October 11, 2021

RUA is focused on creating a cross-university community of senior Ph.D. students and postdocs in MPESE fields (Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, and Engineering) and from underrepresented and/or underserved communities.  In addition to the Research Exchange, the RUA also supports travel to annual RUA conferences and provides other professional development opportunities.

This amazing opportunity is for Ph.D. students who have advanced to candidacy (ABDs), and especially those who identify as underrepresented and/or underserved. As part of the UW Research University Alliance (UW-RUA), senior Ph.D. students have the opportunity to experience a Research Exchange visit to one of 8 partner R1 universities (Caltech, Georgia Tech, Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of Michigan, UT-Austin).

For students figuring out how they might get in front of an audience of friendly faculty ready to consider them for a postdoctoral or faculty position, this is it!

Research Exchanges (RE) are opportunities for short (3-7 day) campus visits. Students will have the chance to explore collaboration with a potential faculty mentor for a future postdoc position.  In addition, they will have the chance to network within their host department and will be encouraged to give a chalk talk or seminar. 

An RE award includes up to $1,500 to directly support travel (airfare, food, and accommodation, miscellaneous expenses). It does not provide funding for research, nor does it provide salary and benefits.

What do students do?

Select one or more faculty in a participating department and university who they would like to visit. Contacting faculty in advance is always a good idea.

What does RUA do?

Our campus coordinators will help students and faculty host(s) craft visits, making sure students have chances to meet with faculty and leadership, and present their work.

The application to participate in the second cohort (2021-2022) is now open in advance of the following activities:

  • Virtual orientation: November 19, 2021
  • Virtual connection with faculty host(s): December 2021-January 2022 (individually scheduled)
  • Research Exchange (in-person visit): January 2021-April 2022 (later visits are possible and scheduling depends on host campus, and travel restrictions at the home and host campuses)

For best consideration, students should apply by 31 October.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Drew Gamboa (dgamboa@uw.edu), our UW-RUA coordinator