The Campanile at sunset

Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering – Future Leaders Program


Wonderful Future Leaders in Sustainable Engineering

 

Fruiting pistachio trees

Because a sustainable future won’t build itself.

To that end, WISE-KU is holding a National Award Symposium for Undergraduate Researchers – The Wonderful Future Leaders in Sustainable Engineering. And we want you.

What is it?

A highly selective research symposium that’s organized by WISE-KU. The one-day symposium is a platform for the finest and brightest undergraduate researchers in the U.S. to present their work and be recognized for their achievements and potential as future leaders in sustainable engineering.

A person with gloves and goggles in a workshop

When and where is it?

The first annual research symposium will be held September 28-29, 2026 in Lawrence, Kansas.

A wall with a sign for the "Wonderful Institute of Sustainable Engineering" and a case full of headshots

When are applications due?

Applications are due by 11:59 PM CST on July 10, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Two people with goggles in a lab hallway talking

Who should apply?

Who should apply?
Undergraduates majoring in engineering (and related fields)* in the U.S. who have performed academic research and are within one year of graduation are eligible to apply (i.e., graduation by summer 2027).

*Includes, for example, Materials Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering students who are doing research related to sustainable engineering

A woman at a computer

Why participate?

  • Students selected to participate will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the research symposium in Lawrence, Kansas.
  • Participants will present their research in the form of 2-minute “soundbites” and a poster session.
  • It is a unique opportunity to network with faculty and peers about state-of-the-art research.
  • All selected students will receive a plaque recognizing their participation.
  • The symposium will also include information about applying to graduate school and fellowships. Students must be in person to be eligible.
A student holds a bottle in a glass enclosure with gloves

Sponsors

We thank the generous support of The Wonderful Company and the Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering at the University of Kansas.

Questions?

Email us at 

wise-futureleaders@ku.edu

if you have questions or want to learn more.

A researcher using a pipette in a small vial