Explore 2026-2027 Bass Connections Project Teams

Duke students from all levels and schools are invited to check out the new Bass Connections project teams for 2026-2027.

The deadline to apply using our online application is February 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST. 

Browse 2026-2027 Project Teams

Bass Connections project teams bring together faculty, postdocs, graduate students and undergraduates to tackle complex societal challenges in interdisciplinary research teams. Project teams are aligned with six interdisciplinary thematic areas, and most collaborate with partners outside Duke, including companies, nonprofits, universities, school systems, hospitals and government agencies.

Project teams last for two semesters; some teams include a summer component. Academic credit and summer funding are available. Students can apply to up to three project teams.

Students can browse the full list of project teams, which can be filtered by theme, focus area and special opportunities. Each project team page contains a detailed project description, anticipated outputs, student opportunities, timeline and list of team leaders.

Eligibility

All current Duke undergraduate and graduate/professional students who will be active students in 2026-2027 are eligible to apply.

DKU students may apply if 1) they will be studying at Duke for at least one semester during the 2026-2027 academic year; or 2) the project team to which they apply is co-led by a DKU faculty member.

Bring Your Questions to the Bass Connections Fair on January 22

Students of all levels are encouraged to stop by the Bass Connections Fair on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. in Penn Pavilion.

At the fair, students can talk with project team leaders and Bass Connections staff to learn more about new project opportunities and the benefits of participation. The event is informal, but a little preparation may help you get the most out of your conversations. Check out our tips for making the most of the Bass Connections Fair.

Before You Apply

Take some time to learn how project teams work, review FAQs, explore the benefits of participation and browse stories from students about their Bass Connections experiences. 

The online application will ask you to provide basic background information, a resume, name and contact information for two references (one of which should be a faculty member unless you are a first-year student), and a response to a short-answer question about your prior experiences working with teams. You will also be asked to complete several short-answer questions specific to each of the projects to which you are applying. You can save and return to your work within the application system. You can preview the online application here.

The deadline to apply using our online application is February 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST. You can preview the application here.

Learn More

• Review Student FAQs and read reflections from students about the impact of Bass Connections on their Duke experience.
• Explore Bass Connections summer programs, including Data+, and find additional summer research opportunities through Duke's growing array of summer "plus" programs.
• Apply for funding to support your own research idea through our Bass Connections student research grants.