Conference Funding for Research

Department Undergraduate Conference funding opportunity!

We are delighted to announce an opportunity for conference funding for undergraduate Statistical Science students presenting their research at a scholarly conference or attending a conference in support of their research. Funds are still available for the 2022-2023 academic year.

What is fundable?

  • The grant can cover up to $400 in as-yet-unfunded conference fees at the student rate and related expenses for an undergraduate student to attend and present their research. It may also cover fees for an undergraduate to attend a conference without presenting,  in support of the research. Note that COVID-related travel restrictions may limit the kinds of conference expenses eligible for reimbursement in this funding. Reasonable cost of poster printing may also be reimbursed. 

Who can apply? 

The grant is in support of Duke undergraduate students performing independent research in Statistical Science. Preference will go to students working on a senior honors thesis but any undergraduate student who fits one of the following categories may apply:

  • a major or minor in Statistical Science 
  • or in an interdisciplinary major involving Statistical Science 
  • or a Program II student whose advisor is a faculty member in Statistical Science
  • or an undeclared student intending to pursue a degree in the department, who is active in the StatSci Majors Union
  • or doing undergraduate research in the department in connection with an independent study or honors thesis

How do you apply?

  • Discuss the application with your research mentor in the department
  • Fill out the form.
  • Ask your mentor to fill out the recommendation when they receive an invitation

How long does it take to get an answer?

  • You'll hear back within one to two weeks of all information having been provided. 

When's the deadline?

  • Grants are made on a rolling basis until all the funds are allocated for the 2022-2023 academic year. Apply once you know your paper/poster has been accepted. 

Are the funds limited?

  • Yes. There is a limited pool of funds for this purpose for 2022-23 and we will review applications on a rolling basis until funds for this year are exhausted. We currently have no funds available for future periods. 

When do I get the funds?

  • Funds are typically reimbursed upon completion of the conference.  We follow the Duke Undergraduate Research Support Office guidelines in this case. However, do let us know if this presents a problem.  

What else do I have to do?

  • You must be willing to present your work at a departmental event or at the Visible Thinking showcase, if invited.  If you are not presenting research at the conference, we may ask you to make a short public presentation about what you learned or to write and share a reflection on the experience for the department website or other outlets. We will also identify you as a grant recipient on our website. All recipients will be asked to write a short reflection on their research and conference experience as a condition of funding.  

What if I'm part of a group whose work is being presented, although I'm not the one presenting?

  • Go ahead and apply, and explain that in your application.  We'll let you know if we have questions.

What if the research was done for pay?

  • This is for undergraduate academic research that you performed on your own, or as part of a group, but not as part of a job.

What is the source of the funds? 

  • Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Maria Tackett, Assistant Professor of the Practice of Statistical Science, who won our first Duke Trinity College grant for enhancing undergraduate research for the 2020-2021 year. The grant was called Toward a More Sustainable Culture of Undergraduate Research in Statistical Science.  The grant strengthens undergraduate research opportunities in the department, particularly for students writing honors theses.  The grant was renewed and expanded for 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 to continue funding conference support as well as to hold our Introduction to Undergraduate Research in Statistical Science workshop in May 2021. We will be holding another workshop in May 2023.

But what about.....?

  • Send an email with your questions and we'll answer them or set up a meeting to talk with you.  

Funding through the Duke Undergraduate Research Support Office

The Duke Undergraduate Research Support Office provides funding for research, conferences, and independent study projects, as well as information about other opportunities on and off campus. Read about it here.

NC ASA Student Travel Awards

The NC Chapter of the ASA is generously funding student awards to attend conferences; presentation is not required. Deadlines are four times a year. Find details here.