Supporting ideas, experiences and professional growth.

The Rist Institute helps students and faculty pursue research, develop ideas, and participate in experiences that expand their knowledge and impact. Explore opportunities for publishing support, fellowships, entrepreneurship, research, conference attendance and participation in international climate discussions. Eligibility, application timelines, and available support vary by program.

Three students entering Lydon Library.

Open Access Publishing Fund

The Open Access Publishing Fund, a partnership between the Office of Sustainability and University Library, helps eligible UMass Lowell authors make their research and scholarship freely accessible. Authors may receive up to $1,500 for eligible publications. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis each fiscal year until funds are exhausted.

Apply for open access publishing support.

Three students pose in front of COP30 Brasil Amazonia sign.

United Nations Climate Conference Delegation

UMass Lowell is an official observer organization to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and sends a delegation to its annual Conference of the Parties (COP).

Join students, faculty, and staff from across disciplines in exploring international climate action, observing climate negotiations, and engaging with researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world.

Applications are currently closed. Recruitment typically begins in April for that year’s conference.

Benard Tabu connects a solar panel to lab equipment in the Perry Energy Lab. Image by Pat Piasecki Photography

Energy Innovation Awards

The Center for Energy Innovation awards internal grants to UMass Lowell faculty and students in service of our mission to create sustainable energy solutions. These grants are awarded annually in November.

Learn more about the innovation awards.