The University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research is accepting proposals for the 2025 Sustainability Summer Research Fellowship.

This fellowship offers UK undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in transformative research on sustainability during the summer. Funded by the Environmental Stewardship Fee and sponsored by the Student Sustainability Council and UK Sustainability, the fellowship supports projects that address sustainability through the intersection of social, economic and environmental justice.

“​​Sustainability research is important to gain understanding and develop methods to maintain our planet through aspects such as health and environment,” said Katie Christensen, a junior agricultural and medical biotechnology major in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, violin performance major in the College of Fine Arts and a 2024 Sustainability Fellow. “If we do not consider the future of human practices and how they will stay established long-term, we cannot expect to succeed in solving many of our continuous issues surrounding sustainability.”

Research projects should focus on one or more of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fellows will conduct research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, contributing to sustainability initiatives both at UK and within the broader community.

The fellowship provides a $5,000 stipend for the Summer 2025 term. Applications are open to UK undergraduate students who are currently enrolled and will return for the Fall 2025 term.

In addition to the $5,000 stipend, fellows will benefit from mentorship from their faculty advisor, professional development through workshops and networking events and hands-on research experience in the field of sustainability. Students can also make scholarly contributions to their disciplines and help advance sustainability solutions.

To apply, students must submit a research proposal on sustainability, a letter of support from a faculty mentor, a personal statement detailing the project’s impact and relevance and a current resume or CV.

Students can explore how their faculty research aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals on Scholars@UK.

The application deadline is 11:55 p.m. March 1. More information about the application process and requirements can be found at our.uky.edu/sustainability-fellowship.