Working Groups

CIS invites applications for Working Group Grants designed to support interdisciplinary collaboration in international studies. 

These small grants — up to $1,000 per semester and $2,000 per academic year — are available to MIT community members seeking to explore shared research interests through regular group meetings. Funds can be used to cover the costs of food and nonalcoholic drinks or modest honoraria/travel expenses for an occasional outside speaker.

Graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty and research scientists with PI status are eligible to apply. Groups led by graduate students or postdoctoral scholars must have a faculty advisor.

We welcome proposals on a wide range of topics and formats — from presenting work in progress to addressing specific international policy issues in creative ways. Priority will be given to proposals that: 

• Advance the study of foreign countries and regions
• Address topics of particular interest to CIS, including security, crisis management, international negotiations, AI, climate change, water, and global health
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration
• Clearly state what the group aims to produce and how its work and/or findings will be shared.

Applications are due August 26, 2026.

Questions? Contact CIS Director of Research, Mihaela Papa.