Explore the 2018-2019 Bass Connections Projects

January 10, 2018

Announcing 2018-2019 Bass Connections Projects

Duke students from all levels and schools are invited to check out the new Bass Connections projects for 2018-2019. Applications are open through February 16 at 5:00 p.m. UPDATE: The priority deadline for applications has passed. We will continue to accept second-round applications until Friday, February 23 at 5:00 p.m. Thereafter applications will only be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Bass Connections is a university-wide initiative that brings students and faculty together to tackle complex societal challenges. Working in interdisciplinary research teams, students at all levels collaborate with faculty, postdocs and outside experts to conduct cutting-edge research. Students gain greater exposure to inquiry across the disciplines, partner with unlikely fellow thinkers and receive sustained mentorship in an ambitious team-based environment.

Bass Connections project teams also engage with a diverse array of local and global partners, including nonprofits, universities, school systems, hospitals, government agencies and private companies.

In 2018-2019, Bass Connections will host more than 50 project teams. Project teams last for two semesters, and some include a summer component. Course credit and summer funding are available.

Browse the 2018-2019 Projects by Theme

Each project team page contains a detailed project description, anticipated outcomes, student opportunities, timelines and team leaders.

Prospective applicants can also review selected projects:

Bring Your Questions to the Bass Connections Fair on January 24

Students of all levels are encouraged to stop by the annual Bass Connections Fair on Wednesday, January 24 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Energy Hub on the first floor of Gross Hall.

At the Bass Connections Fair, students can talk with team leaders, advisors and theme representatives to learn more about the projects and the benefits of participation.

Join Us for a Bass Connections Information Session on February 9

Still want to learn more? Drop by the Bass Connections Info Session on Friday, February 9 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in Brodhead Center/West Union Room 068. Hosted by the Bass Connections Student Advisory Council, this info session will feature an overview of Bass Connections as well as a panel of student team members.

Light refreshments will be provided, and students will be invited to mingle with panelists after the conclusion of the session.

Create Your Own Path

Need some help planning your pathway through Bass Connections? Undergraduates can seek guidance from Duke’s Directors of Academic Engagement, who offer individualized, hour-long advising appointments to guide students through the process of integrating Bass Connections into their academic plans.

Students of all levels are also encouraged to reach out to members of the Bass Connections Student Advisory Council, who can answer questions and offer insights about their experiences.

Want to Take Your Current Bass Connections Research Further?

All current and former Bass Connections project team members are invited to submit proposals to take their research further with a Bass Connections Follow-on Student Research Award. Follow-on funds are designed to help students continue some aspect of their team’s work through a faculty-mentored research experience. Students may apply for follow-on funding individually or in small groups, with a preference for group projects.

Funds may support travel, equipment or other needs associated with the research proposals, and may be used from May 2018 until May 2019. View previous awardees from 2016 and 2017.

Learn More