Advancing student research innovation through targeted, interdisciplinary support.

The Water Institute Research Awards support research enhancements for master’s and Ph.D. students conducting research on terrestrial water systems (i.e. freshwater, groundwater) and their interactions with human, coastal, or atmospheric systems.

This award is intended to augment students’ current research by adding components not originally included in their proposals. Potential examples include adding a field season or site, incorporating a new interdisciplinary element in testing, or further collaboration and training with a research group.

This award can NOT be used to fund the salary or stipend of the applicant.
Funds may support personnel costs only when clearly justified to advance the proposed research (e.g., hiring OPS staff or undergraduate assistants to support new data collection, analysis, or other project-specific activities).
This award can not be used for conference travel (see Water Institute Travel Awards for travel support).

Award Details

UF graduate students can request up to $5,000 to augment their research
Funds must be spent prior to graduation or within two years, whichever comes first

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a UF masters or Ph.D. student
Faculty advisor must be a Water Institute Affiliate Faculty member
(Please check that advisor has re-affiliated with the Water Institute)
Have not received a Water Institute Research Award

Contact

Paloma Carton de Grammont
Assistant Director
palomacgl@ufl.edu
352-294-7744

Application Materials

1 – 2 page project description including:
- What the new components of your research are, goals for the new components, and how it fits into your overall research objectives
- Planned activities with the awarded funds and an estimated timeline
- Expected outcomes/products and their relevance to your research
Budget description with justification (see budget template)
- Funds used for travel to external sites are subject to the travel regulations for the University of Florida
- Funds may be used for stipends if sufficiently justified on the budget description
CV
Letter of support from a Water Institute Affiliate Faculty advisor
Letter from host institution (if doing research at an off-campus site)

Requirements

Acknowledgement of Water Institute support on poster/presentation
Present research findings at a Water Institute Student Showcase
Submit fiscal and accomplishment report to the Water Institute at the end the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years (or prior to graduation whichever comes first)
Potential spotlight on research and outcomes near project completion

Review Criteria

Importance of the proposed research goals and activities
Proposed activities are necessary and sufficient to accomplish research goals
Student has the background knowledge/training/experience to accomplish the proposed research
The level of effort is appropriate for the proposed timeline and budget
Strength of support from graduate advisor and external host/institution (if applicable)