The MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) will select ~10 continuing MIT graduate students to join the Society of Energy Scholars starting in September 2026. Those selected as Energy Scholars receive salary and tuition for 12 months, as well as a small fund for travel.
Applicants must be current MIT graduate students with an interest in advancing topics related to the low- or zero-carbon energy transition, an expectation of continuing as a MIT graduate student for at least 6 months beyond June 2026, and demonstrated excellence in research. Energy Scholar funding cannot be used to support postdoctoral work even if the funding was first received when the applicant was a graduate student. Selection is based on a nomination from the faculty advisor, the alignment between proposed research and the interests of MITEI member companies that provide fund the Energy Scholars program, and merit-based evaluation of proposals by MIT experts. In most years, MITEI is able to select fewer than 15% of applicants as new Energy Scholars.
MIT graduate students interested in applying to be an Energy Scholar must be nominated by their faculty advisers using this form. The online application for student can be found here. Students must attach to the online application form a single PDF containing (a) a 2-page summary of proposed research (including title, background, problem statement or hypothesis, objectives, methods, and predicted outcomes; see application for guidance on references and figures) and (b) a curriculum vitae. Applications are due by 5 pm EST on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and late applications will not be considered. Selected 2026-27 Energy Scholars will be notified in late April, and funding for most selectees will start in September 2026.
There are now nearly 550 members of the Society of Energy Scholars, which was renamed in 2025 from the Society of Energy Fellows. Because Energy Scholars are sponsored by MITEI’s member companies, selected students have special obligations. They must:
Certify that they will not work on research funded by another energy company during the period of their Scholar appointment;
Meet with sponsors and possibly do a presentation on their research;
Attend the MITEI Annual Research Conference;
Agree to having their photo posted on the MITEI website;
Provide a final report to MITEI (1 to 3 pages).
Energy Scholars receive invitations to MITEI member engagements and MITEI networking/social events and conferences.
For questions about the application process, funding, obligations, or supporting companies, please contact Rowan Elowe at rowane@mit.edu.
