Gund Institute for Environment – University of Vermont
The Gund Institute for Environment at the University of Vermont (UVM) invites applications for the 2026 cohort of Gund PhD Research Fellowships, an esteemed opportunity for exceptional doctoral candidates committed to tackling the world’s most pressing environmental challenges through interdisciplinary research.
About the Fellowship
The Gund PhD Research Fellowships are designed to support emerging scholars who demonstrate academic excellence, creativity, and a passion for advancing solutions to global sustainability and climate issues. The fellowships provide comprehensive financial, academic, and professional support to ensure students can focus on producing impactful, cross-disciplinary research.
Each selected doctoral fellow receives:
- Up to four years of funding at USD 37,000 per year,
- Full tuition coverage, and
- UVM student health insurance.
In addition, fellows have access to enrichment funds that may be used for conferences, fieldwork, research costs, and professional development.
This competitive fellowship equips doctoral researchers with the tools, mentorship, and experience needed to translate scientific knowledge into meaningful environmental solutions at local, national, and global scales.
Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration
The Gund Institute emphasizes the importance of systems thinking, interdisciplinarity, and collaborative inquiry in addressing the complex dynamics of climate change, biodiversity loss, water security, and sustainable resource management.
Fellows work under the supervision of world-class faculty mentors across multiple disciplines—including environmental science, economics, policy, public health, data science, and social ecology—creating an academic environment where science meets actionable impact.
Through partnerships with leaders in government, business, and civil society, students gain real-world experience applying research insights to policymaking, innovation, and community engagement.
The Gund Leadership Academy
A cornerstone of the fellowship experience is the Gund Leadership Academy, which prepares students to become thought leaders in sustainability and environmental policy. The program offers specialized workshops, leadership coaching, and opportunities to collaborate with experts in communication, advocacy, and systems transformation.
Graduates emerge equipped not only as researchers but as changemakers capable of influencing institutional and societal transitions toward sustainability.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Gund Institute is deeply committed to cultivating an inclusive academic community that values diversity of background, experience, and perspective. The fellowship actively encourages applications from candidates who will enrich the Institute through their unique insights, lived experiences, and research perspectives.
Diversity and inclusion are considered integral to scientific excellence and innovation. By creating an environment where all voices are valued, the Gund Institute seeks to advance more equitable and resilient pathways to global sustainability.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 6 January 2026 (for both Gund and PhD program applications; applicants should submit by this date even if their academic department’s deadline is later)
- Offers Made: March–April 2026
- Offer Acceptance Period: March–April 2026
- Program Start Date: Fall Semester 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure full consideration and to allow adequate time for submission of both the Gund and department-specific applications.
Eligibility and Qualifications
The fellowship welcomes applications from students applying to or currently enrolled in UVM PhD programs whose research aligns with the Gund Institute’s mission. Candidates should demonstrate:
- A record of academic excellence and research potential.
- Commitment to interdisciplinary environmental scholarship.
- Interest in collaborating with diverse teams to develop real-world sustainability solutions.
- Strong communication skills and a desire to engage beyond academia.
Students from any academic discipline may apply, provided their proposed research contributes to the Gund Institute’s key focus areas: climate solutions, ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, environmental justice, and circular economy models.
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the Gund Fellowship application and their chosen UVM PhD program application by 6 January 2026. Detailed instructions, including advisor matching and required materials, are available on the Gund Institute’s official website.
Required materials typically include:
- A statement of research interests and proposed project.
- A curriculum vitae (CV).
- Transcripts and academic references.
- A statement describing how the applicant will contribute to diversity and inclusion within the Institute.
About the Gund Institute for Environment
Based at Farrell Hall, Burlington, Vermont, the Gund Institute for Environment is a global research hub dedicated to accelerating solutions to environmental challenges. Through integrative science, policy engagement, and education, the Institute aims to advance sustainable systems for people and the planet.
The Gund community includes more than 200 faculty, researchers, students, and visiting scholars from across UVM and international partner institutions. Together, they explore the ecological, social, and economic dimensions of global change, fostering evidence-based pathways to a resilient and equitable future.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
