Complex environmental challenges don’t fit within one discipline. Why should your research?
The Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellowship supports doctoral students whose work crosses fields.
If you choose the Institute on the Environment as your host center, you’ll join a collaborative community working toward real-world sustainability impact. Below, you’ll find key details about eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.
What Is the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellowship?
Fellowship Overview
The Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellowship allows mid-career doctoral students to pursue interdisciplinary dissertation research within a University of Minnesota research center, institute or initiative.
You select the center that best aligns with your work. If selected, you'll have the opportunity to advance your research in collaboration with faculty and staff beyond your home department.
The fellowship is sponsored by the University of Minnesota Graduate School and provides one year of support.
How IonE Supports You
If you designate the Institute on the Environment as your host center, IonE provides:
- $25,000 in professional development or project funding
- Workspace on the St. Paul campus
- Access to IonE programs, professional development opportunities and interdisciplinary events
- Connection to a network of faculty, researchers and partners working on sustainability challenges
IonE’s interdisciplinary community strengthens research and drives real-world environmental and sustainability impact.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the fellowship, you must:
- Be a doctoral student in good standing at the University of Minnesota
- Be making timely progress toward your degree
- Plan to graduate no earlier than Spring 2028
- Not have previously received an Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellowship or Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship
If you’re unsure about eligibility, consult your graduate program director.
My time as an Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellow with the Institute on the Environment was a very pivotal experience. Surrounded by an entire institute of outside-the-box thinkers, I learned how I, an Indigenous computer scientist, can contribute to pushing the boundaries of science beyond current imaginings and into a future that truly embraces people and planet prospering together. I gained an extensive network of collaborators and laid the foundation for my dissertation during my fellowship with IonE.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Graduate School Application Opens
IonE Endorsement Deadline
Submit materials to IonE no later than 12 p.m.
Final Application Deadline for Important Dates and Deadlines
Submit materials to the Graduate School by 5 p.m.
Detailed Application Instructions
Applying involves both IonE’s internal endorsement review and the Graduate School fellowship application. Follow each phase’s instructions in order.
Improve Your Application
Explore the “How is my application reviewed?” section on the Graduate School’s website to view an evaluation rubric.
Questions?
Questions about IonE endorsement? Contact IonE.
Questions about the fellowship program or university requirements? Contact the Graduate School.