VIPER & Penn GRIP 

VIPER is committed to preparing students not just as researchers, but as globally-minded leaders. One way we do that is through our collaboration with Penn's Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) — an opportunity for VIPER students to fulfill their summer research requirement while gaining invaluable international research experience. 

What is GRIP? 

Penn GRIP places students in research and internship experiences at leading institutions around the world. Through VIPER's collaboration with GRIP, students who are accepted to an energy-focused research placement can propose to have their second VIPER summer research requirement fulfilled through this experience.  

VIPER students who are selected for GRIP placements will receive stipend support from the program (total funding support remains the same as other GRIP participants). 

VIPER students have conducted research through GRIP in Singapore, Germany, and France. It's one of the most distinctive opportunities available in the program, and a natural extension of VIPER's mission to develop leaders who can work at the intersection of science, engineering, and global impact. 

How to Apply 

Students apply directly through the Penn GRIP application process — there is no separate VIPER application. In your application materials, indicate your interest in energy-focused research projects. After submissions are reviewed, GRIP and VIPER will work together to determine eligibility for VIPER-supported funding. 

Apply to Penn GRIP

Who Is Eligible? 

This opportunity is open to VIPER sophomores and juniors pursuing their second summer research requirement. All first-year students complete their initial summer research on Penn's campus. 

To be eligible for VIPER funding support, students must: 

• Be accepted to a GRIP research placement 
• Pursue a project with clear and direct relevance to energy 
• Receive approval from the VIPER leadership team 

What Counts as an Energy Project? 

VIPER projects must demonstrate clear and direct relevance to energy. Topics that typically qualify include — but are not limited to: 

• Renewable energy systems and technologies 
• Energy storage and battery research 
• Sustainable materials and manufacturing 
• Climate science 
• Energy efficiency in engineering systems 
• Electrochemical and photochemical energy conversion 

If you're unsure whether your project qualifies, reach out to the VIPER team before submitting your application. 

Questions? 

We're happy to talk through whether GRIP might be a good fit for your research goals. Reach out to us at contact-viper@sas.upenn.edu to set up a conversation.