The 2010 International Research and Education in Engineering (IREE) Program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation and organized by Purdue University, is now accepting applications for the 2010 grant cycle. IREE 2010 awardees will receive a stipend (US$4,000 for graduate students and US$3,000 for undergraduate students) to conduct engineering-related research in China from May - August 2010. Additionally, grant awardees will receive allowances for: an orientation program; travel to and housing/meals in China; plus a re-entry program. The 50 students (20 undergraduate and 30 graduate students) that receive the IREE award will spend 10-12 weeks working on frontier engineering research projects in university, industry, or government labs in China.

Applicants must be currently enrolled and in good academic standing as degree-seeking undergraduate OR graduate students at a U.S. institution of higher education. They must also be able to express both a demonstrated interest in a field of engineering related research, and a desire to work in China. Finally, strong preference will be given to United States citizens or nationals, or permanent residents of the United States. In addition, women, underrepresented groups, and students from schools with limited research opportunities are particularly encouraged to apply.

The IREE Program was initiated by the National Science Foundation (ENG/EEC) in 2006 to promote enhancement of global competency of 21st century engineering professionals, development of collaborations with engineering researchers abroad, and providing students with opportunities to experience the life and culture of a another country. It enables early-career researchers in the U.S. to gain international research experience and perspective. IREE also seeks to enhance U.S. innovation in both research and education, as well as enable connections between the research programs of NSF's divisions with the education of students.