 page, itemized) - Project timeline with anticipated start and end dates - Curriculum vitae - Two letters of recommendation (requested through the online system; referees must submit by the application deadline) Applications are reviewed competitively based on the applicant’s readiness, research quality, and relevance to the Arboretum’s living collections. [Submit Application](https://arboretumscholars.communityforce.com/Funds/Search.aspx) --- ## Additional Information - Award funds are not intended to supplement or replace departmental salaries or stipends but may be used for the stipend/salary of an undergraduate intern through the applicant’s home institution. - Applicants are encouraged to contact the selection committee with questions about the award, Arboretum resources, or the application process. --- ## External Links - [Cunin/Sigal Research Award Program Page](https://arboretum.harvard.edu/research/programs-and-opportunities/cunin-sigal-research-award/) - [Arnold Arboretum Research Opportunities](https://arboretum.harvard.edu/research/programs-and-opportunities/) - [Online Application Portal](https://arboretumscholars.communityforce.com/Funds/Search.aspx) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Web Form/Link | |------------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Selection Committee | [arbscholars@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:arbscholars@fas.harvard.edu) | | [Contact Page](https://arboretum.harvard.edu/visit#contact_us) | | Arnold Arboretum Main | arbweb@arnarb.harvard.edu | 617.384.5454 | [Arnold Arboretum Homepage](https://arboretum.harvard.edu) |

Cunin/Sigal Research Award

Sign in to see full grant listing