The Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Scholarship Programme

Two young women read a poster situated in front of them on an easel.

Two students review their peers’ projects at the 2023 Laidlaw Scholars Celebration.

Want to change the world? Passionate about research?

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.

Overview

The Laidlaw Foundation partners with world-leading universities, including Columbia University and University College London, to select up to 25 outstanding undergraduates at each institution annually for the Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Scholarship.

To date, over a thousand scholars have completed the program, which allows participants to develop their leadership skills and research experience over the course of two summers.

Program Details

As part of the Laidlaw Scholars Program, scholars receive:

Eligibility and Rules

Application Timeline and Process

Exact dates for the 2024-2025 application cycle will be announced later this fall.

Application Opens: November 2024

All Materials Due: February 2025

Cohort Selection Announced: March 2025

Cohort Induction Ceremony: April 2025

Summer 1- Research Summer: June – July 2025

Leadership Development Program: September 2025 – April 2026

Summer 2- Leadership-in-Action Project: Mid-May to Mid-August 2026

Applications for the Laidlaw Scholars Program must be submitted in a single .pdf via a Google form application. A Laidlaw Scholars application consists of the following:

  • Completed Google form application (Note: The Google form application is where applicants will upload their combined .pdf document including, in this order, the cover sheet, research statement, leadership essay, resume, and transcript.)
  • Completed cover sheet
  • Short Answer Question – Identify three goals for your development as part of the Laidlaw Program. Each response must be maximum 50 words and submitted via the Google form.
  • Research statement (max. 600 words) – Applicants should select one of two project options
    • Self Proposed Project: The statement should include a proposed project of study, the significance of the project in relation to the field, project methodology, relevant credentials. Applicants self proposing a project should use this proposal template.
    • Apply to a Faculty Member’s Project: Applicants can select from the list of faculty proposed projects below. Faculty members will review application materials and shortlist candidates for selection through the review process. Students applying to a faculty member’s project should use this project proposal template.
  • Leadership essay (500 – 750 words) – Applicants may use this template to respond to one of the three following prompts: 
    • Option 1: What connections do you see between research and leadership? How have those connections become apparent to you so far in your academic, professional, or personal experiences?
    • Option 2: Who is a leader you look up to (not related to you) with a trait you would wish to emulate? What is that trait and why do you believe it is important to use as a leader?
    • Option 3: How would you define “ethical leadership”? Why is it important to develop leadership skills rigorously informed by ethical principles?
  • Resume – 1 page, 12 pt. font
  • Transcript (may be unofficial)
  • Academic, Leadership or Character Recommendation Letter – The letter of recommendation should come from one best poised to recommend you for an intensive, cohort-based, leadership and research development program. Select an individual who knows you well and can attest to the qualities that make you a valuable member of a student-scholar community.
    • Only one recommendation is required though additional recommendations may be submitted on behalf of an applicant. All recommendations must send their letter to laidlaw@georgetown.edu by the application deadline
  • Faculty Mentor Information- A faculty mentor is not required at time of application. However, applicants must identify a faculty mentor by the start of your summer research period. If you have concerns or questions about identifying a faculty mentor, please contact the CRF at laidlaw@georgetown.edu.
    • A faculty mentor provides direct mentorship during the summer research project. They recommend the project proposal and review the final outcome. Applicants are highly encouraged to provide a draft of their proposal to their faculty sponsor before the deadline with ample time for revisions. A letter of support can be submitted separately by the faculty member by the deadline.
A student in a navy Georgetown sweater stands in front of a research poster speaking to two other students.

Upcoming Workshops

Information sessions and Open House sessions for the 2024-2025 application cycle will be announced later this fall.

Information sessions require an RSVP. Zoom links will be sent at least 24 hours prior to the event. The presentation will include an overview the program, including its main components, this year’s application materials, and general expectations of Laidlaw Scholars. Open House sessions allow potential applicants to drop in for group advising sessions. These sessions are less structured to allow potential applicants to ask questions about the Laidlaw Scholars Program. 

Hybrid meetings will include both a Zoom link and a location on Georgetown’s main campus for those who wish to attend in person. Recordings will be posted to the CRF website. 

View a recorded information session about the Center for Research & Fellowships 2023 research programs.

Workshops for the 2024-2025 application cycle will be announced later this fall.

These workshops are designed to help you craft your application materials. Each workshop will be recorded and posted to the CRF website below and under our Workshops and Webinars section. 

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