ISEO Transformative Research Postdoctoral Grant
The International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) Transformative Research Postdoctoral Grant empowers exceptional UC San Diego postdoctoral scholars from around the world to pursue bold, high-impact research with the potential to reshape their fields. This fellowship provides support for innovative thinkers who are ready to challenge boundaries, advance breakthrough ideas, and drive meaningful change in their disciplines. Designed for emerging global leaders in research, the fellowship fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, intellectual freedom, and a vibrant international scholarly community—cultivating discoveries that can transform the future of knowledge and practice.
The International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) Transformative Research Postdoctoral Grant accepts applications from postdoctoral employees with foreign residence in any discipline for work here at UC San Diego.
Applications will be reviewed during Winter Quarter 2026 for research to take place after July 1, 2026. The next application deadline will be January 30, 2026. Each application should consist of the following documents:
- ISEO Transformative Research International Postdoctoral Grant application form (Select in InfoReady)
- CV (2 pages)
- Research proposal (max. 5 pages double spaced, 12pt font and 0.5 inch margins) describing the research to be performed, and project deliverable. This will consist of:
- a 3 page project overview.
- a 1 page timeline.
- a 1 page dissemination and future plans document.
- Proposals should make a clear connection to the ways in which the work being undertaken is transformative; that is, the project has the potential to create a significant and lasting positive impact in their field of research.
- Applicants should pay particular attention to articulating the benefits of conducting their research at UC San Diego, detailing how they expect this will enhance the quality of their research, its impact on their chosen field, and their personal and professional growth.
- Letter of support from the applicant's PI/Department/School indicating their support for the applicant's project and their commitment to cover the remaining funds needed for the applicant to hold a full-time postdoctoral appointment (salary, benefits and any associated payroll costs) for the duration of the grant period. Support letters should be submitted via InfoReady. For issues, please email to Elizabeth Langridge-Noti (elangridge@ucsd.edu).
Applications will be reviewed by a committee of interdisciplinary faculty and staff from UC San Diego. Fellows will be selected based on the following criteria:
- The proposal clearly articulates how the proposed work will advance research, theory, and/or practice in their field;
- The proposal articulates how conducting research at UC San Diego will enhance the applicant's personal and professional growth; and
- The proposal outlines a project deliverable that is realistic for the proposed time of research.
Fellows should plan to submit a brief report on the progress they made on the goals set forth in their proposals as well as on their personal and professional development at the end of their grant term.
The Transformative Research International Postdoctoral Grant is subject to certain terms and conditions that Fellows will need to agree to upon acceptance of their award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
- All current postdoctoral employees with foreign residence in any discipline.
What is the grant award total?
- Up to $50,000 for a 12-month period. The award is to be used to cover postdoctoral salary and benefits and, in combination with other grants and fellowships received, cannot cover more than 100% of a scholar's salary. Indirect costs are not allowable on this award.
What can be funded with this grant and are matching funds required?
- The application form has a space for the PI or mentor to confirm that any other funding required to satisfy postdoctoral union requirements is available.
- If you are already fully funded by an external grant, you do not qualify for this funding.
When is the deadline to submit my application?
- The application deadline is January 30, 2026. Please apply via the application form.
How do I know that my application has been received?
- All submissions will be done in InfoReady, and you will receive a confirmation message upon submitting your application. If you do not receive this after clicking “Submit,” or have other questions about your application, you may reach out to Elizabeth Langridge-Noti (elangridge@ucsd.edu).
What documents are required for a complete application?
- Applicants must submit via InfoReady an application form to which they will attach their CV and the components of the research proposal. The application form will also permit them to request the required letter of support from their PI/Department/School for an application to be considered complete.
Are there any resources available to me as I’m writing my application?
What research policies and procedures should I consider as I plan my proposal?
- Fellows are responsible for following regulations and applicable policies specific to UC San Diego, the State of California, and the United States.
- The Office of Innovation and Commercialization (OIC) provides Guidelines for Conducting International Research with regard to patent and intellectual property protections. If you anticipate any new intellectual property arising from an invention disclosure needs to be submitted for a project you will continue or carry out abroad, please contact the OIC.
- If there will be any material transfers taking place, you must work with your PI/faculty advisor to secure a Material Transfer Agreement prior to your departure from UC San Diego/transfer of materials.
- If your project will involve human subjects, you must work with your PI/faculty advisor to obtain IRB approval prior to your departure and remain in compliance with IRB regulations as stipulated by the UC San Diego Office of IRB Administration.
What kinds of proposals will be funded?
- Competitive research proposals will focus on a topic that shows the potential for transformative research and will enhance the applicant’s contributions to the field as well as their intellectual, personal, and professional growth.
How much funding does the program provide?
- Up to $50,000 for a 12-month period. The award is to be used to cover postdoctoral salary and benefits and, in combination with other grants and fellowships received, cannot cover more than 100% of a scholar's salary. Indirect costs are not allowable on this award.
May I participate in the ISEO Transformative Research Postdoctoral Grant Program if I am already supported by funding from an external training grant or other fellowship/grant funding?
- Yes, but funding cannot go over 100% time for all grants and fellowships combined.
Who should I contact about additional questions or concerns?
- Please reach out to Elizabeth Langridge-Noti (elangridge@ucsd.edu).
- Visa policies are changing rapidly in our current federal environment, so please check iUpdates.ucsd.edu for current news and updates.
What are the research and learning expectations for grant recipients?
- ISEO Transformative Research International Postdoctoral Grant recipients will submit a 2-page report outlining: a) the progress they made on the goals set forth in their grant application; and b) the impact of their transformative research on the field, as well as on their personal and professional development.
Non-Discrimination Statement: In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories. More information about Proposition 209 can be found here. More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.
UC San Diego 9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, CA 92093 (858) 534-2230 Copyright © 2025 Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.