Apply for the Sustainability and Energy Fellows Program

Fellowships are granted for a period of three years. While all levels of postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to apply, priority consideration will be given to early-career postdocs in the early stages of their independent research trajectories. International applicants are fully eligible and encouraged to apply. Evaluation will be based on the applicants’ academic contributions, level of innovation, excellence, relevance, and Northwestern-leveraging dimensions, as well as independent R&D proposals.

Required Documents

Applicants must combine the following documents into a single PDF and submit it to the Trienens Institute. (Applications open July 1, 2026).

Cover Letter (1 page) – Describe your background, interest in the Sustainability and Energy Fellows Program, and the potential impact of your proposed research.
Past Research Accomplishments (1 page) – Summarize your most significant and original research contributions.
Current Research Proposal (2 pages) – Present an original, independent research proposal that spans activities of two or more Northwestern faculty members. Applicants are encouraged to communicate with potential faculty mentors to assess feasibility.
Curriculum Vitae (up to 3 pages) – Include your education, research experience, publications, and other relevant achievements.

Letters of Support

Applicants must arrange for three total letters of support to be submitted directly by the nominators and references:

One (1) nomination letter from two (2) Northwestern University co-mentors, who will support the proposed project and agree to serve as advisors for the duration of the fellowship.
One (1) reference letter from an individual familiar with the applicant’s independent research and academic achievements (these may be outside Northwestern).
One (1) reference letter from a PhD Advisor.

Application Deadline

Applications for 2027 open on July 1, 2026, and the application deadline is October 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM CT.