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

January 26, 2026 (Spring) | March 16, 2026 (Summer)

Up to $1,200 (semester stipend); up to $6,000 (summer); covers research expenses, travel, or stipends.

Supports Harvard College undergraduates in faculty-supervised research, especially projects using Arnold Arboretum and related Harvard collections.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity is designed to support Harvard College undergraduates conducting research under the supervision of a Harvard tenure-track faculty member. While projects from any subject area are eligible, preference is often given to research that utilizes the collections, laboratories, or facilities of the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ), Harvard University Herbaria (HUH), or Arnold Arboretum (AA), as well as related fieldwork. The grant is particularly supportive of projects contributing to senior honors theses or serving as preliminary studies for such theses. Funding from the Arnold Arboretum is specifically intended for research making use of its living collections. --- ## Due Dates - January 26, 2026: Spring application deadline - March 16, 2026: Summer application deadline --- ## Funding Amount - **Fall & Spring:** Typically up to $1,200 stipend for on-campus research. - **Summer:** Up to $500 per week of full-time research on campus, or travel-related expenses (airfare, lodging, meals); maximum summer award is $6,000. - **Eligible expenses:** Laboratory supplies, travel to research sites, stipends. --- ## Eligibility - Open to **Harvard College undergraduates**. - Research must be **supervised by a Harvard tenure-track faculty member**. - Projects in any subject area are considered, but priority is given to those utilizing MCZ, HUH, or Arnold Arboretum resources. - Especially encourages projects related to senior honors theses or preliminary studies. - Applicants are encouraged to also apply for the [Harvard College Research Program (HCRP)](https://uraf.harvard.edu/uraf-opportunities/hcrp). --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically via [CARAT](https://carat.fas.harvard.edu/). - Required documents: - Research proposal (~750 words) with citations, outlining goals, plan, timeline, and supervisor's role. - Budget. - Travel information (if relevant). - 1-page resume. - Unofficial transcript. - Reference letter from the supervising faculty member (uploaded via CARAT). - All documents must be uploaded as PDFs. - Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. --- ## Additional Information - Awards may cover laboratory supplies, travel expenses, or stipends. - On-campus and field research are both eligible. - Funding from the Arnold Arboretum is prioritized for research using its living collections. - For technical assistance with CARAT, contact the [HUIT helpdesk](mailto:ithelp@harvard.edu) or call 617-495-7777. --- ## External Links - [Grant Program Information](https://www.mcz.harvard.edu/grants-in-aid-undergraduate-research) - [CARAT Application Portal](https://carat.fas.harvard.edu/) - [Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University](https://arboretum.harvard.edu) - [Harvard College Research Program (HCRP)](https://uraf.harvard.edu/uraf-opportunities/hcrp) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Arnold Arboretum Info | arbweb@arnarb.harvard.edu / 617.384.5454 | | MCZ Funding Questions | mczfunding@fas.harvard.edu | | CARAT Technical Help | ithelp@harvard.edu / 617-495-7777 |

Grants-In-Aid of Undergraduate Research

Sign in to see full grant listing