Society of Energy Scholars

The Society of Energy Scholars at MIT, a community of graduate students, researchers and professionals with an interest in energy, is a global network of over 500 MIT students and alumni dedicated to expediting a global transition to low-carbon energy solutions.

To be eligible to join the Society of Energy Scholars, you must be a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher who has received support from MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) Founding, Sustaining, and Associate members or friends of MITEI, in recognition of your keen interest in energy and excellence in research. Membership in the Society is through nomination from an MIT faculty member. The selection process is highly competitive, with an average of 10 fellows appointed each year.

Are you already a member of the Society of Energy Scholars? Be sure to join the LinkedIn group, a platform for energy researchers and leaders to share ideas, network, post news and events, and browse career opportunities.

How it works

MIT graduate students and postdocs interested in applying to be an Energy Scholar should first notify their MIT faculty advisors. Applications will not be considered without a nomination from an MIT faculty member.

Once nominated by a faculty member, applicants may complete the application, which requires the attachment of:

• A brief (2 pages or less) summary of research, including:
  • Title
  • Background (including possible impact of this research on global energy challenges and solutions)
  • Problem or hypothesis
  • Objectives
  • Methodology
  • Predicted outcomes
• A curriculum vitae

Applications are due and funding decisions are issued in the spring, with funding administered by the affiliated department at the start of the fall semester. Funding for graduate students covers health benefits, stipend, and tuition for nine months. Funding for postdoctoral researchers covers salary and benefits for nine months.

Appointed Energy Scholars receive invitations to career development and mentorship events, networking and social events with other members, job opportunities communicated through MITEI, and MITEI member engagements.

Because Energy Scholars are sponsored entirely by outside donors, those selected have a few special obligations. They must:

• Be available to meet with sponsors and possibly conduct a presentation for them,
• Attend the MITEI Annual Research Conference in the fall,
• Submit a headshot for MITEI’s online Energy Scholar directory (COVID conditions permitting, photography offered at no cost—otherwise, we will ask for a headshot from you), and
• Fill out occasional surveys.

For questions about the application process, funding, obligations, or member companies, please contact Rowan Elowe at rowane@mit.edu.

In 2025, the Society of Energy Fellows was renamed the Society of Energy Scholars. The change was made to differentiate MITEI Scholars, who are employed by MIT as research assistants, from other MIT Fellows, who receive funding from the Institute, but are not employed by the Institute.

The 2025 Scholars were announced the week of April 7th, 2025. Applications for 2026 Scholars will be open in December 2025.