Summer Research Fellowships
The SCiLL Summer Thesis Research Fellowship supports rising seniors conducting original research for a senior thesis on topics related to civic life and the liberal arts broadly conceived.
About the SCiLL Summer Thesis Research Fellowship
The program provides financial support of up to $4,000 for independent research, as well as support from a community of faculty and peers. The Fellowship will culminate in a week-long, not-for-credit intensive seminar on “The Life of the Mind” to be held at Oxford University from July 26 to August 1, 2026. Participating in this fellowship will enhance your research through stimulating conversations across disciplines, improved access to resources such as interview subjects and archival materials, and guided reflection on liberal learning and the role of the university in civic life.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to juniors in any department who are approved—or will soon be approved—by their department to write a senior thesis. Theses in the humanities, social sciences, or sciences are welcome, as long as you can articulate a connection to civic life, public policy, human flourishing, or fundamental questions of meaning. If you are not sure whether your research topic would be appropriate, please reach out to Prof. Kathryn Wagner (kmwagn@unc.edu).
Key Information & How to Apply
The application deadline is March 13, 2026. Applicants will need to submit the following documents:
- Project Proposal (max 600 words)
- Proposed Budget
- Letter of Support from Research Advisor or Home Department
- Unofficial UNC Transcript
Participants will be selected based on the interest, originality, and feasibility of the proposed research project.
Participants will be awarded a research support fund of up to $4,000, which may be used for travel, room and board, books and supplies, and other research expenses. SCiLL research funds may not be used in conjunction with other research support awards of over $500.
If your summer research requires international travel, you must seek approval from UNC HeelsAbroad. If your research involves human subjects, you must complete the IRB approval process under the guidance of your departmental advisor.
Apply NowFrequently Asked Questions
No, any UNC junior who will be writing a senior thesis in the 2026-27 academic year is eligible to apply. However, you must be approved by your home department to write a thesis. Your departmental thesis advisor will provide primary supervision for your project.
You can spend it on anything necessary for you to conduct research. We expect that most students will use the award for travel, but other expenses are permitted, such as laboratory equipment or supplies, computer software or time, costs related to field research, artistic supplies or equipment, and books or periodicals not available through normal library sources. We recognize that plans are provisional at this stage, but you should include as much detail on your proposed budget as possible. We will award funds up to $4,000, but if your anticipated research expenses are less, we will award less (and may be able to extend awards to more students).
Probably. If you can make the case that your research topic should matter to an educated person who cares about democracy or living a responsible life, you are eligible to apply.
Participants will live in a historic Oxford college where they will discuss daily readings in a seminar format and present their preliminary research findings to their peers for feedback. We will also leave time to explore Oxford and London. A detailed schedule will be sent to selected fellows during the summer.
SCiLL will cover airfare, lodging, and most meals for the trip. Students will be responsible for incidentals, any passport or visa fees, and bus fare from Heathrow Airport to Oxford and back.
American citizens generally do not need to obtain visas in advance for this kind of trip. If you are unsure whether you need a visa, please check before you apply. SCiLL cannot help students obtain visas and participation in the Oxford seminar is a requirement of the fellowship.
We anticipate notifying selected fellows in early April.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t see the answer you need? please reach out to Prof. Kathryn Wagner at kmwagn@unc.edu.
No, any UNC junior who will be writing a senior thesis in the 2026-27 academic year is eligible to apply. However, you must be approved by your home department to write a thesis. Your departmental thesis advisor will provide primary supervision for your project.
You can spend it on anything necessary for you to conduct research. We expect that most students will use the award for travel, but other expenses are permitted, such as laboratory equipment or supplies, computer software or time, costs related to field research, artistic supplies or equipment, and books or periodicals not available through normal library sources. We recognize that plans are provisional at this stage, but you should include as much detail on your proposed budget as possible. We will award funds up to $4,000, but if your anticipated research expenses are less, we will award less (and may be able to extend awards to more students).
Probably. If you can make the case that your research topic should matter to an educated person who cares about democracy or living a responsible life, you are eligible to apply.
Participants will live in a historic Oxford college where they will discuss daily readings in a seminar format and present their preliminary research findings to their peers for feedback. We will also leave time to explore Oxford and London. A detailed schedule will be sent to selected fellows during the summer.
SCiLL will cover airfare, lodging, and most meals for the trip. Students will be responsible for incidentals, any passport or visa fees, and bus fare from Heathrow Airport to Oxford and back.
American citizens generally do not need to obtain visas in advance for this kind of trip. If you are unsure whether you need a visa, please check before you apply. SCiLL cannot help students obtain visas and participation in the Oxford seminar is a requirement of the fellowship.
We anticipate notifying selected fellows in early April.
More Information
If you have further questions, please reach out to Prof. Kathryn Wagner at kmwagn@unc.edu.