ISF Announces 2025-2026 Graduate Fellowship Competition

Purdue’s Institute for a Sustainable Future (ISF) is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 ISF Graduate Dissertation Fellowship competition.  The ISF Graduate Fellowship underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting interdisciplinary research in the field of sustainability.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, ISF will award up to four one-semester fellowships which provide salary, tuition coverage, and additional research support to outstanding PhD students completing their dissertations in interdisciplinary sustainability research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with emphasis on ISF’s strategic interests.

• Students are expected to graduate by the end of the fellowship term.
• Active participation of faculty member in ISF activities will be considered in evaluating applications.
• Dissertations must be interdisciplinary.
• Students must have completed their prelim exam at the time of application.
• Applications must be submitted by the academic advisor of the student.
• Applications must attach a no more than 2-page letter of nomination.
• Students must maintain appropriate registration per Purdue University guidelines;
• Graduation should be expected by May, 2026.

Nominations for these fellowships must be submitted by ISF faculty affiliates. The review of applications will begin April 30, 2025 and will continue until the four fellowships have been successfully awarded.   Detailed information, including competition guidelines and application procedures are outlined below.   Questions about the fellowships can be directed to ISF Senior Managing Director, Lynne Dahmen, ldahmen@purdue.edu. Questions about your submission should be addressed to ISF Senior Operations Manager, Tara Greene, at greenet@purdue.edu.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED AS ONE PDF THROUGH THIS QUALTRICS FORM.

ISF remains dedicated to supporting collaborative research addressing global sustainability challenges and the training of the next generation of researchers in sustainability. These fellowships are integral components of ISF's broader initiatives to support and empower future leaders in sustainability research. For additional information on ISF's student initiatives and resources, please explore the offerings available under the 'Student Resources' section on our website.

Recipients of the ISF Graduate Fellowship become ISF Graduate Fellows, and thus they (and the advisors) receive the following benefits and bear the following responsibilities.

BENEFITS of the ISF Graduate Fellowship

• Up to $15,000 salary administered as a half time (0.5 FTE) one semester assistantship and tuition remission during the 2025-2026 academic year;
• Up to an additional $1,000 to the Fellow to be made available toward their personal research project, travel, etc.;
• Additional benefits: ready access to ISF leadership and staff, and the opportunity to take part in the ISF strategic initiatives, in particular, relating to engagement of students and post-docs in ISF activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES of Fellows include:

• Maintain appropriate registration per Purdue University guidelines;
• Engage in ISF activities including annual meetings and workshops, attendance at ISF- related seminars and events;
• Participate in organizing student-led events;
• Present project at annual ISF Research Expo or ISF-organized seminar, as feasible;
• Submit progress reports for the funded semester to the ISF in the form of narrative descriptions of their research activities and participation in ISF events;
• Credit ISF funding: Both Fellows and their advisors shall credit ISF funding in their publications, presentations at external conferences and workshops, as appropriate.

Application process

A complete application includes the following items in one PDF submitted through a Qualtrics form:

• A letter of nomination from advisor(s) (1 page), including: supportive information such as how the project ties to ongoing research of the nominating faculty, and how the project may develop new lines of inquiry at Purdue related to sustainability research; a brief overview of the student’s academic, research, and professional accomplishments and contributions; and, faculty advisor’s previous involvement in, or support from, ISF. 
• How the project is linked to interdisciplinary sustainability research (250 words)
• How the project aligns with ISF strategic interests  (250 words)
• a full copy of the student’s unofficial transcripts,
• student’s CV
• research statement from the student (500 words max, underlining interdisciplinary nature of their work and its connection to sustainability).

Evaluation of applications will begin April 30th, 2025, and will continue until the available fellowships have been successfully awarded. Selection of the recipients will be conducted by the ISF Fellowship Committee. Please send your application material electronically (pdf) through the Qualtrics form. Questions about submission can be sent to Tara Greene.

Student Eligibility

ISF fellowship recipients must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and scholarly abilities. They must be a current, full-time Purdue PhD student and must maintain appropriate registration per Purdue University guidelines. Students should confer with their institutional graduate committee chair regarding course and research credit requirements.

Review Criteria

General considerations: Outstanding student record; interdisciplinary nature of the sustainability research; research as aligned with the mission and vision of ISF; student research achievements and contributions; strength of nomination letter.