Why it matters: The prestigious Rising Stars workshop will equip emerging scholars in materials science and engineering with crucial skills for academic career success.
The big picture
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will host the third annual version of this workshop at the Beckman Institute on September 8-9, 2025, bringing together promising doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars interested in pursuing academic teaching and research positions. Beckman and Illinois Grainger Engineering are joined by I-MRSEC in supporting this initiative.
By the numbers
- 2-day intensive workshop focused on academic career preparation.
- Up to $500 travel reimbursement available for participants.
- 4 workshop chairs are leading this effort, including Professor and Racheff Faculty Scholar Cecilia Leal.
Eligibility
- Ph.D. students within 18 months of graduation
- Recent Ph.D. graduates not currently in faculty positions.
Organizers
The program is a collaboration between four leading institutions:
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Workshop highlights
- Day 1: Practical sessions on job applications, interview skills, chalk-talk preparation and negotiation strategies.
- Day 2: Starting an academic career, writing young investigator proposals, work-life balance, mentoring, networking and building research impact.
Apply Now!
The application process is now open. For more information about requirements, visit a recent Carnegie Mellon University article. Students can apply through an online application form.