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Thinking of Writing a Senior Thesis?

Junior year is the time to decide!

Sociology's DUS, Professor Christopher Winship, is available to meet with juniors thinking of writing a senior thesis.  Please contact him at cwinship@wjh.harvard.edu if you need help choosing a thesis topic, finding an adviser, securing funding for thesis research and for preparing and submitting human subjects research applications.

Committee on the Use of Human Subjects

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND TRAINING DATES!

          • Thursday, March 27, 4:00-5:30pm, Harvard Hall 102
          • Wednesday, April 2, 5:00-6:30pm, Emerson Hall 108 
          • Tuesday, April 8, 4:00-5:30pm, Harvard Hall 102

All research on human subjects must be approved by Harvard's Committee on the Use of Human Subjects. Some research projects may fall under an expedited review process, while others may require full review.  Some projects are exempt from committee review.  To determine whether or not your project requires approval, please call (preferable) CUHS at 617-496-2847 where you will be put in touch with an IRB Administrator who will assist you.  You may also email cuhs@fas.harvard.edu.

If your project does require human subject's approval, do not send the info via email!  Visit the website for information on the new online protocol, ESTR, and the required ethics training.

NOTE:  Do not begin to gather data—even recruiting subjects—until you have received full IRB approval!!  If you require an institution's approval, it is fine to gather that info beforehand, but do not recruit subjects or conduct interviews. 

Finally, feel free to contact CUHS.  They are eager to help undergraduates navigate the approval process!

Student researchers must have a faculty sponsor for each research project.  Please meet with Chris Winship, Sociology's DUS to discuss your project.

Harvard College Undergraduate Research and Fellowships

The Harvard College Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URAF) website offers much information for those undertaking research projects. The Harvard College Funding Sources Database is a searchable database that contains many funding options. REMEMBER TO CHECK DEADLINES! 

Please note that many past writers have received funding through the Harvard College Research Program (HCRP). The HCRP supports student-initiated scholarly research and creative endeavors undertaken with faculty guidance during the academic year and summer. Funded by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and alumni HCRP grants advance academic experiences outside the classroom and expand opportunities for students to work closely with faculty members. They underline the Harvard Faculty's commitment to individual work and help create an environment where students will gain experience, personal encouragement, and insight into the academic life of a professor.   
Applications for HCRP are processed through CARAT.

 HCRP deadlines are as follows: 

  • Winter Session: Monday, December 9, 2013, 5PM
  • Spring: Wednesday, February 5, 2014, 5PM
  • Summer: Monday, March 31, 2014, 5PM
  • Fall 2014 – dates tbd

Here are just a few examples of funding opportunities found using the Harvard College Funding Sources database:

Kenneth I. Juster Fellowships for Undergraduate Research and Travel
Deadline: October 16, 2013 

Weatherhead Center for International Affairs Thesis Research Grants
Deadline: February 12, 2014

Dean's Summer Research Awards
Deadline: Mar 31, 2014

 
Please visit our Writing a Senior Thesis page for additional useful information.