ARIS Research Fellowship

Funding + Coaching to Strengthen Your NSF Broader Impact

The ARIS Research Fellowship Program supports U.S.-based researchers who want to expand the societal benefits of their research through stronger, more strategic Broader Impacts (BI). Over two years, fellows build an actionable research impact plan, strengthen their leadership skills, and sharpen how they design, apply, and communicate Broader Impacts for the public good.

Meet the 2026 Research Fellows
Meet the 2025 Research Fellows

Why Apply

The ARIS Research Fellowship is designed to help you:

  • Grow your Broader Impacts portfolio with meaningful, innovative, and scalable BI work.
  • Join a national peer network of researchers committed to elevating Broader Impacts across disciplines.
  • Share what works through presentations, publications, and other scholarly contributions.
  • Rachel Thibodeau-Nielsen quote: I keep coming back to this idea of purpose and meaning. [This fellowship] really helped me rediscover, but also reaffirm, the purpose and meaning in the work that I do.
  • Kay Bidle quote: Thinking more broadly about what you do and taking a step back and then thinking about how it can possibly impact society in a larger way is a key aspect to this.
  • Petronela Radu quote: Participating in this [fellowship] during very busy times in our careers, in fact buoyed our research programs, our purpose, [and] our feeling of reward.
  • Melissa Libertus quote: The exchange across so many different disciplines was beneficial. It made me think [about impact] in a new light.

What Fellows Do (two-year program)

ARIS Research Fellows will:

  • Develop a research impact plan and profile with ARIS professionals.
  • Participate in a two-day BI Identity workshop with science communicators to craft compelling Broader Impacts stories.
  • Collaborate with peers to compare BI strategies, refine approaches, and share outcomes.
  • Produce presentations and publications that document lessons learned and effective BI practices.

Eligibility

You’re eligible if you are:

  • A U.S.-based researcher at the rank of associate or above (i.e., tenured).
  • At a U.S. college, university, or research institution.
  • Experienced in conducting and/or participating in Broader Impacts projects.

Selection is made by a review panel of ARIS leaders, members, and advisors.

Benefits

  • $5,000 stipend per year ($10,000 total across two years).
  • One of five selected fellows in a supportive cohort with ARIS professionals and like-minded peers.
  • Travel support for all in-person meetings and the annual ARIS Summit.
  • Flexibility to propose additional activities aligned with the program’s objectives.

Timeline

The 2026–2028 application is closed. The 2027-2029 cohort application will open in February/March.

Questions? Contact Janice McDonnell: mcdonnel@marine.rutgers.edu.

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