GWIS National Fellowship Program
Offered by Graduate Women In Science (GWIS)
About This Scholarship
Graduate Women In Science, a membership society founded in 1921 as Sigma Delta Epsilon, runs a National Fellowship Program that pays for women's hypothesis-driven research in the natural, life, and social sciences. The money comes from endowments built mostly from bequests, and the awards carry the names of the scientists and donors behind them, including the Sigma Delta Epsilon, Eloise Gerry, Ethel K. Allen, Vessa Notchev, Jean Langenheim, Monique Braude, Nell I. Mondy, Elizabeth Weisburger, and Hartley Corporation fellowships.
Applicants can request up to $10,000 for a project lasting up to 12 months. For the 2026-2027 cycle, GWIS gave $100,000 to 13 researchers. The funds pay for research costs such as supplies, small equipment, field and lab travel, and publication fees. They do not pay tuition, and the person who wins must be the one doing the work.
The competition is open to graduate students through assistant professors at institutions in the U.S. or abroad, and reviewers take career stage into account. Applicants must hold a degree, show financial need for the research, and be GWIS members by the deadline. Fellows are invited to the GWIS National Conference in June and can request up to $500 for travel.
Eligibility
- Identifies as a woman in science (STEM, life science, or related social science)
- Holds a degree from a recognized institution of higher learning
- Conducting hypothesis-driven research at any institution in the U.S. or abroad (graduate student through assistant professor)
- GWIS member by the application deadline (approval can take up to 48 hours)
- Demonstrated financial need for research funding; projects already fully funded elsewhere are ineligible
How To Apply
- Join GWIS at least a few days before the deadline so your membership is approved in time
- Review the 2027-2028 application guidelines and portal instructions on the GWIS fellowship page
- Write a research proposal for a project of up to 12 months with a budget of no more than $10,000 (larger requests are disqualified)
- List all pending funding sources and include human or animal subjects approvals or collecting permits if they apply
- Submit everything, including letters of recommendation, through the GWIS online portal by 5:00 p.m. ET on Monday, January 11, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this fellowship pay my tuition?
No. GWIS fellowship funds cover research costs such as supplies, small equipment, field or lab travel, and publication. The award is a research grant, not a tuition scholarship.
Do I need to be a GWIS member?
Yes. Membership is required by the application deadline, and approval can take up to 48 hours, so join early.
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. The research can be conducted at any institution in the U.S. or abroad.