Salata Summer Research Funding Program

Salata Summer Research Funding Program

Funds Harvard undergraduate and graduate students conducting original climate, sustainability, and environment research.

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

The Salata Summer Research Funding Program at Harvard's Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability provides stipends for Harvard undergraduate and graduate students conducting original climate, sustainability, or environment research during summer 2026. The program runs across three distinct tracks: the Salata Undergraduate Research Fund (SURF), which places undergraduates with Harvard faculty projects for a 9-week residential program from June 8 through August 7, 2026; an Undergraduate Independent Research track for self-directed projects; and a Graduate Independent Research track for doctoral students pursuing independent summer work.

SURF participants receive a $3,000 stipend plus free housing and meals for the duration of the residential program. Undergraduate independent researchers receive $3,000–$6,000 depending on project scope, while graduate students may receive up to $6,000. Graduate students are eligible for this track only once during their enrollment. All applicants must be enrolled at Harvard and returning as a student in Fall 2026, with a faculty advisor supporting the proposed research. The 2026 application deadline was March 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

All funded students must complete a mid-summer progress report, submit a final 2–4 page research paper, and present their findings at an October 2026 poster session. Applicants should choose the track that best matches their academic level and project structure — SURF suits undergraduates interested in joining established faculty labs, while the independent tracks suit those with defined self-directed projects. Harvard College students must confirm eligibility under the College's own summer funding policy before applying through the Salata portal.