2017 research award program applicationAll applications for the Hydro Research Award Program must be submitted by March 15th, 2017 with Research Award announcements taking place by April 15, 2017. Applications must be submitted via email to secureapp@hydrofoundation.org. An application that does not contain all of the required supporting documentation will be deemed incomplete and ineligible.
About the Awards The Hydro Research Foundation is pleased to solicit applications for the Hydro Research Foundation’s Research Awards Program. The program is funded by a grant from the Department of Energy’s, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program. The awards are designed to allow outstanding early-career researchers to facilitate research related to conventional and pumped storage hydropower. Research undertaken by the Foundation and its participants seek to advance knowledge about hydroelectric technology including mechanical, electrical and controls engineering innovations, reliability standards and critical infrastructure protection, cyber security, efficiency improvements and environmental mitigation among other areas of research. Through this program the Foundation is promoting educational opportunities and information development related to hydropower. Innovation, creativity and forward-thinking research are encouraged. The Foundation envisions that the selected researchers will eventually assume leadership roles in the hydroelectric field. Applicants are selected based on research vision, innovation, academic performance, potential for leadership and overall strength of their research proposal. Preference will be given to United States citizens but is open to any student studying full-time at an accredited U.S. University. Hydro Research Foundation Researchers will be awarded support of one year of funding for masters, post-masters graduate research awards, or doctoral students for applied research in fields related to conventional and pumped-storage hydropower. Prioritized research topics of interest can be found on this page. In 2017, the Foundation anticipates providing one-year awards to 6-10 students. Students are selected based on research vision, innovation, academic performance, potential for leadership and overall strength of their research proposal. Each award typically includes the following:
Click here to review research topics of interest for applications. Click here for a list of frequently asked questions. If you have questions not on this list, please email secureapp@hydrofoundation.org. |
Application MaterialsReference FormReference Form |
Review of application materials will be rated against the following selection criteria. It is recommended that applicants review the criteria prior to submitting an application.
Research Award Program Selection Criteria
1. Applicant 40%
2. Project 35%
3. Institutional support and references 25%
Important Dates
Hydro Research Roundtable Conference Attendance
Each selected student will be required to participate at the annual Hydro Research Roundtable Conference over the next two years. The next conference is in Denver, CO June 25-June 30th, 2017. The Hydro Research Foundation will cover travel expenses to the Research Roundtable.
Research Award Program Selection Criteria
1. Applicant 40%
- record of leadership and positive influence in their academic communities within or across disciplines
- academic record (transcripts and GRE scores)
- publications, presentations and communication skills
- the applicant’s resume, including related work experience
2. Project 35%
- intellectual merit and significance of the research issues to be addressed by the proposed research activities and the alignment of these with the values and strategic priorities of the hydropower community
- viability and originality of the proposed research
- realistic milestones and objectives
3. Institutional support and references 25%
- the references’ evaluations of the applicant
- support and standing of their academic advisor
- letter of support from department outlining in-kind contributions of university
- infrastructure to support proposed research
Important Dates
- All application materials must be received by March 15th, 2017.
- Applicants will be notified of application status by April 15th, 2017.
- Funds will be available to students starting June 1st-September 1st, 2017.
Hydro Research Roundtable Conference Attendance
Each selected student will be required to participate at the annual Hydro Research Roundtable Conference over the next two years. The next conference is in Denver, CO June 25-June 30th, 2017. The Hydro Research Foundation will cover travel expenses to the Research Roundtable.
All documents necessary to complete your application are included below.
