Doctors Irving and Joan Ratner Endowment Fund

The Doctors Irving and Joan Ratner Endowment Fund was established to support undergraduate research in the Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The award provides financial support for undergraduate biology majors conducting research with a Biology faculty member over the summer or during the academic year. This funding opportunity is designed to advance hands-on research experience for undergraduate students in biological sciences. Applicants must submit a brief research proposal (approximately one page, single-spaced) that includes a summary of the proposed research with clear objectives for the funding period. Students must identify a research laboratory within the biology department where the work will take place and demonstrate that the lab has the necessary resources to complete the proposed research. The application also requires an updated curriculum vitae and a letter of support from the Principal Investigator confirming the availability of required resources. This endowment fund provides valuable research experience for undergraduate biology students, enabling them to work directly with faculty members on scientific investigations. The funding can be used to support research activities during either the summer months or the academic year, providing flexibility for students to engage in meaningful research projects that align with their academic schedules and career goals.