For examples of previous faculty projects, please see the Laidlaw Scholars Application Information.
Propose a Project
Georgetown University faculty members interested in mentoring a Laidlaw Scholars research project can submit a proposal here. Faculty proposals will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis through December 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM EST (noon), with a priority deadline of December 5th, 2025 at 12:00 PM EST (noon).
Laidlaw Scholars projects must:
- Run for at least six weeks, full time (35 – 40 hours per week)
- Projects running from early June to mid-July are preferred, but students can undertake projects outside of this timeline. All projects must conclude by August 14, 2026.
- Be appropriate for a first-year or sophomore undergraduate student
- Provide ample opportunities for students to expand their knowledge and skills
- Projects with an international component are encouraged
- Please note: any projects requiring international travel must be in compliance with Georgetown’s international travel policy.
Faculty Expectations/Commitment
Faculty mentors will be expected to closely monitor and guide students through the research process. Expectations include:
- Answering questions via email from potential applicants
- Shortlisting applications for faculty’s research project
- Meeting with scholar at least once per week (either in-person or via Zoom) for no less than 45 minutes to discuss student’s progress and provide assistance and support
- Advising the scholar on potential second year projects if applicable and where appropriate (see more on the second summer below)
- Review the student’s summer deliverables at the end of the research period
- Following approval, deliverables are then posted to the Laidlaw Scholars Network. This online platform is used by Scholars to share, collaborate, and connect with their fellow Scholars around the world.
- Deliverables are academic research posters and short research essays which should showcase 6 weeks worth of dedicated research appropriate to the student’s skill level.
2025 – 2026 Laidlaw Scholars Timeline
- Student Application Opens: November 3, 2025
- All Materials Due: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 12:00pm (noon) ET
- Applicant Materials Sent to Faculty for Review: no later than Friday, February 6, 2026
- Faculty Shortlists Due to CRF Staff: Friday, February 20, 2026
- Faculty who submit projects for the Laidlaw Scholars Program will review and recommend applicants in both review and selection rounds.
- Finalist Selections Reviewed: Friday, March 13, 2026 – Friday, March 27, 2026
- Cohort Selection Announced: no later than April 1, 2026
- Summer 1- Research Summer: June 2026 – July 2026**
- **Only if students plan to reside on campus. Students residing off campus or completing their research away from main campus must complete their projects and submit their summer research deliverables no later than August 14, 2026
- Leadership Development Program: September 2026 – April 2027
- Summer 2- Leadership-in-Action Project: Mid-May to Mid-August 2027
* Timeline subject to change.
Laidlaw Contact Information
For any questions or more information, please contact laidlaw@georgetown.edu.