Submission deadline: March 27, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Description
The Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society (Lucy) seeks applications for an interdisciplinary cohort of Lucy Graduate Scholars. Graduate Scholars will be leaders and ambassadors for an interdisciplinary research community for Notre Dame graduate students.
Full-time enrolled graduate students from all departments and programs are encouraged to apply for a two-year term. Preference will be given to graduate students who will be starting their second- or third-year in Fall 2026.
An information session for interested applicants will be held via zoom. An updated FAQ will be posted following the info session.
Register for info session on Mar 2, 2026 (Mon) from 3:00-4:00 pm ET.
Expectations
Lucy Graduate Scholars will play a key role in shaping the programming and opportunities offered by the Lucy Family Institute.
Scholars will be expected to:
- Attend monthly luncheons with other Scholars and give formal and informal updates on research progress and challenges.
- Present at Lucy Annual events that take place at ND, such as the RISE (Responsible, Inclusive, Safe, and Empowering) AI Conference.
- Help advertise and attend Lucy seminars and events (1-2 per month).
- Design and/or coordinate 1-2 community building events or initiatives per year for Lucy Graduate Scholars and other affiliated graduate students. These events can include, but are not limited to: workshops, panels, research symposia, community partnership initiatives, external seminar speakers, and social events. Lucy staff will provide administrative support to Scholars for event organization
Benefits of Participation
- A $3,000 stipend* for each year of satisfactory participation in this program.
- Direct influence on the programming and opportunities offered by the Lucy Family Institute.
- Opportunities to discuss research and community engagement with graduate students from other disciplines.
- Networking and mentorship opportunities with Lucy Faculty Fellows & Affiliates.
Key Dates
Applications are due Mar 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
Award recipients will be announced by May 1, 2026.
Eligibility
Full-time enrolled graduate students may apply. Preference will be given to graduate students who will be starting their second- or third-year in Fall 2026.
Selection Criteria
- Research Fit: Engaged in an interdisciplinary research project that combines domain informed knowledge with quantitative, data-driven methodology to advance society.
- Potential for Collaboration: Research interests and community organizing interests would provide a unique perspective to the cohort.
- Leadership: Demonstrated potential to become a community leader and to act as an ambassador for the Lucy Family Institute and Lucy-sponsored programming.
- Sustained Engagement: Applicants who have attended previous Lucy events and plan to graduate after Summer 2028 will be given preference in the selection process.
Application Requirements
- Description of your current research (single space, 11 pt font, 1” margins, recommended 1-1.5 pages) with the following sections:
- Short abstract and introduction that are accessible to an out-of-field graduate student (minimize or clearly define field-specific jargon).
- Expected outcomes.
- Broader impacts to society.
- Personal statement (2 pages max):
- Why do you want to be a Lucy Graduate Scholar? What do you hope to gain from participating?
- What will you contribute to the Lucy Graduate Scholars cohort and the larger Lucy graduate student community? Feel free to cite any past leadership or community-building experiences that you have had.
- Did you attend any Lucy events during the past two years? If yes, please share any feedback and/or suggestions about how you would contribute to them as a Lucy Graduate Scholar.
- What events or activities would you be interested in hosting to help build an interdisciplinary research community for ND graduate students and why? Please be specific.
- Endorsement Form signed by your graduate advisor or PI.
- Other information:
- Description of any sources or present forms of funding (for e.g., fellowships, RA, TA).
- List of any remaining coursework and/or teaching requirements and expected time commitment. Please include whether you anticipate being off-campus for a significant period of time (>3 months) during the two-year term.
Information Sessions:
There will be an information session for applicants to learn more about becoming a Lucy Graduate Scholar and to ask questions about the application process. The FAQ will be updated following the session.
Register for info session on Mar 2, 2026 (Mon) from 3:00-4:00 pm ET
Please direct any questions to the Lucy Research Project Associate, Donovan Leiva (dleiva@nd.edu).
*Funding restrictions (i.e. upper limits) may be determined on a case-by-case basis. We will work closely with your department and/or program and the Graduate School to administer the award.
Submission deadline: March 27, 2026 at 11:59 pm.