Academics

Funding Opportunities

For Graduate Psychology Students

From the Office of the Vice Provost for Research

From the Graduate Student Assembly

External Funding Programs

 

For Graduate Psychology Students

Many graduate students are in need of grants to cover their research costs or the cost of traveling to present their findings. Here are some funding opportunities for graduate students, both within UMass and from external sources.

 

From the Office of the Vice Provost for Research

DOCTORAL DISSERTATION GRANT PROGRAM

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Eligibility: Doctoral candidates whose dissertation proposals have been formally approved by the graduate program faculty by Friday May 22, 2009
Applications available: immediately
Application deadline: Friday, May 22, 2009, by 5:00 pm
Awards announced: June 22, 2009
Maximum award: $2,000

GENERAL INFORMATION

These grants provide support for dissertation research activities of doctoral candidates. Doctoral dissertation grants are funded through a reallocation of UMass Boston research trust funds obtained from the recovery of facilities and administration costs of sponsored programs. A committee of volunteer university faculty and professional staff members, drawn from various disciplines and program areas, will review all applications and make recommendations to the vice provost for research for the allocation of the doctoral dissertation grant funds. Students are encouraged to submit a brief “Letter of Intent to Submit a Proposal” in advance of the application deadline to enable the chairperson and the members of the review panel for this competition to react to and comment upon the student’s proposal prior to submission. Allocations for grants are based on the significance of the research, the merits of the research design, and the reasonableness of the budget request.

NATURE OF THE DOCTORAL DISSERTATION PROGRAM

A total of $20,000 has been allocated from the university’s research trust funds for these awards. Students may request up to $2,000 in grant funds. Eligible budget items include technical assistance and clerical support beyond that normally available through the student’s department and program, communications, supplies, and travel. Stipends (taxable remuneration) and equipment will not be funded by the doctoral dissertation grant program.

HOW TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION PACKAGE AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Application packages for the doctoral dissertation grant program are available from the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) located in the Quinn Administration Building, 3rd floor. The OVPR provides organizational support for all internal grant program competitions.

WHO MAY SUBMIT A PROPOSAL

Any UMass Boston graduate student who is enrolled in a doctoral program at the university and whose dissertation proposal will have been formally approved by the student’s graduate program faculty by May 22, 2009, is eligible to submit a proposal for consideration. A UMass Boston doctoral student may receive:

  • One doctoral dissertation grant in a given year, and
  • Up to two doctoral dissertation grants in 4 years.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Application proposals must be received by the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on Friday, May 22, 2009. Submit all materials to Paul M. Mullane, OVPR, Quinn Administration Building, 3rd floor. It is the responsibility of the student submitting the proposal to ascertain that one complete copy of the proposal has been received for processing by the deadline.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

In order to expedite the review of proposals, students are required to submit proposals in the following format. Please note that only one copy of the complete proposal needs to be submitted.

  • Cover sheet (form attached) with student and dissertation information, a 50-word abstract, list of doctoral dissertation grants previously awarded to the student, and signatures from the appropriate persons or groups.
  • Budget (form attached) presenting a breakdown of research expenses by category.
  • Budget narrative explaining each item requested on the budget form. Requests for stipends for the student and equipment will not be considered. "Budget requests for travel to present the results of the doctoral dissertation research at a professional meeting will not be considered. Budget requests for general-purpose statistical analysis software available on campus for student use (e.g., SPSS, Stata, Mathematica) will not be considered." Requests for professional consultants to assist in the design of the proposed dissertation research (e.g., research design or statistical analysis consultation) will be considered.
  • Project narrative describing the doctoral dissertation research for which funding is being requested. The project narrative is the core of the proposal. Members of the review committee will make their recommendations based on their interpretation of your research as described in this section. It is to the student’s advantage to provide background information in enough detail to convey why the research is significant, what will be accomplished, the schedule of activities, and how the requested funding will enhance the research. The student must be as clear as possible, remembering that the readers will represent various disciplines and program areas and will not have expertise in the subject matter of the proposal. If the work of others is referenced, include a list of the sources cited. The project narrative must be limited to eight (8) double-spaced pages and must include the following:
    1. significance of the proposed research;
    2. brief review of relevant literature or prior art;
    3. project goals and objectives with a timeline for accomplishment;
    4. research design, methodology, procedure, and data analyses, to the extent they are known by the student, that will be used to carry out the proposed project; and
    5. qualifications of the student that speak to the potential for success of the project
  • Letters of support are required from the chair of the student’s doctoral dissertation committee and from the graduate program director of the doctoral program in which the student is enrolled. These two letters must address the merits of the proposed research and explain how the support will assist the student to complete the research.
  • Other documents, such as letters of commitment from other organizations, departments, or units that may be collaborating on the proposed project.

REVIEW OF PROPOSALS

A committee composed of volunteer faculty and professional staff in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and professional fields will review all proposals. The committee will make recommendations to the vice provost for research who will make all final decisions. Grant awards will be announced by June 22, 2009.

Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Significance – The extent to which the proposed dissertation research will make an original and important contribution to the field of inquiry it addresses.
  • Approach – The extent to which the conceptual framework, design, methodology, procedure, and data analyses are clearly presented and appropriate for the proposed research.
  • Budget and cost-effectiveness – The extent to which the funding requested is adequate and appropriate to research objectives and activities.

GRANT MANAGEMENT

All university-supported doctoral dissertation grants are administered in accordance with established university fiscal procedures and policies relating to the conduct of sponsored programs. Award accounts will be established by June 30, 2009, and project expenditures can begin on July 1, 2009. All funds must be expended by June 30, 2010. The following conditions are attached to the award and must be accepted by the recipient at the time of the grant award:

  • A final project report must be filed with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research by September 1, 2010, summarizing grant project activities, outcomes, and expenditures.
  • All documents, papers, and publications associated with the research activities supported by the grant award must acknowledge the assistance of the doctoral dissertation grant program of the University of Massachusetts Boston.

For additional information, visit: www.umb.edu/research/funding/dissertationgrant.html

For specific questions, please contact Paul M. Mullane at 617.287.7879 or by email at: paul.mullane@umb.edu.

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From the Graduate Student Assembly

SPAYNE MASTER’S THESIS/PROJECT GRANT

The Dr. Robert W. Spayne Research Grant (for work leading to a Master's thesis) is a competitive grant awarded to assist students in defraying research expenses. Up to three grants of $2000 (maximum) are awarded each fall and spring semester by a committee of UMass graduate students, faculty and staff.

Spring 2009 Application deadline: May 1st @ 5pm.

For additional information, visit www.gsa.umb.edu.

BOLLINGER DOCTORAL DISSERTATION GRANT

The Craig R. Bollinger Memorial Research Grant (for work leading to a Doctoral Dissertation) is a competitive grant awarded to assist students in defraying research expenses. Up to three grants of $2000 (maximum) are awarded each fall and spring semester by a committee of UMass graduate students, faculty and staff.

Spring 2009 Application deadline: May 1st @ 5pm.

For additional information, visit www.gsa.umb.edu.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT (PDG)

The PDG represents the largest program expenditure of the GSA. The GSA allocates funds to reimburse matriculated graduate students who attend or present their research at conferences and professional meetings related to their field of study. Program details along with program guidelines and application requirements can be downloaded.

For additional information, visit www.gsa.umb.edu.

CHANCELLOR’S DISTINGUISHED DISSERTATION & THESIS AWARDS

For more information, contact the Office of Graduate Studies at 617-287-5700 .

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External Funding Programs

From the National Institute for Health

NOTE: To be eligible for any of these programs, the applicant/trainee (by the time of award) must be either a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national of the U .S., or have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence ("green card").

PREDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

  • Supports preparation of dissertation.
  • By the activation date of the award, must:
    • a) have a baccalaureate degree
    • b) be enrolled in a program leading to a research doctorate such as the Ph.D. or D.Sc., or a combined clinical and research degree such as M.D./Ph.D.
  • May receive up to 5 years of aggregate NRSA support at the aggregate predoctoral level, including any combination of support from institutional training grants and individual fellowship

F30: M.D./Ph.D--F30 (PA-05-151)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-05-151.html (expires January 8, 2010)

F31: INDIVIDUAL PREDOCTORAL (PA-07-002)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-002.html (expires January 8, 2010)

Supported by NIH's:

National Institute on Aging (NIA) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)

MINORITIES: http://www.nigms.nih.gov/minority/programs.html

T32 (NRSA INSTITUTIONAL TRAINING GRANT)

SUPPLEMENTS

From various other sources

APA DISSERTATION RESEARCH AWARDS

Award Amount: Two $5,000 awards, five $3,000 awards, and twenty-five $1,000 awards to students who are Advanced to Candidacy and whose dissertation research reflects excellence in scientific psychology.

Deadline: Applications are due to APA in September, but in order to be nominated by the department (a requirement of this award); applications are usually due at beginning of May. http://www.apa.org/science/dissinfo.html

APF/COGDOP GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS IN PSYCHOLOGY

For students in all areas of Psychology. Several scholarships are reserved for first and second year students. Remaining scholarships are allocated to students at all levels. Awards are designed to pay for research costs.
Deadline: Spring Quarter – usually at the beginning of May
Award Amount: $1,000 - $3,000 scholarships
http://www.apa.org/science/apf-cogdop.html

APSSC SMALL GRANT FUND

Award Amount: $250
Deadline(s): Usually April

Description: The American Psychological Society Student Caucus (APSSC) has been created to assist APS student affiliates with awards for their current research projects. These awards are for research expenses prior to data collection.

Other Requirements: This grant is for APS student affiliates. Research proposals in all areas of psychological science are welcome. Send verification that the research has been approved by either the Human Subjects Review Board or by the Animal Subjects Review Board (as applicable).
http://www.psychologicalscience.org/APSSC/

SIGMA XI GRANTS-IN-AID OF RESEARCH

Award Amount: Awards up to a maximum of $2,500 for vision research, and up to $1,000 for all other research.

Deadlines: October 15 and March 15

Description: Stipends issued to support a research project in any field of scientific investigation.

Other Requirements: 75% of awards will go to applicants who join Sigma Xi or whose advisor is a Sigma Xi member. Any active (dues paying) full member may nominate an individual for membership. Nomination forms can be accessed through: http://www.sigmaxi.org/member/join/nom.shtml. To become a member, faculty must pay $57.50. If the student wants to join instead, the dues are $27.50 for students. Ask your mentor if his/her grant can fund his/her/your membership.

Contact: Go to http://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/giar/index.shtml for applications and more information.

SPRING FOUNDATION

Award Amount: Grants of up to $5,000
Deadline(s): June, usually

Description: Research on the resiliency of women, especially women's strength in the face of adversities (as opposed to traditional studies of vulnerability in women).

Contact: The Spring Foundation for Research on Women in Contemporary Society, 316 El Vera no, Palo Alto, CA 94306 (415) 856-4121. UNCLEAR WHETHER THIS AWARD APPLIES NATIONWIDE OR ONLY IN CALIFORNIA.

SPSSI GRANTS-IN-AID PROGRAM

Award Amount: Up to $1,000 per grant and requires a matching fund from your department or program.

Deadlines: Nov. 1 or May 1
Description: Scientific research in social problem areas related to the basic interests and goals of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, particularly those that do not normally receive support from traditional sources.
Contact: Virgil Sheets, Ph. D., Department of Psychology, Indiana University, Terre Haute, IN 47809 http://www.spssi.org/GIAflyer.pdf

SOCIETY FOR THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF SEXUALITY, STUDENT RESEARCH GRANTS

Two grants in the amount of $1,000 are awarded for specific projects, master's thesis, or doctoral dissertation research on sexuality.

Deadlines: Usually February 1 and September 1.

More information is available at: http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/ssss

SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY (APA DIVISION 53), GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARD

Provides $2500 to support student research related to clinical child and adolescent psychology.

Contact: http://sccap.tamu.edu/

External Funding Databases

American Psychological Foundation – http://www.apa.org/apf

Community of Science – http://fundingopps2.cos.com/

SRCD dissertation funding research award information for 2010 is now posted on the SRCD website. Eligibility information is posted on the website along with application instructions. The dissertation award is for SRCD members. The dissertation proposals should be approved by their advisor. Students may apply for the award prior to dissertation committee approval, but the funding will not be issued until the project has been approved by the dissertation committee. Funding will also not be issued until the research project has been approved by the university IRB.

The deadline for the award is October 1, 2009 at 5 PM EST.
Questions should be directed to secc@srcd.org.

Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Child Psychology Graduate Fellowships

Deadline = November 16, 2009

Description

For research that breaks new ground or creates significant new understanding that facilitates children's and youth's development and/or functioning.

Award Amount

$25,000 + $3,000 travel funds (some of which must be used to attend the APA Convention both the summer before and the summer after the fellowship tenure). Runner-up applicants will be awarded travel stipends to attend the APA Convention and other conferences of the fellow's choice. This award may be accepted in addition to other fellowships, if both funding organizations approve, and if the funds are used for non-overlapping purposes (e.g., NRSA used for stipend & fees, and Koppitz used for research expenses, conferences & partial stipend to bring NRSA stipend level up to that equivalent to an NSF stipend). However, awardees may not work or hold TAships of any kind during the award tenure. IMPORTANT NOTE: This award does not need to be allocated/distributed by UCLA - the fellow may request that the funds be sent in one lump sum directly to his/her personal address (the fellow is then responsible for tax reporting, etc.)

Other Requirements

Students must be advanced to candidacy by the time the fellowship funds are awarded. PLEASE NOTE: This fellowship requires payment of fees by the university. Also, since you are not allowed to TA while holding this fellowship, you cannot count on TAing to obtain fee remissions.  At this time no funding is available for payment of fees, but you may check with Dena to see whether any funds might be available during the year you apply.

Contact http://www.apa.org/apf/koppitz.html

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