Overview

The Undergraduate Research Award (URA) provides an opportunity for sophomore and junior anthropology majors to receive funding for an anthropological research project. Students apply for the award in the spring and usually carry out their research project that summer. Students who plan to complete the senior thesis option are especially encouraged to apply.

Awards are competitive, and the maximum amount of funding that can be granted to each student depends on several factors, including the number of eligible applicants. The average award is usually between $400 and $800. Students may be granted a partial award if their entire funding request cannot be fulfilled.

In most instances, to fully support their research project, a student will need to secure funding from multiple sources. Start researching possible funding sources and their respective application requirements and deadlines as early as possible. CURF and the Penn Museum are good places to start.

Application Deadline

Sunday, March 31, 2024 (5:00pm).

Requirements

1. Students who accept URA funding must present their research at Anthrofest the following academic year.
2. Students must submit a completed application form by the deadline to the undergraduate coordinator.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicant must be an anthropology major at Penn.
2. Applicant must be a sophomore or junior.
3. The proposed research must be anthropological in nature.

Eligible Expenses

Eligible expenses include travel, lodging for field work, field equipment and research supplies, sample costs, and informant expenses. Tuition and fees for field schools are also eligible. Requests for support up to a maximum of $1,000 will be considered. 

Applying

Download the URA application here.

Submit your application in person or via email to the undergraduate coordinator by the deadline. 

 

 

 

Last updated by Ruth Styles on 6/6/2022.