The Tow Summer Research Fellowship supports senior thesis-related summer research projects that require travel, either domestic or international. To apply for funding, you must submit a proposal, budget, and letter of recommendation from a Barnard or Columbia faculty member by Friday, March 14, 2025. Below are guidelines for the application:
- Brief Abstract (75 -100 words): Provide an overview of your thesis topic.
- Detailed Proposal (maximum three pages, double-spaced, one-inch margins): Provide details about the issues you intend to investigate. You are expected to address the following points:
- Where do you intend to go?
- What will you do there and how long do you plan to stay there?
- Have you made contact with any on-site individuals or institutions whose cooperation will be critical to your research? If yes, provide details.
- Do you foresee any difficulties (e.g. linguistic, political, medical) and, if so, what precautions do you intend to take?
- How has your research grown out of your academic pursuits?
- How is your proposed work necessary to your thesis?
- Can you conduct your research with partial funding from this fellowship? What is the minimum amount that will allow you to move forward with your research?
- Letter of Recommendation: The faculty letter of support should be written by a person familiar with your project—the person who will be supervising your thesis, for example—and should address both the importance of the research and your qualifications for carrying it out.
- Proposed Budget: Provide prioritized details regarding expenses including transportation, daily living costs such as lodging, and other fees or costs associated with your project. Past grants have generally been in the $1000-$4000 range. A chart form is best and should be included as one of the maximum three pages.
If your project involves human subjects, please go to the Respectful Treatment of Research Participants page and click on the link for Student as PI Worksheet, and submit the completed form with your proposal. Proposals will be reviewed and assessed by the Faculty Committee on Honors at our April 2025 meeting. Bear in mind that although some members of the Committee may be experts in your field, most will not be; it will be wise to tailor your proposal accordingly. Grant recipients will be required to provide a report (of up to three pages) describing how the funding contributed to their project or overall academic or intellectual growth.
Please direct any questions to Dean Erica Siegel.
Submit your Electronic Application.