Curiosity Grants

The Curiosity Grant application is now closed and will re-open in September 2024 for applications to be considered on a rolling basis.

Curiosity Grants are geared toward student-created research or creative projects with faculty mentorship. These small grants do not exceed $500. Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applications for Curiosity Grants are accepted on a rolling basis. The typical response time is two to three weeks. Examples of expenses the grants may cover include: conference fees, special software for theater light design, group presentations, tools and supplies for physical projects, lighting, small 3-D printers, materials, survey incentives, and submission fees. 

Application Details

Eligible Dietrich School undergraduates who:

  • need financial support to take independent research, scholarship, or a creative idea to the next level
  • can secure a faculty mentor within the disciplinary area of the research topic.

Applications will re-open Fall 2024

Application Materials

1. Cover Page (Fillable PDF)
2. Research Proposal, describing the project. The proposal should be 2-3 pages (excluding citations) typed, double-spaced, in 12-point font with 1-inch margins. Appendices and addendum are not allowed.
3. Proposed Budget.
4. Letter of Support, from a faculty sponsor that speaks to the enhancements provided by the requested funding. Faculty Mentors should email their letter of support to our@pitt.edu.
5. For International Travel: If your request includes travel abroad, you must complete the International Educational Experience Agreement . Available here.
6. For Research with Human Subjects: All students whose research will involve human subjects, or the analysis of data and/or samples from humans, must consult with the University of Pittsburgh Human Research Protection Office (HRPO). You must consult with the HRPO prior to conducting any research activities to determine if an IRB submission is needed and what type of IRB review is required. Please see the Student Research guidance on the HRPO web site. Contact askirb@pitt.edu with questions and for a consult about your project.