Any topic related to water resources in Maryland will be considered. 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.

Research proposals are submitted electronically on the NIWR website. Instructions for proposal preparation are available in pdf form. Worksheet templates are available in MS Word form

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Seed Grants

Seed grants 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 are to be used for preliminary experiments or for faculty release time.

Non-federal 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. These proposals must be fully executed by the institutional office of research. All proposals must be filed on the NIWR web site (www.niwr.net) by December 20, 2013. Those that are selected for funding by the MWRRC will be forwarded to the USGS.

The Maryland Water Resources Research Center is interested in interacting with a broad spectrum of students conducting 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 2014.  All areas related to water resources research will be considered. Student Advisors are expected to arrange matching funds for the fellowship awards.  Normally, the fellowship is paid directly to the student, and fringe benefits are not included. Awards will be made competitively.

To apply for a Fellowship, 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 2014. 

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

3. Submit a 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 the following items:

   1. A cover letter certifying that you will work full time on your research project during the summer and that you will submit a 2-page progress report in September 2014
   2. A title page with 100-word Abstract
   3. A 2-page research description and plan (the abstract is on the separate title page, and not included in the 2 pp.)
   4. A 1-page resume
   5. A supporting letter from the research advisor
   6. A current official transcript
   7. An institutional cost-sharing agreement (letter) signed by an official authorized to commit the applicant to all or part of the matching share. The research advisor may 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 record, b) strength of advisor's recommendation, and 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 graduate fellowship applications in hard copy to
Maryland Water Resources Research Center
1173 Glenn L. Martin Hall, University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742

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