Research Experience That Prepares You for Graduate School
The Boldly Forward Research Fellowship is a 9-week fully funded summer research program designed for undergraduate students interested in gaining hands-on research experience and exploring graduate studies at the University of California Merced.
Boldly Forward Fellows will work closely with UC Merced faculty and research teams, build essential research skills, and become part of a vibrant academic community committed to discovery and innovation.
Summer 2026 Program Overview
Program Dates: June 1 – July 31, 2026
Duration: 9 weeks
Location: On-campus at UC Merced
Participants are placed in active laboratories and research groups within participating graduate programs and engage in both research and professional development activities throughout the summer.
Apply Now
Applications close March 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST).
The following materials are required for application submission:
Submit online application
Unofficial transcripts
Resume/CV
Essay Prompts required in the application (each have 350 word limit):
What motivates you to pursue undergraduate research at UC Merced, and how does this opportunity support your academic and career goals?
How has your academic background and prior experiences prepared you to engage successfully in a research team environment?
Describe your research interests and how they align with UC Merced research. You may elaborate on specific research areas/topics, research centers or faculty led projects that interest you. Explore our program research areas featured below.
For questions, contact grad@ucmerced.edu
Program Benefits
As a Boldly Forward Research Fellow, benefits include:
- $6,000 fellowship for succesfully completing the program
- On-campus housing and meal plan for 9-weeks
- Up to $1,000 in travel support
- Conduct a research project with UC Merced faculty and research teams
- Collaborate with graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and fellow undergraduate researchers
- Participate in workshops on research methods, scientific communication, and graduate school preparation
- Attend research seminars, lab meetings, and cohort-building activities
- Strengthen your scientific writing, reading, and presentation skills
- Present a research poster or talk at UC Merced's Summer Research Symposium
Program Eligibility
- Currently enrolled full-time as an undergraduate student in a U.S. accredited university/college
- Minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Be a rising junior or non-graduating senior
- Not have already completed a bachelor’s degree
- Must be 18 years or older
- Interested in pursuing graduate studies at UC Merced
- No prior research experience is required
Our Graduate Programs
UC Merced is one of the fastest universities to achieve R1 research designation and ranks among the top doctoral institutions in the United States. Our research culture is collaborative, interdisciplinary, and centered on mentorship—making it an ideal environment for undergraduates beginning their research journey.If you are admitted to the Boldly Forward Summer Research Program, you will be matched with a UC Merced faculty advisor. Explore the links below to learn more about the exciting research topics, projects and faculty at UC Merced.