Yun Family Research Fellowship for Revolutionary Thinking

Open to all Harvard College undergraduates, in any field of study. 

Applicants must have at least one spring semester and one summer term remaining before graduation. 

Applicants must read and abide by URAF’s Principles and Policies for Applicants

• Yun Fellows receive up to $10,000 in summer funding to pursue their research project.
• As part of the application process, prospective fellows participate in workshops and advising designed to strengthen the originality, significance, and feasibility of their proposed research. These sessions provide opportunities to refine ideas, receive feedback, and develop a more compelling research proposal.
• Students selected as Yun Fellows become part of a cohort of undergraduate researchers who meet throughout the fellowship to discuss their work, learn from one another’s experiences, and reflect on the challenges and opportunities of pursuing ambitious research.
• Fellows conclude the program by presenting their work to the Harvard community.

Applications are evaluated on:

• Significance: the importance and urgency of the problem, question, or challenge being addressed.
• Revolutionary potential: the originality, boldness, and intellectual ambition of the proposed approach.
• Potential contribution and impact: the project’s potential to generate new understanding, challenge established thinking, or influence future research or practice.
• Research design: the rigor, clarity, and feasibility of the proposed methods, timeline, and use of resources.
• Preparation and promise: the applicant’s preparation, intellectual curiosity, persistence, and potential to carry out the project successfully.

Letters of recommendation are considered as part of the committee’s assessment of the applicant’s preparation and potential.

Final applications are reviewed by a committee of faculty and staff with expertise in undergraduate research and innovation.

The application process takes place in two stages and is designed to help students develop and refine their ideas before submitting a final proposal.

STAGE ONE

Applicants:

• Attend the Information Session. 
• Submit a Letter of Intent (300 -500 words) describing the problem they wish to address, its potential significance, and preliminary approach. 

Following review of the Letters of Intent, selected applicants are invited to continue to the second stage.

STAGE TWO

Finalists:

• Participate in the Designing Research for Impact Workshop.
• Receive advising as they refine their project. 
• Submit a complete Fellowship Application.

Final Fellowship Application

The final application is an opportunity to demonstrate the significance of the problem you seek to address, the originality of your proposed approach, and your preparation to carry out the project successfully. Successful applications combine bold thinking with rigorous research design and clearly articulate how the proposed work could contribute new understanding within a discipline or across disciplines.

Applicants should submit the following materials through the Harvard University Funding Portal.

The Problem (Essay | 750 words). Describe the problem, question, or challenge that most compels you. Why is this problem important, why does it remain unresolved, and why is it important to address NOW?  Help the committee understand the significance of the problem and why it deserves further investigation. This essay should focus on the problem itself rather than your proposed research project.

The Approach (Essay | 750 words). Describe your proposed research project and explain how you will investigate the problem described in your first essay. What makes your approach bold, original, or unconventional? Discuss your research methodology, the feasibility of your project, and your anticipated timeline. If your project requires or may require Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, briefly describe its status.

Communicating Your Vision (Three-Minute Project Pitch). Submit a video pitch (maximum three minutes) through Big Interview using the link provided in the Harvard University Funding Portal. Your pitch should be designed for a broadly educated audience and clearly communicate:

• The Problem: What important question or challenge are you addressing? Why does it matter? 
• The Approach: What makes your approach bold, original, or different from existing work? 
• The Potential Impact: How could your project advance understanding, influence practice, or inspire new ways of thinking within your field or beyond? 

Two Recommendations. Submit two letters of recommendation from faculty members, supervisors, or others who can speak to your preparation, intellectual curiosity, research potential, and ability to complete the proposed project. At least one of your recommendations should have expertise in the field of your project and speak directly to what makes your project particularly innovative or revolutionary. Recommendations may not be provided by peers.

Resume. Submit a one-page resume highlighting the experiences, achievements, and activities that have prepared you to pursue your proposed project.

Unofficial Transcript. Download your unofficial transcript from my.harvard.edu. Your transcript must include your current course term.

Yun Fellows are expected to:

• Attend a required fellowship orientation before beginning their summer research.
• Attend scheduled cohort meetings throughout the project term
• Submit a mid-project update describing progress, challenges, and any proposed changes.
• Obtain all required research approvals, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval when applicable, before beginning the relevant research activities.
• Follow Harvard’s travel-safety requirements and complete any required travel registration before conducting research-related travel.
• Submit an end-of-project report or reflection by the deadline provided by URAF.
• Present their work to the Harvard community at the end of the summer.