NSF Summer Research Opportunities for Undergraduates

Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research – National Science Foundation Summer Research Opportunities
Francis DuVinage, Director – www.ugresearch.umd.edu

Are you a freshman, sophomore or junior interested in summer 2013 research opportunities in life or physical sciences, engineering, or social sciences???

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds a large number of paid summer research opportunities for undergraduate students through its “Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)” program. The REU program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing NSF-funded research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. Summer research opportunities are available in these fields:

Astronomical Sciences

Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences

Biological Sciences

Chemistry

Computer and Information Science and Engineering

Cyberinfrastructure

Department of Defense (DoD)

Earth Sciences

Education and Human Resources

Engineering

Ethics and Values Studies

International Science and Engineering

Materials Research

Mathematical Sciences

Ocean Sciences

Physics

Polar Programs

Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences

Please note: Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.

There are hundreds of NSF REU program sites across the nation and beyond. An REU program sit  consists of a groups of around 10 undergraduates who join NSF-funded research projects at universities and other research facilities, gaining valuable research experience. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location.

You can view available NSF REU program sites by searching in the NSF REU Database. Students must contact the individual REU project sites for information and application materials. Although application requirements vary widely by project, many include a minimum GPA requirement and previous research experience can be helpful.