Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research Program

The Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research Program, celebrating 100 years of supporting research, offers financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students. Members can receive grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, while non-members can apply for up to $1,000. Additionally, there are specific funds available for astronomy and vision-related research. This program fosters collaboration between students and mentors, promoting scientific excellence through hands-on experience.

Celebrating 100 years of Grants in Aid of Research
Since 1922, Sigma Xi has extended the hand of companionship to more than 30,000 young researchers through the Grants in Aid of Research (GIAR) Program. Sigma Xi grants are often the first research support an undergraduate or graduate student may receive.
Sigma Xi Members: Award amounts for members range from $500 to $5,000 for graduate applicants and $500 to $2,000 for undergraduate applicants.
Non-members: Award amounts for non-members, both graduate and undergraduate, are available up to $1,000.
Both members and non-members are eligible for designated funds from the National Academy of Sciences that allow for grants of up to $5,000 for astronomy research and $2,500 for vision related research.

Eligibility

US Citizenship and residence not required.International applications are welcome.
Only undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in degree seeking programs may apply.
Undergraduates who are graduating seniors must plan to complete their research prior to graduation.
Applicants seeking a second Grant-in-Aid of Research must submit a Follow-up Report Form prior to the application deadline for a new grant.
Applicants are eligible to receive a total of two Grants-in-Aid of Research.
Separate applications are accepted from co-workers on the same project.Each applicant must demonstrate how the applicant's work is a unique contribution to the larger project.Where possible, each co-worker's application should request funding for expenses related to that applicant's work only.
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. Membership in Sigma Xi is not required to apply, although applicants who are dues paying members or whose project advisor is a dues paying member of Sigma Xi are more likely to be fully funded if their application is highly rated.

Ineligibility

Expenses not fundable:

Travel to a scientific meetings or symposia.
Educational programs, tuition, general room and board, textbooks, curriculum development.
Purchase of supplies and equipment considered standard and normally available in an institutional research laboratory (i.e. common laboratory chemicals, petri dishes, agar, data storage devices, pipettes, glassware, etc).
Salaries or stipends for applicants or assistants.
Manuscript preparation and publication costs.
Indirect costs or institutional administrative fees.
Requests for a third Grant-in-Aid of Research.
The following expenses are not generally funded. However, an applicant who demonstrates a particular need may receive funding if a detailed justification is provided in the budget section of the application. Demonstration of support from the applicant's institution or department for other aspects of the project may strengthen such requests:
Computer Equipment, software, digital phones, GPS and cameras. Note these items, if funded, remain the property of the institutional lab at the conclusion of the grant.Institutional or departmental equipment use fees. Except in the fields of astronomy, mathematics and computer science, fees for using institutional or departmental equipment and facilities are not generally funded. Equipment use fees for astronomy, mathematics and computer science are generally fundable.Transcription or analytical services. Except in the fields of astronomy, mathematics and computer science where transcription and analytical services are generally funded without additional justification.