Student Engagement

Central to J-WAFS’ mission is the cultivation of the next generation of leaders in the water and food sectors

Through funding opportunities, events, support for clubs and entrepreneurship, and mentorship, we endeavor to expose students across the Institute to exciting research, networking, and professional opportunities in water and food.

Examples of our work in this area

Graduate Fellowships Supporting PhD Research

J-WAFS provides a variety of funding opportunities for students, including graduate fellowships that provide outstanding students the opportunity to focus on individual research projects.

Student Clubs and Initiatives Focused on Water and Food

J-WAFS works closely with the MIT Water Club and the MIT Food and Agriculture Club, providing mentorship, sponsorship, and other support for their initiatives.

Man presenting presentation called "Roadmap to Success"

Student Innovation Prizes in the Water and Food Sectors

Two global-scale innovation prizes produced by student clubs at MIT and supported by J-WAFS provide opportunities for student teams to compete for startup funding for water, food, and agriculture business ventures.

Student Video Competition: MIT Research for a Water Secure Future

A student video competition in honor of World Water Day, which highlights the innovative water sector research being conducted around the Institute and the importance of sustainable water resource management.

Student Video Competition: MIT Research for a Food Secure Future

A student video competition in honor of World Food Day to showcase the exciting food and agriculture research being conducted by students across MIT.

Student speaking to two others on farm in India

Targeted Grants Supporting MIT Student-led Research

Students are eligible to apply for J-WAFS implementation grants related to targeted challenges in the water and food sectors.

"Thanks to the Rasikbhai L. Meswani Fellowship Fund for Water Solutions, it became possible for me to continue to focus on my research that enables clean water and energy harvesting from the air...After graduating from MIT, I will continue to pursue my passions for research and education as a postdoctoral scholar, ideally in the areas of sustainable energy and manufacturing. Wherever I go in the future, I will always be a proud Rasikbhai L. Meswani Fellow and be forever grateful for the generous support during this final, most critical, phase of my PhD education."

—Adela Chenyang Li, a 2025-26 J-WAFS Fellow