AURORA Call for Applications

Advanced Undergraduate Research on Robots and AI

The Artificial Intelligence and Media (AIM) Lab (AIM-LAB) at Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) is currently accepting applications for the AIM-LAB AURORA (Advanced Undergraduate Research on Robots and AI) Grant (AY 2026-2027).

Online Application via Qualtrics:

https://northwestern.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2iwHD8sJHLVHTG6

AIM-LAB

Founded by NU-Q Dean and CEO Marwan M. Kraidy and directed by Associate Dean for Education/Founding Director of the AIM-Lab S. Venus Jin, the AIM-LAB at NU-Q produces and promotes data-based storytelling focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and media. Our core commitments are to amplify NU-Q faculty and student research on AI-based media, to boost undergraduate research on AI-empowered communication and journalism, to mentor students who plan to pursue advanced AI-related graduate degrees, and to forge pathways to the professoriate and media professionals locally and globally. The AIM-LAB synthesizes deep expertise, interdisciplinary inquiry, and collaborative research and development (R&D) to stimulate vibrant conversations about transformative AI and to address emerging challenges that confront the AI revolution.

Grant Details

  • Acceptance of 7 NU-Q Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors based on a competitive review by the AIM-LAB team
  • USD$5,000: AIM-LAB AURORA grantees receive mentorship and financial support of USD$5,000 in total, including USD$4,500 toward R&D expenses/conference travel expenses and a USD$500 completion award upon the final submission of the required deliverables in the last month of the grant
  • Grant Application Deadline: 5:00 pm Saturday, September 19, 2026 (Qatar time)
  • In-Person Interview for the Finalists: Last week of September (TBC)
  • Acceptance/Rejection Notification: September 30, 2026
  • Grant Start Date: October 1, 2026
  • Grant Duration: 8 months (October 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026) for graduating Seniors; 10 months (October 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027) for Sophomores and Juniors

 

Requirements and Deliverables

AIM-LAB AURORA grantees are required to participate in the following initiatives and events. Requirements and Deliverables include, but are not limited to:

  1. Regular R&D meetings with AIM-Lab Faculty mentor(s)
  2. R&D presentation(s) at the Web Summit Qatar (January 31–February 3, 2027) 
  3. R&D presentation(s) at various AIM-LAB events in 2026–2027
  4. Participation in NU-Q's AI Initiative-related community events and the AIM-LAB events throughout the year and submission of relevant deliverables and reflection reports (e.g., surveys, video interviews, analytical papers, written essays, visualization projects, etc.) after each event
  5. Conference travels for R&D presentations and/or promotion of NU-Q/AIM-LAB: Research paper presentations if accepted, poster presentations if accepted, panel discussions if accepted, and/or promotion of NU-Q/AIM-LAB at the 77th ICA (International Communication Association) Annual Conference, at the 110th AEJMC (Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication) Annual Conference or at equivalent local/international conferences relevant to your research field, such as MLA (Modern Language Association) Convention, IAMCR (International Association for Media and Communication Research) Conference, SIGGRAPH (a premier conference and exhibition on computer graphics and interactive techniques, Gamescom (the world's largest gaming event held annually), Yale Undergraduate Research Conference, to name a few.
  6. Final Written Report Submission due on or before May 1, 2027 for graduating seniors and due on or before July 31, 2026 for sophomores and juniors (rising juniors and seniors) to receive the USD$500 completion reward.

 

 

Eligibility

AIM-LAB AURORA Grant competition is open to all advanced undergraduate students (rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors) who are in good academic standing AND financial standing and who are registered full-time at Northwestern University in Qatar.

Application Deadline

Complete application packages (which should be submitted online via Qualtrics) are due on or before 5:00 pm Saturday, September 19, 2026 (Qatar time).

   1. Research area

 


    1. Title, Abstract, and Extended Abstract: A title, a 50-word abstract, and a 200-word description of the R&D project.
    2. References in APA style: A reference list of up to 10 scholarly/industry sources.
    3. Ongoing Project (if applicable): If applying for an ongoing project, provide a summary of the current state of the project.
    4. R&D skillsets:  Please note that your knowledge of research methods and actual skillsets you claim you are equipped with will be tested during the in-person interview. Therefore, please list and explain only the actual skillsets you are equipped with and you feel comfortable demonstrating. 
    5. Feasibility assessment and timeline: Before you submit your AURORA grant application, please make sure you have done some preliminary literature review and research design to know whether the project is new and is doable within the time frame of the grant. Please assess the feasibility of your proposed research project by providing a 50-word description of your preliminary literature review, research design, and proposed timeline for completion of your project. 
    6. Budget: A 50-word explanation or graphical presentation/budget sheet of how you would utilize the research funds (QAR 16,400) for R&D expenses/conference travel expenses.
    7. AIM-LAB's mission and vision: A 50-word statement articulating how your R&D project contributes to AIM-Lab’s mission and R&D themes. We recommend that applicants familiarize themselves with AIM-Lab’s vision, mission, R&D areas, publications, and events.
    8. Other grants and fellowships: A note listing any other research funding, grants, or fellowships (such as NU-Q IAS Fellowship, NU-Q Undergraduate Research Grant, Summer Undergraduate Research Grants, Undergraduate Language Grant, Conference Travel Grant, etc.) you are (or are planning on) applying to during Academic Year 2025–2026. Please note you are required to share other research funding you are receiving with the AIM-LAB team.
    9. CV/résumé (maximum 2 pages) and Bio: A CV/résumé (maximum 2 pages) along with a 50-word narrative biography.

Ready to apply?

Use the Qualtrics application portal below.

Complete application packages are due on or before 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026 (Qatar time)

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