Office of Training Grant Support
Expertise and resources to enhance training grant excellence at UW–Madison

Trainee Opportunities

While the the Office of Training Grant Support (OTGS) primarily provides support services to training grant program directors and administrators, our mission focuses on enhancing training experiences to promote excellence as well as enriching the landscape of research training at UW–Madison. Below we provide a list of training opportunities for graduate and postdoctoral research trainees to support their individual development plans and support career growth.

Events

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Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honors Society

The Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honors Society application is now open to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. The self-nomination application deadline is Sunday, October 26, 2025.
The purpose of the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society is to recognize outstanding scholarly achievement and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. The Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society seeks to develop a network of preeminent scholars who exemplify academic and personal excellence, foster environments of support, and serve as examples of scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy for students in the academy. In the spirit of Edward Alexander Bouchet and the scholarship, character, leadership, service, and advocacy he exhibited both inside and outside academic realms, inductees into the honor society bearing his name should also exhibit these qualities.
Graduate students who apply must be pursuing a PhD and must have dissertator status by the start of the Fall 2025 semester (Sept 3rd).
Nominees can submit their completed materials in one PDF format to bouchet@grad.wisc.edu.
 
Nomination Materials
    1.       The attached nomination form
    2.       Current CV
    3.       Transcripts for all graduate studies
    4.       A letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor
    5.       A letter of recommendation from a leader, on campus or elsewhere,     with knowledge of the nominee’s leadership, character, service,
    scholarship, and/or advocacy qualities

Fellowships with National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has officially released the GRFP Solicitation (NSF 25-547) for the FY26 competition. This prestigious fellowship supports outstanding graduate students pursuing full-time, research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in STEM and STEM education disciplines.

Award Benefits:

  • Annual stipend of $37,000
  • $16,000 cost-of-education allowance to the institution

Application Deadlines:

  • November 10, 2025 – Life Sciences
  • November 12, 2025 – Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences; STEM Education and Learning
  • November 13, 2025 – Engineering
  • November 14, 2025 – Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy

Eligibility
Requirements vary significantly depending on academic status and field of study. Interested students are strongly encouraged to consult the full solicitation for detailed guidance.

Important Note

NSF has introduced changes in this year’s solicitation that may impact graduate students’ eligibility. It is essential that applicants and advisors review the solicitation carefully.

We encourage faculty and staff to share this prestigious opportunity with eligible students and to offer guidance throughout the application process. To support applicants, NSF will host a virtual Office Hour on Thursday, October 16 to address questions related to this year’s competition.

In addition, the Graduate School will host the following events to help students prepare. We strongly encourage you to share these opportunities with your students and urge them to attend. For additional information and resources to support graduate students as they apply for external funding, please see the Graduate School’s Funding Forward webpage.

NIH Extramural Loan Repayment Programs (LRP) Application Cycle is NOW OPEN!

We are thrilled to announce that the NIH is accepting applications for the Extramural Loan Repayment Program (LRP).  Awardees can receive up to $100,000 in qualified educational debt repayment with a two-year award.

To learn more about eligibility requirements, application dates, and the benefits of receiving an LRP award, be sure to visit the LRP website, check out our overview video, and attend one of our upcoming events:

Please note that the deadline to apply is November 20, 2025.