2026 Summer Research Laboratory (SRL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Russian, East European, and Eurasian Center and the Slavic Reference Service at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are pleased to announce a new Call for Applications for our 2026 Summer Research Laboratory (SRL) program. The SRL is an in-person program that offers comprehensive research support, access to library resources, and competitive Research Awards to graduate and post-graduate scholars developing projects on all aspects of Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies. It is funded by the U.S. Department of State through its Program for Research and Training on Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union (Title VIII).

This year’s Laboratory will take place on our campus from June 8–July 31, 2026. It is open to advanced graduate students, independent scholars, and academic professionals in government and non-governmental organizations. Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early career scholars are encouraged to apply.

Any researcher may apply to be an SRL Associate and receive the following forms of research support:
• Reference assistance throughout the summer and beyond from the Slavic Reference Service (SRS);
• In-person access to digital and database collections of the University Library during the onsite visit;
• Thematic and skill-building workshop events, as well as opportunities to present and discuss works in progress;
• Designation as a 2026 SRL Associate.

All Associates may request one-on-one, personalized bibliographic sessions before and during the SRL with SRS, with priority given to graduate students and early career scholars.

Funding Opportunity: Title VIII Research Awards
U.S. citizens conducting policy-relevant research may also apply for one of our Title VIII Research Awards.
Funded by the U.S. Department of State, these awards provide:
• Dormitory accommodation on campus for up to 9 nights (room in a shared suite);
• Travel reimbursement for transportation to Champaign–Urbana, up to $800;
• A research stipend of $1,250.
All Title VIII-funded research must be conducted in person at the SRL. These Research Awards are offered on a competitive basis.

Special Awards for Early Career Scholars
Alongside our Title VIII awards, REEEC is pleased to announce two special named fellowships that provide additional support for early career scholars: the Fisher Fellow Award and the Maggs Fellow Award. Please see our website for more information about these programs. You may apply for them as part of your overall SRL application.

The deadline for all SRL applications is March 16, 2026.