SPEAKS is a graduate student research traineeship at UCR, funded by a major grant from the National Science Foundation, aimed at making transportation more sustainable through the integration of engineering, social sciences, environmental sciences and public policy.
SPEAKS trainees conduct cutting-edge research on technologies for societal benefit while learning strategies to effectively translate science into public policy. SPEAKS trains students in user- and stakeholder-based research, communication, and career readiness. The SPEAKS program offers a number of benefits, including one-year graduate fellowships, a certificate in Science-to-Policy, and travel funding.
The SPEAKS program offers a unique opportunity for Ph.D. students to focus their studies on the important issue of how to make transportation more sustainable. A successful SPEAKS Trainee will complete a number of related activities during their Ph.D. careers, such as breadth coursework, professional development events, and training workshops. See full details under the SPEAKS Program Requirements heading on the PROGRAM BENEFITS & REQUIREMENTS tab.
Review the information on the SPEAKS website. Then go to the TRAINEE QUALIFICATIONS & HOW TO APPLY tab. Funding and space are limited, not all applicants will be selected.
Yes, International students can participate as SPEAKS Scholars. National Science Foundation regulations require that SPEAKS fellowships be limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and U.S. permanent residents.
SPEAKS Traineeships are reserved for Ph.D. students. However, some elements of the SPEAKS program will be open to non-trainees. Please contact the SPEAKS Program Coordinator to place your name on the email notification list.