ORISE 2026

ORISE is the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, a U.S. programme managed by ORAU that administers research participation opportunities with federal agencies and laboratories. Rather than being a single scholarship with one fixed package, ORISE serves as a platform for fellowships, internships, and training appointments across agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

ORISE opportunities are especially common at the master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels, with a strong emphasis on STEM, biomedical sciences, agriculture, public health, environmental science, data science, and related research fields. Many postings are research-based appointments hosted by U.S. federal agencies or research facilities, and some projects may be carried out partly at a participant's home university in collaboration with an agency mentor.

Funding and benefits vary by opportunity. Based on recent ORISE postings, awards often provide a stipend, and some also include support for travel or research supplies. Health insurance is typically required for participation and may be obtained through ORISE, but these appointments are usually not employment positions and generally do not include standard employee benefits. Appointment length also varies, with many opportunities starting at one or two years and sometimes renewable subject to funding and performance.

Eligibility depends on the individual posting. Many ORISE opportunities require applicants to be U.S. citizens, and some also accept lawful permanent residents. Degree timing rules are common for postdoctoral roles, such as requiring a recently completed doctorate. Applicants usually need to meet the academic background requested for the specific research project and submit materials such as a CV, transcripts, research statement, and other supporting documents.

Applications are commonly submitted through the Zintellect portal, where ORISE-hosted opportunities are listed. Because each fellowship has its own host agency, topic, funding level, and deadline, students and researchers should carefully read the specific announcement before applying.