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Application Criteria  

To apply for the Tufts-Laidlaw program, students must complete an online application, which includes documents outlining their proposed project. We recommend you have all the information and materials ready before filling out the online form.
Please note changes to the Laidlaw Program:
  • Four weeks of overseas experience - this could be part of Research, Leadership-in-Action, or Study Abroad periods. This may include US Territories or Native American sovereign lands. All overseas experiences will require a written report.
  • A "Leadership in Action" choice is required for the second summer. Working in a laboratory, library, or archive for the LiA component is not permitted unless the work is directly with a community in need.
  • Mentors will only be funded for the summer of research.
Components of the application include:


Short Answer Question Form: Includes biographical, some research project details (summer 2022), Leadership in Action preference (summer 2023), and academic information.
Resume/CV
Transcript

Statement of Research Project Description:
 This includes a short description of the research project, including the key question that you are seeking to answer, any major events and activities related to conducting the research, the names and brief descriptions of any organizations or stakeholders with which you will work, and any potential impact of your findings. Please be as precise as possible. It is also helpful if the statement answers the following questions:

  • What do you hope to learn through your project?
  • Why do you believe you are qualified to see this project come to fruition?
  • What do you hope to learn from this experience?

Faculty Mentor Statement of Support: Letter should include a clear explanation of the mentor’s relationship to the applicant; the need being met by the proposed research project, and the mentor’s contact information
Leadership Statement: This should answer the following prompts:

  • Part 1: Describe a time that you faced a difficult situation in a group setting and took steps to resolve the issue. Explain what action you took and why, and if you feel that your actions were effective. Finally, describe what you learned about yourself in the process. 5000 characters maximum.
  • Part 2: Who is a leader (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? 3000 characters maximum.
  • Part 3: How do you see the Laidlaw program supporting your future plans? 3000 characters maximum.
Leadership in Action Statement: Some Scholars know which Leadership-in-Action projects they are interested in pursuing. Please share which option(s) [central projects, individual project, or apply your research in-field] interest you and why? (2000 characters maximum)

Research Project Budget: You have $650 to use for your research project. Please indicate how you expect to spend those funds. Additionally, please include all other funding sources or in-kind donations that you have received or plan to seek. (Word, Excel, or PDF files only)

Letters of Recommendation (2): List the names and email addresses of both of your recommenders. Letters should include the author’s relationship to the student, the student’s leadership potential, and their capacity to conduct an independent research project.

Applications will be assessed on:
  • The viability of the research project within the initial 6-week period
  • The student’s potential and ambition for leadership roles in the future
  • The extent to which the student can envisage how their research could be applied or the impact it could have
  • The student’s academic record
  • The Research Supervisor’s supporting statement
  • The Leadership-in-Action Statement

Applications for the 2023 Cohort are due on March 9th, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. All material must be submitted through this form. If you have any questions, please contact laidlaw.scholars@tufts.edu

Should you be accepted as a Laidlaw Scholar, you will be expected to fill out and sign the Laidlaw Scholar Contract before April 1st, 2023.

EXAMPLE: Laidlaw Program 2023 Application Text [Refer to the actual form for all application rules.]


Applications for the 2023 cycle are due on March 9th, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. All material must be submitted through this form. If you have any questions, please contact laidlaw.scholars@tufts.edu


First Name


Last Name


Student ID Number


Tufts Email (This email will be used for official communications.)


Alternative Email address (if different from Tufts email)


I am applying:

  • With an individual research project.
  • With a faculty proposed research project.
  • As part of a research team with other Laidlaw Scholar applicants.

[Optional] If applying with a team, please list your fellow team members:


Faculty Mentor (First Name, Last Name)


Faculty Mentor Department


Faculty Mentor School


Faculty Mentor Email


Project Title


Are you applying for a project with a faculty mentor at another Laidlaw institution? If so, which one?


Choose one of the Leadership in Action [LiA] components you are most interested in participating:

  • Laidlaw Foundation Central Projects-Participate in a leadership intensive program e.g. a leadership expedition chosen by the Laidlaw Foundation
  • Independent LiA Project - This project is designed by you. You will be expected to develop a role where you will lead others while you create, plan, and implement a strategy.
  • Applied Research LiA - An Infield application of the scholar’s research project putting the findings of the first year’s project into action with the aim of creating a positive change with a community in need.

Leadership-in-Action Statement: which option(s) interest you and why? (2000 characters maximum)


Major or Intended Major


Year of Graduation


GPA


Do you plan to enroll in courses during the 2023 Summer Session 1? [Required Laidlaw Program Dates include May 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25, & 26, 2023]

Yes

No


Do you plan to study abroad during 2023 or 2024?

Yes

No


Does your research involve human subjects?

Yes

No


Does your research require travel outside of the United States?

No

Yes (if so, please list possible travel locations)


Resume/CV: Please attach a 1-2 page resume or curriculum vitae. (Word or PDF files only)


Transcript: Please attach a copy of your most recent transcript (unofficial transcripts permitted). (Word or PDF files only)


Statement of Interest/Project Description (5000 characters maximum): Please attach a short description of your project, including the key research question that you are seeking to answer, any major events and activities related to conducting the research, the names and brief descriptions of any organization or stakeholders with which you will work, and any potential impact of your findings.


Project Budget: You have $650 to use for your research project. Please indicate how you expect to spend the funds. Additionally, please include all other funding sources or in-kind donations that you have received or plan to seek. (Word, Excel, or PDF files only)


Faculty Mentor Statement of Support: Letter should include a clear explanation of the mentor’s relationship to the applicant; the need being met by the proposed research project, and the mentor’s contact information


Leadership Statement Part 1 - Please answer the following prompt (5000 characters maximum): Describe a time that you faced a difficult situation in a group setting and took steps to resolve the issue. Explain what action you took and why, and if you feel that your actions were effective. Finally, describe what you learned about yourself in the process.


Leadership Statement Part 2 - Please answer the following prompt (3000 characters maximum): Who is a leader (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?


Leadership Statement Part 3: How do you see the Laidlaw program supporting your future plans beyond your undergraduate career?


Letters of Recommendation: Please have two letters of recommendation submitted by the recommender here. These letters should come from someone familiar with your academic and research skills, and should address your capacity to grow as a leader.


Please list the names and email addresses of both of your recommenders.

Please have two letters of recommendation submitted by the recommender here. Letters of Recommendation (2): List the names and email addresses of both of your recommenders. Letters should include the mentor’s relationship to the student, the student’s leadership potential and capacity to conduct an independent research project.

First Recommender Name and Email

Second Recommender Name and Email


By applying to be a Laidlaw Scholar, I understand that should I be accepted, I agree to:

  • Spend one summer working on a paid 6 week (210-240 hours) research project.
  • Spend one summer working on a paid 6 week (210-240 hours) Leadership in Action project.
    • Must be overseas which may include US Territories and Native American Reservations. Exceptions may be made in the case of international students, study-abroad students, or students who are unable to travel.
    • Working in a laboratory, library, or archive for the LiA component is not permitted unless the work is directly with a community in need.
  • Attend 80 hours of leadership workshops and research presentations over the 18 months of the program.
    • 3 two-day retreats (Late May 2023, Mid-January 2024, Late May 2024)
    • 12 two-hour sessions (May 21-25, 2023 & 6 in Late May 2024)
    • 2 Presentation/Research Days (Dates TBD)
    • Laidlaw - London Business School Ethics Masterclass (Spring of 2024)
    • Laidlaw Conference (Fall 2023)
  • Following the first summer:
    • Produce and present a poster at Presentation/Research Day.
    • Submit a 10 page research paper
  • Following the second summer:
    • Present a 10 minute talk for Presentation/Research Day. (This will be recorded and publicly posted.)
    • Submit a 3 minute video talking about your experience as a Laidlaw Scholar

Please show your consent by checking the "I agree." checkbox.


How did you hear about the Tufts-Laidlaw Program?

---END OF APPLICATION---

Photo of Miranda Yu and Emily Taketa researching primates

Miranda Yu and Emily Taketa researching primates before traveling for field research in Uganda.