The Founding Generation Summer Fellowship Program

Support the next generation of infant studies scholars: ICIS Founding Generation Summer Fellowship for Undergraduates 

The International Congress of Infant Studies (ICIS) is the largest group of researchers in the world focused on the development and well-being of children prenatally through age three. A core goal is to mentor future leaders of the field of infancy. Our initiative aims to develop the next generation of scholars to advance innovative research on infancy and translation of research for the public good.

The field of infant research is critical to understanding human development and the application of research findings to education, health, media, and policy worldwide. This kind of research and outreach requires diverse participation. Unfortunately, that breadth of representation is lacking. This initiative is designed to promote equal access for students who seek to work in sectors related to infant development.

Developmental psychologists who specialize in infant development enter careers in academe, policy, industry, granting agencies, and foundations. The path to such careers begins early. Undergraduates must gain research experience to enter competitive graduate programs that provide tuition, stipends, and health coverage. But many undergraduates lack the resources and know-how to volunteer in research labs.

 

To address the urgent need of broadening the representation of students who funnel into doctoral programs and infancy-related fields, ICIS has created a paid summer fellowship to assist students from under-resourced and under-represented backgrounds. Notably, the program represents one of the only initiatives specifically dedicated to supporting undergraduates who seek to embark on a field related to the science of infancy.

The program pairs promising students with researchers from around the world who conduct cutting-edge science. Identified mentors will work with students over an intensive 8-week period. Students receive financial support (up to US$4,000) to enable them to meet with mentors, participate in lab meetings, work with staff and pre- and postdoctoral students, and build critical skills through hands-on training in research methods. Upon completion of the fellowship, students present their work at a dedicated virtual symposium, and are encouraged to submit their work at the 2024 Congress to be held in Glasgow, Scotland (they may apply for travel support).

A pilot program was initiated in 2017 which was further expended in 2021. The 2021 and 2022 cohorts comprised 8 stellar students who demonstrated sincere passion for developmental science; the preparation and commitment to succeed; and are from groups underrepresented in our field (e.g., an Asian student studying in China; South Asian student studying in India; and African-American/Latina, White/Middle Eastern, and Latina students in the United States). 

We hope that you will consider contributing to the Founding Generation Summer Fellowship now and into the future, and we thank you in advance for your support.

Catherine S. Tamis-LeMonda, Sandra Waxman, Sam Putnam and Martha Arterberry, on behalf of the ICIS Founding Generation Summer Fellowship