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Irsay Institute Indiana University

The Irsay Graduate Fellows Program

Funding and fellowship for students in sociomedical sciences at Indiana University Bloomington

The Irsay Graduate Fellows Program at Indiana University provides advanced graduate students with a unique opportunity to engage in sociomedical research while developing professionally within the collaborative environment of the Irsay Institute. Fellows contribute to advancing the Irsay’s research agenda and benefit from mentorship, professional development, and access to a vibrant community of scholars.

The Irsay Graduate Fellows Program is designed to:

  • Support advanced graduate students engaged in sociomedical research.
  • Foster collaboration between students and Irsay-affiliated faculty.
  • Build a community of fellows that connects current participants with alumni.

Fellows may be funded or unfunded. Fellows participate during the academic year in bi-weekly professional development meetings, research presentations, and a spring research symposium. Fellows also receive access to office space in Morrison Hall, a beautifully renovated space fostering interaction among fellows, postdocs, and faculty.

For the 2026–27 academic year, the Irsay Institute anticipates funding up to six semester-long fellowships, with potential space for two to four additional unfunded fellows. Availability is contingent on funding and office space.

Question & Answer Session

If you are considering applying for the Irsay Fellows Program for 2026–27, the 29-minute recording of the Q&A session webinar held in December 2025 contains a short presentation on the program and what makes a successful applicant.

Each funded fellowship provides:

  • A stipend of at least $13,000 per semester (fall or spring).
  • Access to shared office space in Morrison Hall.
  • Opportunities for professional development and networking.
  • Involvement in a collaborative research environment.

Please note:

  • The fellowship does not include fee remission; fellows must be eligible for G901 enrollment.
  • Funded Fellows cannot hold concurrent academic appointment positions during their funded fellowship semester (no stacked fellowships). They can have any type of appointment during their non-funded semester.
  • Unfunded Fellows may still participate in the program, gaining access to office space and professional development opportunities. Participation as an unfunded Fellow does not disadvantage a future funded fellowship application.
  • The fellowship is not intended to simply support dissertation research, so if it is a part of your dissertation, please make sure to emphasize:
    • How your work relates to social science and either medical or health-related research
    • How this research is being done in partnership with a faculty member
    • How this research is part of a planned research agenda of publications or funding proposals

Applicants must:

  • Be enrolled full-time and making satisfactory progress toward their degree.
  • (If applying for funding) Be eligible for G901 enrollment during the fellowship period.
  • (If applying for funding) Be an enrolled student at IU Bloomington. Students from other campuses who can spend time in Bloomington are welcome to apply as unfunded Fellows. 
  • Demonstrate a clear interest and engagement in sociomedical research.
  • Work on a research project with a faculty member (preferably Irsay-affiliated).

Fellows are expected to:

  • Actively participate in bi-weekly professional development meetings.
  • Submit a two-page project summary at the conclusion of the fellowship.
  • Present their research at the annual Irsay Research Symposium held each spring.
  • Regularly use the shared office space provided.
  • Engage in Irsay events, including talks, symposiums, and guest lectures.
  • Collaborate with their faculty mentor on research activities, emphasizing publication and dissemination.

The application process includes:

  1. A completed nomination form (available on this webpage).
  2. A two- to three-page research plan, emphasizing:
  • The research problem and goals.
  • How the project aligns with sociomedical research.
  • Plans for publication, presentation, or further development.
  1. A current CV.
  2. A letter of support from your Irsay Mentor stating: a) they recommend you for the fellowship, b) they agree to come and meet the follows and either do a Q&A or professional development session (roughly 1 hour in the fall), and c) they agree to attend the follows project presentation in the spring (roughly 1 hour).

Applications are reviewed by the directors of the Irsay Institute. Selection is based on the project's alignment with the Institute's mission, the strength of the research plan, and the applicant's collaboration with faculty. While applicants working with current Irsay Faculty are given priority, this is not a requirement.

  • Application Deadline: January 15, 2026.
  • Decision Notification: Early February 2026. Applicants are encouraged to inform their departments of their application to avoid conflicts with teaching assignments or other commitments.