FELLOWSHIP GUIDELINES

• Eligibility

  The Othmer Research Fellowship is open to all degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students at ICU, with the exception of Rotary Peace Fellows and JDS Fellows.

  Fellows must remain enrolled at ICU through the completion of their research projects. Students on a leave of absence may apply, but must be enrolled by the time they begin their research. Students can only receive the Othmer Research Fellowship once.

• Research Focus

  Students may pursue research in any discipline. Graduate students must connect their research projects to their MA thesis or PhD dissertation. Undergraduate students must connect their independent research projects to their senior thesis or to their academic studies.

• Research Significance

  In your proposal, you will be asked to explain the significance of your research. Here are some examples of ways in which you might consider the significance of your project:

  • The project advances research in my field.
  • The project enhances public understanding on an issue.
  • The project positively influences community well-being.
  • The project contributes to the common good.

  These are just a few examples on how to frame your research’s broader significance and impact. Reach out to JICUF if you would like to discuss this further.

• Length of Research Project

  Applicants must indicate the start and end dates for their research. Research projects must be at least 1 week in length and no more than 6 weeks in length.

  Research projects must begin and end during the summer break.  Applicants must design and conduct their projects independently. While faculty can assist students as they plan their research project, students must be in charge of designing and implementing their research projects.

• Fellowship Requirements

  All Othmer Research Fellows are expected to participate in the following events:

  April 18: Orientation (Online)
  This online session will introduce fellows to the program structure, expectations, and resources available throughout their fellowship year.

  May 23: Spring Workshop (In-Person)
  This session marks the official launch of the fellowship and is required before beginning your summer research. The workshop will promote professional and academic development, knowledge-sharing, and peer collaboration. It aims to cultivate camaraderie among fellows—an essential first step in building a network of emerging scholars whose mutual support will strengthen fellows’ individual research endeavors and their long-term academic growth.

  October 17: Fall Workshop (Online)
  This mid-year session provides fellows with an opportunity to reflect on their research experiences, share progress updates, and continue building their scholarly network.

  Early December: Research Presentation
  The Othmer Research Fellowship culminates in a Research Poster Presentation session where fellows share their research findings with the ICU community. This event provides an opportunity for fellows to showcase their work and articulate their research experiences in both poster and presentation formats.
  —
  Applicants must indicate the start and end dates for their research. Research projects must be at least 1 week in length and no more than 6 weeks in length.

• Reporting Requirements

  Fellows must submit a report within 60 days of the completion of their summer research. The project report consists of a series of questions related to their research experience. Fellows must also submit a financial report on how funds were used. 

  Click on the link below to submit a Project Report.
  

  PROJECT REPORT FORM

• Taxation

  Othmer Fellows are responsible for determining the taxability of the funding they receive and pay any necessary taxes on the amount received. JICUF is not able to provide counsel on tax matters and recommends students speak with their local tax office or accountant.

  US citizens, US green card holders, or US residents for tax purposes are required to submit a W-9 form to JICUF regardless of where the research is conducted.

  Non-US citizens and non-US residents must submit a W-8BEN form. Please note: If you conduct your project in the United States, JICUF is required to withhold 30% of your stipend.