The Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Scholarship Programme

Receive generous funding for an independent research project, cultivate your leadership potential, and create real-world impact with the Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Scholarship Programme. Apply today!

About the Program

Program Components

• Research Summer – Summer 1
  • The Research Summer marks the first stage of the program with a 6-week summer experience. Scholars develop key skills like critical thinking, time management, and academic writing while exploring a substantive, meaningful research topic.
  • Each Scholar conducts 6-week long research projects with support from a faculty mentor. Students may propose an independent project or apply to work with a Georgetown faculty member.
  • By mid-August, each Scholar produces an academic research poster and 2000 – 3000 word research essay posted to the Laidlaw Scholars Network.
  • Scholars take part in weekly workshops focused on furthering their research development, including publishing and presenting research projects.
  • Scholars receive a $4500 stipend intended to support the project and the student while undertaking the project.
    • Scholars are encouraged to live on campus in program-provided housing during the research summer to facilitate a cohort-style experience.
• Leadership Development – Academic Year following Summer 1
  • Following the Research Summer, Scholars take part in a yearlong series of leadership development opportunities. Through this series, Scholars deepen their development as principled, globally minded leaders through a blend of experiential learning, reflection, and ethical leadership training:
    • Bi-monthly leadership development workshops and seminars facilitated by Georgetown University faculty and staff
    • 6 monthly ethical leadership workshops designed and facilitated through the Oxford Character Project
    • Attend the annual Laidlaw Scholars Conference, hosted by fellow Laidlaw Program partner universities.
• Leadership-in-Action Summer – Summer 2
  • The Leadership-in-Action Summer is where you put your leadership skills to work in a real-world setting. Leadership-in-Action projects focus on learning to lead with impact, adaptability, and a sense of social responsibility. Scholars work with nonprofits, social enterprises, or community groups to address timely, complex issues. Projects often take place outside of the United States, giving students the chance to learn to lead in new and challenging situations, understand different cultures, and make a difference while learning from others.
  • Projects must have a defined objective that strives to create meaningful and ethical impact in partnership with local communities. Students may develop their own project or apply to work with a partner program through the Laidlaw Foundation.
  • Scholars receive a $4500 stipend to support themselves and their project. Scholars may apply for additional funding up to $1000.

Eligibility and Rules

• Applicants must be current first year or sophomore students at Georgetown from any major.
• The Laidlaw Scholars Program seeks students eager to pursue meaningful research and develop their leadership skills. Prior research experience is not required!
• Applicants must have an active Georgetown Supplier ID at the time of application.
  • If you already have a Supplier ID, confirm it is active via the Office of the Chief Financial Officer website. If the previous Supplier ID is inactive, you must reapply for a new ID.
• Summer research grant awards administered by the Center for Research & Fellowships, including the Laidlaw Scholars summer research, cannot be used for academic course credit. 

Upcoming Workshops

Information Sessions and Application Workshops

Information Sessions allow students to learn about the Laidlaw Scholars Program, including its history and background, the main components of the program, this year’s application materials, and Scholar expectations.

Application Workshops are designed to help you craft the best proposal possible. These sessions directly correspond to key application elements or important considerations for planning and preparing your application. 

Open House sessions allow students to drop in for group advising. These sessions are less structured to allow potential applicants to ask questions about the Laidlaw Scholars Program. 

Session Details

• RSVP Required: Please register at least 24 hours in advance to receive meeting information. Use this link to register for upcoming sessions.
• Format: All sessions are hybrid—attend in person on Georgetown’s main campus or via Zoom. Links will be sent 24 hours before each session.
• Recordings: Session recordings will be available on the Center for Research & Fellowships (CRF) website.
• Review the CRF’s Canvas course on developing a research project to strengthen your application.

All noted times are in the Eastern US time zone.
January 26, 2026, 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Planning Ahead – Leadership in Action
January 29, 2026, 10:00am – 11:00am: Application Open House

Past Workshop and Event Recordings

Laidlaw Scholars Information Session: Recording | Slide Deck
January 9, 2026 – All Things Research! On the Research Essay and Research Ethics: Recording | Slide Deck
January 15, 2026 – Cultivating Faculty Relationships/Finding a Research Mentor: Recording | Slide Deck
January 21, 2026 – Writing About Leadership: Recording | Slide Deck

2024 – 2025 Application Cycle Workshop Recordings

To stay up to date on all information concerning the Laidlaw program, contact laidlaw@georgetown.edu to be added to the listserv.