GRANT INFORMATION

This year’s Summer Research Laboratory (SRL) is made possible by generous support from the US Department of State, through its Program for Research and Training on Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union (Title VIII).

Due to a change in funding for SRL, we have revised our grant guidelines and eligibility requirements. Before submitting an application, please read the grant information below carefully.

The application deadline for Title VIII Research Awards is February 17, 2025. 

Funding Opportunity: Title VIII Research Awards

U.S. Citizens conducting policy-relevant research may apply for the Title VIII Research Awards.

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, these awards provide:

  • Dormitory accommodation on campus for up to 12 nights (room in a shared suite);
  • Travel reimbursement for transportation to Champaign-Urbana, up to $800;
  • A research stipend of $1250.

All Title VIII funded research must be conducted in-person at the SRL.

Grant Application Criteria and Instructions: 

A Statement of Policy Relevance (an abstract of your proposal that draws a connection between your research and some aspect of U.S. foreign policy issues, strategies, emphases, or concerns. Length: up to 500 words) is required and must be submitted with the online application. Failure to provide this statement could compromise your ability to receive Title VIII funding.

Research Eligibility Criteria for Title VIII Funding:

All applicants must meet one of the following criteria in addition to US citizenship:

  • Faculty or graduate students at a university or college.
  • Individuals with a PhD doing research on the region.
  • Credentialed independent scholars.
  • Individuals working in an area of government, NGO, or business related to the region.
  • Librarians specializing in the Slavic, East European, and Eurasian field.

In addition to the above, please read the following carefully:

US citizen scholars conducting policy relevant research on the countries of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan are eligible to apply for a Title VIII Research Award. Proposals regarding Kosovo are also eligible for funding this summer.

Other Funding Opportunities: Fisher Fellow Award (Click here for more details):
  • Graduate Student at dissertation stage or post-doctorate scholar (<5 years following PhD).
  • Available to attend SRL during Sumer 2025.
  • Open to both US citizen and international scholars.
  • The application deadline for Fisher Fellow Award is February 17, 2025.