A blue background with the wording IISG Funding Opportunity in white.

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for our 2026 Graduate Scholars Program.

The scholars program is designed to build a community of researchers and outreach professionals focused on solving critical Lake Michigan issues. Beyond financial support, the program introduces scholars to the people and organizations most affected by these issues, helping students amplify the real-world impact of their research.

IISG expects to support 6−10 graduate student scholars in 2026. Applicants may request up to $10,000 to support research expenses, stipends and travel. Applications are due by April 9, 2026.

Take note: Like many federally funded programs, IISG is currently experiencing unpredictable delays in funding. While we look forward to selecting a strong cohort, there may be a delay between selection and funding availability. Consequently, we strongly recommend that applicants have at least three semesters remaining in their program to ensure sufficient time to participate once funds are released.

Read the full request for applications for more information.  

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Got a research idea worth a bigger room? The 2026 State of Lake Michigan Meeting is accepting proposals for symposia and workshops, and we want to hear yours!📅 Nov. 4–6 | Michigan City, IN⏰ Proposals due June 1 at 1 PM ETHelp shape what the Great Lakes research community discusses this year.🔗 Submit at the link in bio.
To every educator who has brought the Great Lakes into their classroom, thank you. 🍎Your curiosity is contagious. Your lessons last. And the students who learn to love these waters? They’ll protect them.Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from all of us at IISG.
Located in Washington, D.C., the Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship provides a unique educational and professional experience to graduate students who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources, and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. This is a one-year fellowship open to any student, regardless of citizenship, who is enrolled toward a degree in a graduate or professional program on the day of the deadline.Students enrolled at an Illinois or Indiana university or college should submit their applications through Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant by emailing Angela Archer at amcbride@purdue.edu. Students in surrounding states without a Sea Grant program should contact the National Sea Grant College Program at oar.sg.fellows@noaa.gov for a referral. Application deadline: June 3, 2026.To learn more about the fellowship, visit the link in bio.