International Research Experience for Science Students (IRES)
Program Description
The International Research Experience for Science Students provides summer grants for students to work in a science laboratory outside of the US. The program is funded by a collaborative effort of the SIRE program, the Center for International Programs Abroad (CIPA), and the Center for Science Education. The goal is to give students a research experience similar to one that they could have on a US campus but in an international location. The program provides a 1-credit directed study to help prepare students for the summer experience and provides a $3500 stipend plus travel award.
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
1. Students should have worked at least one semester and preferably a year in a research lab at Emory.
2. Students should have an Emory research advisor who can write them a letter of recommendation for the program and support their preparation for the summer experience.
3. Students should be in good academic standing and generally in their second or third year at Emory at the time of application.
In the application, students should identify an international research mentor or program in one of the following ways:
A. The student's research advisor or department recommends a faculty advisor in an international research lab with whom they are familiar and who will provide outstanding mentoring for the student.
B. The student identifies three Howard Hughes Medical Institute International Scholars with whom he or she would like to work. A list of those investigators and their research projects are at http://www.hhmi.org/research/scholars/
C. The student applies for the German Academic Exchange Program (DAAD) and indicates that he/she would like to be matched with a German mentor.
Applicants will be interviewed before selection is made.
Participant responsibilities
- Participate in a one-hour directed study during the spring semester before working abroad. In this seminar, we will discuss preparations for the summer abroad including scientific preparation, cultural expectations, safety issues and other details.
- By the start of spring semester, provide a copy of your passport and any required visa application.
- Work under the direction of a host mentor at an international laboratory for 10 weeks during the summer session.
- Keep in touch with the program members during your time abroad including posting to the IRES blog.
- Present your research or project on campus at an approved symposium upon return.
- Write a final report and summary of the project that can be posted on the program web site.
Benefits of the IRES program
- Opportunity to do research and have a scholarly experience abroad.
- Opportunity to develop ties with a community of undergraduate scholars and mentors who are also engaged in independent scholarly projects.
- Presenting your work in scholarly forum provides a valuable credential and experience, and feedback from a broader audience for your work.
Application Instructions
All application materials are due by 11:00 p.m. on October 24.
All application materials should be submitted online via the CIPA application (click the 'Apply Now' button below). Once you log into the system, you will be required to complete a series of steps through the checklist process. The checklist includes the following types of documents:
Material Submissions
Items that need to be downloaded and returned by email
(a) IRES Letter of Support from your Emory advisor
This advisor should be someone who can comment on your scientific preparation and your personality. You should discuss the IRES program and your plans with your Emory advisor.
(b) IRES Foreign Language Report
You will need to have your skills in the local language evaluated as part of your application. A professional language instructor should be consulted for this if at all possible.
(c) IRES Student Information Sheet
The email address you provide here will be the main way we contact you about your application.
Items that need to be submitted to directly by email
(d) IRES Proposal Essay
In 3 single-spaced pages or less, please describe what research you have done in the past and how this IRES research experience will compliment your education. We are looking for specific skill sets and experiences you hope to develop as well as an indication that you have thought through your project and proposal in detail.
What specific skills have you developed and what specific skills do you hope to develop in your international lab? How does your summer plan relate to your coursework? Please keep your essay readable for the broader scientific community- the selection committee is composed of science faculty in many fields. Also in this essay, please address the preparation you are planning, including: What preparation you are doing/will need to do in order to be scientifically prepared for your summer? What prior cultural experiences have you had to prepare you for this experience? How will you handle any language barriers? What are some examples of language difficulties you might have? Are there personal challenges you expect in this new culture? Do you have religious, gender or ethic identities that may pose unique challenges to your experience?
Items that need to be submitted to the CIPA office
(e) Passport Photocopy
Signature Documents
Items that you will need to read, complete and/or "digitally sign" online
(f) Release for Funds
(g) Consent Form
(h) Release Form
Questionnaires
Items that you will need to fill out and answer online
(i) International Background Information
(j) Emergency Contact Information
For More Information
Leah Anderson Roesch, PhD
Director, SIRE Program for Undergraduate Research
Emory College Office for Undergraduate Education
White Hall 300
leah.roesch@emory.edu
404-727-9485
The IRES program is jointly administered by Drs. Preetha Ram, Joanne Brzinski, and Leah Roesch in the Office of Undergraduate Education, Drs. Pat Marsteller and Cathy Quinones in the Center for Science Education, and Kenya Casey in the Center for International Programs Abroad.