Sigma Pi Sigma Undergraduate Research Awards

Proposals due November 15

Program Flyer (PLEASE POST)

Program Overview
The Sigma Pi Sigma Undergraduate Research Award program provides, on the basis of an annual competition among the active Chapters, calendar year grants to support local Chapter activities that are deemed imaginative and likely to contribute to the strengthening of the SPS program. These activities are usually research projects but might include other worthwhile activities.

From among the proposals submitted by the Chapters, a panel of judges selects the most meritorious and awards to those Chapters the funds requested in the proposals to the limit of the available funds. Honorable mentions may be made. The program is funded through income from the Sigma Pi Sigma Trust Endowment Fund.

The program of awards is open to all active Chapters of the SPS. Although each proposal is required to have the endorsement of the SPS Chapter faculty advisor, the advisor acts only in a consultative capacity. The planning and writing of the proposal are the responsibility of the student members. Each Chapter participating in this program will probably want to set up a small committee to consult with the other members and prepare the proposal.

Note: Proposals for projects to "promote interest in physics among students and the general public" should be made through the Marsh W. White Awards Program rather than through the Sigma Pi Sigma Undergraduate Research Award Program.

Requirements

1. Only ONE proposal may be submitted by each SPS Chapter.
2. It must contain a precise statement of the proposed chapter activity to be completed within a calendar year.
3. It must show evidence of imaginative and thoughtful appraisal of the ways in which the proposed activity would contribute towards the objectives of the SPS Program.
4. It must contain a budget totaling not more than $2,000.
5. It must be signed by the advisor and officers of the Chapter.

At the conclusion of the project, the Chapter can request up to $500.00 to support sending a member to a professional conference to deliver a paper on the research work.

A grant is made to the institution at which the SPS Chapter is located with the understanding that the funds are to be used for the purposes set forth in the successful proposal.

Preparations of the Proposal

A. Only one copy of the proposal is required. Proposals should be typed with double spacing.

Page one of the proposal should contain:

1. The title of the activity.
2. The name and location of the SPS Chapter.
3. The name(s) and signature(s) of the SPS student(s) who prepared the proposal.
4. The name and signature of the faculty advisor.
5. The total amount requested for the activity.
6. The date of submission of the proposal.

B. Page two should contain an abstract of approximately 50 words stating clearly the Chapter's proposed activity.

C. Pages three through five should contain a statement of the activity. The presentation should be clear and concise, indicating what activity is planned, how it is to be carried out, how it is related to the purpose of the SPS Chapter, and what the time schedule for the project is. Quantitative estimates or results to be expected should be included. A complete bibliography should also appear in this section.

D. Page six should contain the proposed budget. Payment for student services is not to be included. An example of the budget is included below:

Submission of Proposals

Mail or fax one copy of the proposal, postmarked or faxed not later than midnight 15 November, to the Director, Society of Physics Students, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740, fax (301) 209-0839.

-OR-

E-mail the SPS National Office, not later than midnight 15 November, and attach the file containing the proposal to the E-mail. The file must be created in Microsoft Word© or WordPerfect©. In the subject line of the e-mail, please type: Undergraduate Research Award Proposal.

Judging and Announcement of Awards

The proposals will be judged by a panel of physicists and awards made by early January. Proposals should be prepared with this in mind and should be written for periods not longer than one calendar year.

An interim report is due on the 15 June following the grant approval. The final report is due by 15 December following the grant approval. A financial statement must be included with each report.