Research University Alliance

The University of Texas at Austin is a participating institution in the RUA AGEP Alliance’s Research Exchange Program. The Research University Alliance is one of the Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP), a program funded by the National Science Foundation.

RUA logo

This program seeks to broaden participation in:

  • Mathematics
  • Physical sciences
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Other related disciplines

Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are introduced to the ranks of the postdoctoral population, the faculty at competitive research and teaching institutions, federally funded national laboratories and scientific think tanks.

The university benefits from a broad learning community, and UT Austin students and postdoctoral fellows benefit from the combined resources of the outstanding universities in the alliance, as well as a network of 80 AGEP alliances across the United States.

The Research Exchange Program provides participating students opportunities to learn and network at partner institutions including: 

  • Caltech
  • Georgia Tech
  • Harvard
  • Stanford University
  • UC Berkley
  • UCLA
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Washington

Students can visit partner institutions to learn new techniques, engage in collaborative research, explore opportunities for postdoctoral research and mentorship and receive individualized career guidance from faculty members at peer universities. Participating students who are NSF-AGEP funded will receive up to $1,500 for travel expenses (paid as reimbursements) for visits lasting about one week.

Applications

We recommend students identify and connect with faculty members at participating institutions in advance of submitting applications.

Research Exchange Website

Students can apply to participate in the Research Exchange Program online. Visit the page to review more information about the program and selection process.

Eligibility

The program is open to current UT Austin Ph.D. students in candidacy and postdoctoral fellows who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the mathematical, physical and computer science and engineering fields.

Additional Resources

Participant Guide

Download the PDF guide for faculty hosts & participating students and postdoctoral fellows.

AGEP Website

Learn more about the Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate.

Resources for Incoming Participants

Much of the information that we provide for our graduate students will be relevant to RUA incoming participants. Your short visit to The University of Texas at Austin will determine which of the available resources you will be eligible for.

Living in Austin

Learn more about life in Austin, Texas and why it's one of the best places to live in the U.S.

Housing and Transportation

Learn more about the housing options and ways to get around town.