The Discovery Fellows Research Program is the Honors College’s premier early-entry research scholarship for students who are eager to create knowledge, solve complex problems and contribute to discoveries that matter.

Designed for intellectually curious students across all disciplines, Discovery Fellows begin engaging in research from their very first semester at Mizzou. Through close mentorship with faculty researchers, specialized coursework, dedicated advising and substantial scholarship support, Discovery Fellows develop the skills, experiences and professional networks that distinguish successful researchers, innovators and future leaders.

Whether your goals include graduate study, professional school, industry research, public service or academic scholarship, the Discovery Fellows Research Program provides a foundation for meaningful inquiry and impactful achievement.

Build the Foundation for Discovery: From your first semester on campus, the Discovery Fellows Research Program places you in the laboratories, archives, studios, clinics and field sites where new knowledge is created. Through mentorship, scholarship support and early research engagement, Discovery Fellows develop the skills and experiences that prepare them to compete for nationally prestigious opportunities and make meaningful contributions to their fields.

Award Amount and Expectations

Discovery Fellows are awarded a scholarship of $7,000 for the year (starting during the 2027-28 academic year) and is renewable for a second year. This award is disbursed in two equal installments during the year and only if the student meets the program requirements. Selected students work on their research project approximately eight hours per week during the academic year.

Eligibility

• Be an entering first-year student
• Have a minimum 32 ACT or 1420 SAT
• Demonstrate strong academic achievement and intellectual curiosity
• No prior research work is required
• Domestic applicants must have submitted the Premier Scholars application by Dec. 1
• International applicants can apply through ScholarshipUniverse by Feb. 1

How to Apply

Step 1: Apply to Mizzou

Step 2: Apply to the Honors College

Step 3: Submit the Premier Scholars application (which includes the Stamps Scholarship, Brazeal Scholarship, Boomba Tiger Scholarship and Discovery Fellows) via your Application Status Page. This application includes:

• An additional essay of 500-750 words in response to the following prompt:
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak directly to your academic abilities, achievements, and character. They should be teachers, school counselors, coaches, supervisors; one letter must be written by a teacher or counselor.
  • Your writers/references will be sent a link to submit their letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters must be submitted by the Dec. 1 deadline.

Honors College application guidelines regarding your essay: In evaluating your application, we want to get a picture of your own independent thinking and creativity. Responses to application essay questions should reflect your own ideas and experiences, be independently written by you and reflect your personal writing style. You may receive advice on content and editing, including the use of generative artificial intelligence software to assist with readability only (e.g. making grammar or clarity suggestions for revising the work that you have already generated). Content, substance and final written text must be your own. You are ultimately responsible for the accuracy and readability of your work. 

For More Information

If you receive this award, you will be notified by mid- to late-March and it will be included in your financial aid package from the University of Missouri. Please note, your Mizzou and Honors College application muse be submitted by Dec. 1, but you don’t have to be admitted by that date.