Funding Opportunities

Political Science Undergraduate Research Fund

The Political Science Undergraduate Research Fund (PSURF) is sponsored by the Department of Political Science for undergraduate students at Rice University with an interest in politics, policy, and political science. The department will consider requests from students for small grants to cover expenses associated with a professionally enriching activity related to politics, policy, and political science. This may include registration fees, travel, or room/board for a conference or workshop, research costs (e.g., to conduct fieldwork or run a survey/experiment), special internship activities, etc. Grant amounts can vary but are likely to be in the range of $100 to $500. PSURF is currently supported by the Cuthbertson Fund for Undergraduate Education in Political Science.

The Fred von der Mehden Fund

The von der Mehden Fund provides $500 to support international travel related to political science studies for a current Rice undergraduate or graduate student. The fund is named for Professor Fred von der Mehden, who served on the Rice faculty from 1968-1997. Professor von der Mehden was an expert on the politics of Southeast Asia and of Islam, having authored many books on the subject. He spent significant time conducting research in the Southeast Asia region and was committed to helping his students understand the context in which politics takes place by gaining an appreciation for the culture, the food, the history, and the society. Awards are open to any continuing Rice student who will use the funds for international travel related to political science studies in the upcoming academic year.

Other funding opportunities for Political Science students around campus

Social Sciences Travel Grants (up to $1500)

Rice University Undergraduate Conference and Research Grants (up to $500)

The Access and Opportunity Portal