The Graduate School awards a limited number of one-year Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellowships (IDFs) each year to outstanding graduate students who would benefit from interaction with faculty at one of the University's interdisciplinary research centers or institutes. The Life Course Center is a participating center. To learn more about the IDF program visit the Graduate School's IDF website and watch a recording of an IDF Info Session held by the Institute for Advanced Study.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
The LCC welcomes applications from students pursuing interdisciplinary aging research!
Benefits of an IDF at LCC:
- Embedded in our intellectual community
- Mentoring and research with faculty
- Weekly seminars & workshops & conference
- LCC member services & resources
- Computer, software and office space
- Research funds for travel, data, etc. ($2,500)
Before the LCC application process begins, interested parties should review the graduate school’s eligibility requirements here. Applicants must ensure they have a graduation date of Spring 2028 or later. If they are eligible to hold an IDF in 2026-27 at the LCC, applicants should email [email protected] to indicate their interest as soon as possible.
Applicants must submit their application packet (minus the letter of support from LCC’s Director) to [email protected] by October 13, 2025.
The application packet must include:
- CV
- Proposal
- Proof of IRB if applicable, or IRB form
Each applicant's advisor and faculty mentor should send their letters of support directly to [email protected] by October 13, 2025.
The LCC review committee will consider how each applicant would benefit from residence in LCC’s interdisciplinary intellectual community and how LCC would benefit from each applicant’s residence. The LCC will then select applications to endorse, and will provide letters of support to the graduate school accordingly.
The LCC will make its review and notify applicants of decisions by Friday, October 17, 2025. Then, prior to the Grad school deadline, a letter of support from LCC Director Sarah Flood will be uploaded via the online form for submission to the Grad School.
The Graduate School's deadline is 5:00pm on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Please email any questions for the LCC at [email protected].
Please email any questions for the graduate school at [email protected]
Current LCC Interdisciplinary Fellows:
- 2025-2026 - Isabel Pastoor
Previous LCC Interdisciplinary Fellows:
- 2021-2022 - Xiaofan Lei
- 2019-2020 - J'Mag Karbeah