Spotlight: NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)
Are you an undergraduate student curious about what a career in research might look like? Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), offer valuable summer research opportunities across a wide range of scientific fields, including chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and more!
REU programs are designed to immerse students in hands on research activities by pairing them with faculty mentors and involving them in meaningful, ongoing projects. Most sites run for about 10 weeks during the summer, and many provide stipends, housing support, and professional development activities to help students grow their skills and expand their networks.
These programs are a great way to explore research interests, gain lab experience, and strengthen graduate school or career applications. Students apply directly to individual REU sites, as there is no central NSF application.
Learn more and explore available REU opportunities on the NSF website at https://www.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/reu and be sure to review each program’s application details and deadlines.