Propose a Project
All Georgetown University Laidlaw Scholars are required to have a faculty research mentor supervising their summer research projects. The Center for Research & Fellowships invites interested Georgetown University faculty members to propose a Laidlaw Scholars project and be matched with a future Laidlaw Scholar. These projects are open to all Laidlaw Scholars applicants and require sponsoring faculty to review applications. Faculty who wish to support a specific student’s application should have the student submit an independent project application. Faculty project submissions are due December 10, 2026 by 12:00pm (NOON) Eastern Time.
Laidlaw Scholars projects must meet the following requirements:
- Scholars must be engaged in the project full time for at least six weeks (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 mid-August 2027, when final project outcomes are due.
- Note: Laidlaw Scholars on-campus housing is only available from June to July each summer.
- Projects and tasks must be appropriate for a first-year or sophomore undergraduate student.
- Projects must provide ample opportunities for students to expand their knowledge and skills particularly as it relates to research activities.
- Community-engaged projects or projects that otherwise showcase the direct impacts of research are ideal. However, all types of research projects are highly encouraged.
- Projects based outside of the DC areas are allowable. Please note, any projects requiring international travel must be in compliance with Georgetown’s international travel policy. It is the faculty mentor’s responsibility to ensure that all university protocols are followed when traveling with or supporting student travel.
Faculty Expectations/Commitment
Faculty mentors will be expected to closely monitor and guide students through the research process. Expectations include:
- Responding to inquiries from potential applicants
- Reviewing and shortlisting applications for your proposed research project
- Meeting with scholar at least once per week (either in-person or via Zoom) for no less than 45 minutes to discuss progress and provide critical support
- Advising the scholar on potential Leadership-in-Action projects where appropriate/applicable
- Review Laidlaw Scholars summer outputs at the end of the research period
- Deliverables are also posted to the Laidlaw Scholars Network. This online platform is used by Scholars to share, collaborate, and connect with their fellow Scholars and alumni around the world.
- Deliverables are academic research posters and short (2000 – 3000 word) research essays which should showcase 6 weeks worth of dedicated research appropriate to the student’s skill level.
Laidlaw Contact Information
For any questions or more information, please contact laidlaw@georgetown.edu.