FAQ

There are instances in which a students’ undergraduate research experience might occur outside of the normal quarter sequence. For example, a full time engagement in undergraduate research during the summer would count as the equivalent of two academic quarters experience.

Yes, you can apply as a sophomore if you will be a junior and have had at least 3 quarters of prior research experience (or equivalent) by the quarter and year the funding will be awarded.

Yes, you can apply to both during the same application cycle. The Washington Research Foundation Fellowship and Levinson Emerging Scholars Award share a joined application. If you apply for the Levinson Emerging Scholars Award you must include a budget proposal.

Students majoring in all life sciences are eligible to apply if they are able to relate their research plan and/or educational or long-term goals to biosciences-related research or applications.

Although it is not necessary to submit more than one faculty member recommendation, we will accept more than one recommendation if it is beneficial to support your proposed research project – i.e., if a secondary recommendation highlights an aspect of your research or scholarly potential that would assist our reviewers in assessing your application.

Every case will be different depending on your financial aid package. If you receive the award, the UW Office of Student Financial Aid will review your eligibility to receive the full award based on your other scholarships and financial aid.

Those who receive WRF or Levinson funding are not eligible to receive Mary Gates Research Scholarship funds at the same time.

A valuable aspect of applying for the Levinson program is getting experience creating a research supply budget. However, you can also ask for funds to support educational expenses (e.g. tuition, textbooks, a personal computer, etc.) if that is helpful for you. While budget requests should not exceed $8,000, the allocation of your proposed budget funds does not impact the selection process. We hope that you will engage in the budgeting process in the way that is most impactful for you and your project. If you have any questions about preparing a budget, the Office of Undergraduate Research advisers are available to help. Email undergradresearch@uw.edu to set up an appointment.

You may apply for funding from the Levinson Emerging Scholars program either for supplementary materials/expenses (which you would need to document) that your other funding does not cover, or for a time period for which you do not already have support.

Note: If you have other scholarships, fellowships, awards or stipends supporting your proposed research project and you are selected for a Levinson award, you may not be eligible to receive the full amount requested. The Office of Undergraduate Research reserves the right to adjust funding to promote equity among awardees. In addition, students on financial aid may have their award amount adjusted by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Each student’s case is dealt with on an individual basis. If you would like to discuss your situation, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Research staff.