The first category will be traditional research projects.  It is expected that the total MWRRC cost will be $16k to $35k. Matching funds are required in the ratio of 1:2 MWRRC: Matching. Indirect costs are not allowed on the project, but waived indirect costs can be used as matching funds.

Any topic related to water resources in Maryland will be considered.  Projects that have specific relevance to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries will receive special considerations.  Cooperative programs involving U.S. Geological Survey personnel are encouraged.  All proposals submitted to the Maryland Water Resources Research Center will receive external peer review.

Seed Grants

The second category to be supported this year will be seed grants. These grants will range from $3000 to $6000. This program solicits proposals aimed at developing exploratory projects, with the deliverable being a major (typically multi-investigator) proposal for submission to another agency. Funds to be used for preliminary experiments or for faculty release time.

Matching funds are required in the ratio of 1:2 MWRRC: Matching. Indirect costs are not allowed on the project, but waived indirect costs can be used as matching funds.

Summer Graduate Fellowships

A third category will be Summer Graduate Fellowships.  The Maryland Water Resources Research Center is interested in interacting with a broad spectrum of students doing research relevant to the State’s water resources. As a step toward accomplishing this goal, the Center will accept proposal for Graduate Research Assistantships of $6000 each for the summer of 2010.  All areas related to water resources research will be considered. Student Advisors are requested to contribute matching funds for the fellowship awards.  Fringe benefits will not be included. Awards will be made competitively.

To apply for an Assistantship, students must:

1. Be enrolled in a graduate degree program at a university in Maryland and be on track to accumulate at least 15 course credits toward your degree by the beginning of summer 2010. 

2. Have a minimum GPA in graduate school of 3.3.

3. Submit a short (2 page) proposal for a summer research project that will contribute toward a M.S. or Ph.D. program related to water resources in Maryland.  The proposal should include a 100 word Abstract (not included in the 2 pages).  This should be sent in hard copy and electronically in MSWord.

4. Arrange for a supporting letter from your research advisor and for a current transcript to be sent to the Center by the application deadline.

5. Include a 1-page resume.

6. Certify in a cover letter with your application that you will spend full time during the summer on the research project and that you will submit a 2-page progress report on your project in September 2010.

7. Arrange for a matching funds commitment letter from your research advisor.  The advisor should contact the Center director for details on matching funds commitments.  

Selection of awardees will be made in December based on a) evaluations of student’s records, b) strength of advisor’s recommendation, c) prospects that the research will benefit our understanding and management of Maryland’s water resources.

Research completed during the summer fellowship period should acknowledge the support of the Maryland Water Resources Research Center.

Submit applications to Maryland Water Resources Research Center

1147 Glenn L. Martin Hall, University of Maryland

For further information, contact Dr. Phil Kearney at kearneyp<at>umd.edu