Call for proposals: Sustainability Summer Research Fellowship
The University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research is accepting proposals for the 2026 Sustainability Summer Research Fellowship.
This fellowship offers UK undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in transformative research on sustainability during the summer. Funded by the Environmental Stewardship Fee and sponsored by the Student Sustainability Council and UK Sustainability, the fellowship supports projects that address sustainability through the intersection of social, economic and environmental justice.
“Sustainability Research Fellowship was perfect as it enabled me to pursue research through an interdisciplinary lens, independently and it was funded. My involvement helped me obtain new skills and also refine old ones,” said Graciela Martinez, environmental and sustainability studies senior in the College of Arts and Sciences and a 2025 Sustainability Fellow. “This undergraduate research experience influenced my decision to take on a year-long internship with the UK archival library to work with national weather reports, further advancing my pursuit of dedication to environmental sustainability.”
Research projects should focus on one or more of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fellows conduct research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, contributing to sustainability initiatives both at UK and within the broader community.
The fellowship provides a $5,000 stipend for the Summer 2026 term. Applications are open to UK undergraduate students who are currently enrolled and will return for the Fall 2026 term.
In addition to the $5,000 stipend, fellows benefit from mentorship from their faculty advisor, professional development through workshops and networking events and hands-on research experience in the field of sustainability. Students can also make scholarly contributions to their disciplines and help advance sustainability solutions.
To apply, students must submit a research proposal on sustainability, a letter of support from a faculty mentor, a personal statement detailing the project’s impact and relevance and a current resume or CV.
Students can explore how their faculty research aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals on Scholars@UK.
The application deadline is 11:55 p.m. March 1. More information about the application process and requirements can be found at our.uky.edu/sustainability-fellowship.