Research Grants FSI Student Programs

During fall quarter, FSI offers small research grants of up to $1,500 to partially or completely fund research projects for CDDRL or CISAC undergraduate honors students and graduate students who are using advanced analytical methods in their work. FSI also offers conference grants of up to $500 for students who are presenting at a conference related to international studies.

Fall quarter applications for small research grants and conference grants open October

FSI offers grants of up to $9,000 to fund research-related travel for CDDRL and CISAC undergraduate honors students and graduate students who are using advanced analytical methods in their work. Applicants must work with a FSI faculty advisor to develop a coherent research plan, conduct fieldwork abroad, and synthesize their data upon their return to campus. Graduate students may apply for a travel grant of up to $9,000. CDDRL and CISAC undergraduate honors students may apply for a grant of up to $6,400. These funds must primarily cover travel costs, but can secondarily be used to cover research expenses, fees for services rendered, and other field expenses incurred by the student.

Applications open February

• All research must have an international focus, but all students are encouraged to apply.
• Students must be working under the mentorship of an FSI senior fellow or center fellow. 
• For graduate student applicants, strong preference is given to dissertation research of Ph.D. candidates.
• Undergraduate applicants must be in honors programs with either the Center on Democracy, Development, and Rule of Law (CDDRL) or the Center for International Security And Cooperation (CISAC).
• When additional funds are needed, students must demonstrate the availability of matching funding from other sources, such as departmental funding, faculty research accounts, personal funding, etc.

1. Do I need to submit an official transcript of official transcript?

Please submit your unofficial transcripts up to the current quarter's classes.

2. Do I need to have an FSI faculty mentor?

Yes, you must have an FSI senior or center fellow as a mentor to look over your proposal. For FSI's small research grants, your faculty mentor must submit an email stating that they have consulted with you about your proposal. For FSI's large research grants, your faculty mentor must write a letter of recommendation. Your faculty mentor must email Patrick Laboon (plaboon@stanford.edu) directly by the application deadline.

3. How do I know if I need IRB approval? 

Please refer to Stanford's Research and Compliance Office website to determine if your research needs IRB approval. 

4. Can I be in an undergraduate honors program other than the CDDRL or CISAC honors programs to apply?

Applications from undergraduates will only be accepted by CDRRL and CISAC honors students.