SPEAKS is a UCR multi-disciplinary research traineeship, funded by a major grant from the National Science Foundation, aimed at decarbonizing the transportation energy sector through integration of engineering, social and environmental sciences, and public policy to promote environmental justice and equity.
SPEAKS trainees conduct cutting-edge research on technologies for societal benefit while learning strategies to effectively translate science into public policy. SPEAKS trains graduate students in user- and stakeholder-based research, communication, integrated ethics, empowering diversity, equity, and inclusion, and career readiness.
The UCR’s SPEAKS Program (Science to Policy Education: Activating Knowledge for Sustainable Transportation) offers a unique opportunity for Ph.D. students to focus their studies on the important issue of how to make transportation more sustainable. The SPEAKS program is open to all full-time Ph.D. level graduate students at UCR and offers a number of benefits, including one-year graduate fellowships, a certificate in Science-to-Policy, and travel funding among other things. A successful SPEAKS program participant will complete a number of activities during their Ph.D. careers, such as breadth coursework, personal and 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.