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IBUILD: Innovation in Buildings Graduate Research Fellowship

U.S. Department of Energy – IBUILD: Innovation in Buildings Graduate Research Fellowship

The Innovation in Buildings (IBUILD) Graduate Research Fellowship (managed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and administered by Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education) will strengthen the pool of well-trained, diverse PhD scholars who are equipped for research-intensive building technologies careers across all sectors. IBUILD Fellows will receive research and educational support to conduct innovative research at their home institution in an area with demonstrated relevance to building decarbonization.  In addition to funding high quality research, the fellowship will provide professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

The US Department of Energy Building Technologies Office (BTO) develops, demonstrates, and accelerates the adoption of cost-effective technologies, techniques, tools and services that enable high-performing, energy-efficient and demand-flexible residential and commercial buildings in both the new & existing buildings markets, in support of an equitable transition to a decarbonized energy system by 2050, starting with a decarbonized power sector by 2035.

What will I be doing? You will get to advance your Graduate Research by receiving research and educational support to conduct innovative research at your home institution in an area with demonstrated relevance to building decarbonization. To ensure an impactful fellowship, you will also gain professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

Why should I apply? In addition to advancing your graduate research, you will 1) enhance your education and training in building technologies fields; 2) increase your marketability in these disciplines; 3) gain access to top scientists in the building energy efficiency and decarbonization field; 4) gain insight into research and career opportunities through your research experiences.

Where will I be located? The IBUILD Fellowship is designed to support research at your home college or university. IBUILD Fellows may have occasional trips to the BTO office or appropriate lab, when applicable. 

The details:

You will receive a competitive stipend of $35,000, an allowance to offset the costs of health insurance up to $21,000, research travel and materials up to $12,000, and limited tuition allowance up to $25,000.

Fellowship will be awarded in 12 months increments based on an annual review of research progress and sustained alignment with designated BTO research areas. The appointment is eligible for renewal up to three years based on funding availability. 

Participation Eligibility:

You must meet the following criteria to participate in the program:

  • Be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR).

  • Be enrolled or intend to enroll as a full-time doctoral graduate student by September 1, 2025 at a qualified program requiring a research thesis/dissertation at an accredited U.S. college or university. Proof of enrollment will be required before a Fellowship can start.

  • Have a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale.

Program Website: https://ibuildfellowship.ornl.gov/

Information Webinar: Please note that there will be an information session that was hosted on October 7th, 2024 @ 3:00pm ET. To register for the webinar please follow the link. https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_2d7plc6zT3eI83boCEerQQ

Earlier Event: October 31
NASA Space Place Art Challenge!