OVERVIEW:
The Russian, East European, and Eurasian Center and the Slavic Reference Service at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are accepting 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).
While staying in Champaign-Urbana, take advantage of convenient on-campus housing and access the unparalleled research collections and databases offered by our University Library. The skilled librarians of our Slavic Reference Service will be available for consultations, to make sure that you not only find everything Illinois has to offer, but also identify the most important sources elsewhere. During their visit, SRL Associates will have access to the extensive holdings of the Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Collection at the University of Illinois Library and will receive research assistance from the librarians of the Slavic Reference Service (SRS). Whether you are beginning a new project or finishing an old one, a visit to the SRL provides a great opportunity to get important work done.
The SRL will take place at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s campus from June 8 – July 31, 2026.
The deadline for all SRL applications, funded and unfunded, is March 16, 2026.
It is open to advanced graduate students, independent scholars, and academic professionals in government and nongovernmental organizations. Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early career scholars are especially 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 our University Library during 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.
Read the full call for applications.
Read the full article at: https://reeec.illinois.edu/courses-rees-rubric/summer-research-laboratory