Outreach Fellowships

The Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (IBACS) Outreach Fellowship offers affiliated graduate students the chance to inspire the next generation of brain and cognitive sciences scholars. Fellows receive funding and specialized training, develop outreach programs, and engage K-12 students from underrepresented groups at UConn.

Program Overview

The Institute is pleased to offer fellowships to up to four graduate students during the 2024-2025 academic year, thanks to a generous donation to the Opportunity Fellowship Fund.

Outreach Fellows are part of the Institute’s Science Alliance Mobile (SAM) outreach team. The team hosts events and educational opportunities to K-12 students from underrepresented populations. Their goal is to increase students’ exposure to and interest in brain and cognitive science fields.

The Outreach Fellowship lasts for one full calendar year and comes with a $5,000 stipend. Fellows participate in events where they lead demos and activities related to their research interests.

  • Most of the outreach events will take place during the summer (3-4 events).
  • During the academic year, fellows will develop plans for demos and educational activities for students of all ages. They will also participate in 1-2 events per semester.
  • Events will be hosted at UConn’s main campus in Storrs, at the regional campuses, or at various other locations across Connecticut.
  • Fellows are expected to attend most of these commitments.
  • Applicants must transport themselves to and from outreach events.

Eligibility and Conditions

Eligibility Requirements

Any IBACS-affiliated graduate student can apply for an Outreach Fellowship.

Priority consideration will be given to graduate students who have been affiliated with the Institute one or more years and who fall into one or more of the following categories:

  • Individuals who are members of a group that is underrepresented at UConn.
  • Individuals who have overcome obstacles such as socioeconomic, educational, or other societal disadvantages (arising, for example, through prejudice and/or discrimination).
  • Individuals who have worked with such groups to help overcome these or other obstacles.

In addition, reviewers will prioritize applicants who either have no other source of summer funding or are in receipt of summer funding that amounts to less than $5,000 from UConn or external funds (such as an NSF or NIH fellowship, teaching contract, departmental stipend etc.).

Conditions for Fellowship Recipients

Awards are issued on the first Thursday of May. Outreach Fellowships do not cover tuition fees (they are exempt) or other expenses.

As a condition of this award, the faculty advisors of recipients may be asked to serve for a year on the IBACS Review Panel in the future. This panel will review our Seed Grant, Graduate Fellowship, and undergraduate award applications. They may defer to a future time due to sabbatical or other appropriate reasons.

Important Tax Information

Fellowship payments are subject to federal and state income taxes. Recipients will be responsible for any income taxes resulting from this fellowship.

It is your sole responsibility to report and pay taxes on the taxable portion of any fellowship, stipend, award, or grant they receive. Please be advised that fellowship payments used for travel, supplies, or equipment for your independent research are not exempt from taxation.

Fellowship payments, although taxable, are not subject to income tax withholding if paid to a U.S. citizen or resident alien. Consistent with IRS guidance, the University does not withhold taxes on the taxable portion of fellowships, stipends, awards, or grants except in limited circumstances involving nonresident aliens.

If you are a nonresident alien, federal income taxes may be required to be withheld from your payment unless you qualify for exemption by way of an income tax treaty between the United States and your country of tax residence. You may wish to consider making estimated federal and state income tax payments.

You may find additional details and answers to many frequently asked questions on the following websites:

Become an Affiliate

Outreach Fellowships are open to graduate students affiliated with the Institute. If you are not currently an IBACS affiliate, please complete the affiliate membership form before applying.

Membership Form

How to Apply

Required Materials

All applicants must complete and submit the Outreach Fellowship Application by the deadline. You will be asked to provide the following materials with your application:

  • A summary of your current research interests.
  • A description of why you believe you would be a good fit.
  • An up-to-date CV.
  • A letter of support from your primary advisor. A copy of the application will be sent automatically to your advisor for their approval. Your advisor must submit a letter of support within seven days to complete the application process. You are responsible for ensuring that your advisor submits the letter of support within this timeframe. Details will be provided once you submit your application.

Key Dates

The summer 2025 application period will open Oct. 14, 2024 and close Dec. 2, 2024.

Contact Us

If you have trouble with any part of the application process or your eligibility, please email ibacs@uconn.edu or contact the IBACS Program Coordinator.