NSF REU Applications Open Now!
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program.
NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where they work closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location.
Students must contact the individual sites for information and application materials. The NSF maintains an REU Site search at https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.jsp, and here are some links to more specific program areas:
Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences
Department of Defense (DoD)
Earth Sciences
Mathematical Sciences
Ocean Sciences
Polar Programs
STEM Education
Application deadlines vary by program, but February 1st is a common date! Most sites will have webpages with information about application materials required and application deadlines. It is not uncommon to require letters of recommendation as part of an REU application.