PPG-MRL Graduate Research Assistantship Award
Applications for 2026 have not opened.
Under support of the PPG Foundation, the PPG-MRL program will support up to six doctoral-level students conducting research broadly related to coatings science and specialty materials. Targeted areas include materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, condensed matter physics, and related areas of study.
To learn more about PPG, visit http://corporate.ppg.com/Home.aspx.
Each PPG-MRL Graduate Research Assistantship Award provides one year of support at the 25% level. The remaining 25% to bring the appointment up to the normal 50% appointment of a graduate student will need to be supplied by other sources (typically from the student’s advisor or a teaching assistantship). Each award recipient will also be provided a travel award of up to $2,000 to present their research accomplishments as a PPG-MRL Graduate Research Assistant at a major scientific meeting. Funds for travel must be used within 1 year of the end of the award.
The PPG-MRL Graduate Research Assistantship Award recipients will:
- Acknowledge support of the PPG Foundation in publications and presentations based upon work performed while supported by the PPG Foundation
- Meet with representatives of PPG, either in person on campus, or via video conference when requested.
- Applicant’s primary advisor must be affiliated with the MRL.
- Applicant should be entering their second to fourth year of graduate school at the University of Illinois. With appropriate justification, this requirement can be waived.
- Applicant is a graduate student in good standing.