UF Water Institute

The Water Institute Research Awards support research enhancements for master’s and Ph.D. students conducting research on terrestrial water systems (i.e. freshwater, groundwater) and their interactions with human, coastal, or atmospheric systems.

This award is intended to augment students’ current research by adding components not originally included in their proposals. Potential examples include adding a field season or site, incorporating a new interdisciplinary element in testing, or further collaboration and training with a research group.

• This award can NOT be used to fund the salary or stipend of the applicant.
• Funds may support personnel costs only when clearly justified to advance the proposed research (e.g., hiring OPS staff or undergraduate assistants to support new data collection, analysis, or other project-specific activities).
• This award can not be used for conference travel (see Water Institute Travel Awards for travel support).

– Award Details –

• UF graduate students can request up to $5,000 to augment their research
• Funds must be spent prior to graduation or within two years, whichever comes first 

– Eligibility Criteria –

• Must be a UF masters or Ph.D. student
• Faculty advisor must be a Water Institute Affiliate Faculty member
• Have not received a Water Institute Research Award

– Application Materials –

• 1 – 2 page project description including:
  • What the new components of your research are, goals for the new components, and how it fits into your overall research objectives
  • Planned activities with the awarded funds and an estimated timeline
  • Expected outcomes/products and their relevance to your research
• Budget description with justification (see budget template)
  • Funds used for travel to external sites are subject to the travel regulations for the University of Florida
  • Funds may be used for stipends if sufficiently justified on the budget description
  • Funds may not be used for travel to present research
• CV
• Letter of support from a Water Institute Affiliate Faculty advisor
• Letter from host institution (if doing research at an off-campus site)

– Requirements –

• Acknowledgement of Water Institute support on poster/presentation
• Present research findings at a Water Institute event
• Submit fiscal and accomplishment report to the Water Institute at the end of the 2027 and 2028 fiscal years (or prior to graduation, whichever comes first)

– Selection Criteria –

• Importance of the proposed research goals and activities
• Proposed activities are necessary and sufficient to accomplish research goals
• Student has the background knowledge/training/experience to accomplish the proposed research
• The level of effort is appropriate for the proposed timeline and budget
• Strength of support from graduate advisor and external host/institution (if applicable)

Deadlines

Applications open in the summer semester and close on the following date: