Overview
The Symbionics Global Research Fellowship (SGRF) is a dedicated initiative aimed at fostering the next generation of research talent in the field of brain-computer interfaces.
This fellowship is designed to support international students who plan to pursue their graduate studies at the world-renowned Tsinghua University. The selected fellows will have the opportunity to conduct their research under the direct guidance of our company’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Dai Xiaochuan. A leading researcher in the field of BCI, Dr. Dai is also an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Tsinghua’s School of Medicine. Training in his lab will not only equip the fellows with advanced knowledge of brain-computer interfaces but also foster their essential skills vital for a successful research career.
SGRF serves as a supplementary financial resource, designed to enhance the existing scholarships, grants, and stipends that international students may receive from governmental bodies or the university itself. This additional layer of financial support allows our fellows to concentrate fully on their research, secure in the knowledge that they have robust financial support.
About Our Chief Scientist
Professor Dai Xiaochuan is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University. He began his academic journey at Peking University, studying Chemistry as an undergraduate and graduated first in his class. He then earned his PhD in Chemistry from Harvard University under the supervision of Professor Charles M. Lieber, one of the most influential chemists in the world. Following his PhD, Professor Dai completed his postdoctoral training at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
For more information, please visit Professor Dai’s website and his official page at Tsinghua University.
General Information
Each fellowship award is for a monthly stipend (3000 to 6000 RMB), which will be paid directly to the fellow.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Hold or expect to obtain within a year an undergraduate degree in a field related to brain-computer interfaces (e.g., Chemistry, Material Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics);
- Have a strong academic record;
- Demonstrate a strong interest in academic research and the field of brain-computer interfaces;
- Reside in a country or region outside of mainland China.
Application Process
To apply for the Symbionics Global Research Fellowship, please prepare the following materials:
- Resume/CV
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Personal statement
When you’re ready to apply, please email them as PDF attachments to [email protected]. Use “SGRF Application – [Your Full Name]” as the subject line.
Upon receiving your application, our review committee will begin the evaluation process. We aim to respond to all applicants within two weeks of submission.
We also require at least two letters of recommendation from academic sources. Please ask the recommenders to send recommendation letters to us directly. The email address is [email protected].
If your application advances to the next stage, we will schedule an online interview for a more in-depth discussion about your qualifications and interests.
Following the online interview, successful candidates will be invited for a fully paid visit to our Chief Scientist’s lab at Tsinghua. This visit will provide an opportunity for you to meet Dr. Dai and his team, familiarize yourself with our facilities, and participate in in-person interviews.
Admission at Tsinghua
An SGR fellow needs to be a graduate student at Tsinghua University. For more information on application to Tsinghua’s School of Medicine, please visit the admission page. An official application can be started here.
Admission to Tsinghua is NOT a prerequisite for applying to the Symbionics Graduate Research Fellowship. If selected, we’ll assist you with your subsequent application to Tsinghua.
Other Financial Aid Opportunities
International students in China can apply for the scholarship administered by the Chinese University Program. More information can be found here. The scholarship amount for graduate students is about 3500 RMB per month.
Tsinghua also offers other scholarship and financial aid opportunities. More information can be found here.
Questions
Questions? Please email [email protected]