SIRE Program
The Scholarly Inquiry and Research Experience (SIRE) Program is a hands-on research opportunity for first-time undergraduate researchers in Emory College of Arts and Sciences (ECAS). This program is intended for students who have little to no experience in research but are interested in starting the journey.
Gain skills to connect with faculty mentors in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences and begin your journey in research, scholarship, and creativity!
SIRE Program Benefits include:
- A firsthand look at research in a field that interests you.
- Collaborate as a research assistant scholar on a faculty-led research project.
- Compensation for weekly research with course credit or federal work-study (for federal work-study eligible Emory College or Arts and Sciences students only).
- Professional research skills development training a vibrant community of undergraduate researchers from multiple disciplines.
Apply for SIRE - March 30,2026 - April 28, 2026
Eligibility
Applicants must be rising sophomores or third year Oxford graduates or transfer students in Emory College of Arts and Sciences (ECAS). Students from all majors & disciplines (arts and creative expression, humanities, social sciences, STEM, and more) are eligible. Applicants must be in good academic standing and not on probation. This program is also intended for students with little to no undergraduate research experience and who do not currently have a research mentor.
Accepted students must be enrolled in Emory College of Arts and Sciences (ECAS) throughout the duration of the program.
Compensation
Students participating in the program have two compensation options:
- Pay as an eligible ECAS federal work-study student
- Course credit.
If you opt for pay, you'll receive compensation every two weeks through the University, utilizing a combination of ECAS federal work-study and URP program funds. If your federal work-study funds run out, you can switch to earning course credit instead.
For those unsure about work-study eligibility, reach out to Emory's financial aid office.
If you prefer earning course credits, additional SIRE research credits may be awarded based on your research hours. Just ensure your faculty mentor supports and documents your research hours worked.
Your selection will be confirmed upon acceptance into the program.
Requirements
- Starting in the Fall, students will attend a weekly class (on Fridays) and other program activities for a full academic year.
- Once matched, work up to 15 hours per week with a faculty mentor for a full academic year in their research space.
- Give a research presentation (example: poster, oral talk, demonstration, artistic work, or performance) about your project at the Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium, held on campus, in April.