Summer Research Opportunities

These funded research experiences are open to undergraduate students throughout the United States. Offered by a consortium of institutions, including the U of MN, they provide excellent summer learning opportunities in the U.S. and abroad for students in various fields of study who have a serious interest in research.

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Amgen Scholars Program

Info: The Amgen Scholars Program provides hundreds of science & engineering undergraduates with the opportunity to engage in a hands-on summer research experience at some of the world's leading institutions. Stipend amount varies by institution. Visit the program website.

Sponsor: Amgen Foundation

Locations: California Institute of Technology, Columbia University (Barnard College), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, University of California–Berkeley, University of California–Los Angeles, University of California–San Diego, University of California–San Francisco, University of Washington, Washington University in St. Louis

Who May Apply: Undergraduates enrolled in accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States, Puerto Rico or other US territories, with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and an an interest in pursuing a PhD or MD-PhD. Sophomores (with four quarters or three semesters of college experience), juniors, or non-graduating seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue undergraduate studies) are eligible. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents of the US.

Application: Applications are due early February. Apply online.

Big Ten Academic Alliance Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)

Info: Provides funding for undergraduates from participating Big Ten institutions to pursue summer research at other participating Big Ten institutions. Stipend amount varies by institution. Visit the program website.

Sponsor: Big Ten Academic Alliance

Locations: Big Ten Academic Alliance institutions: U of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Iowa, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Who May Apply: Undergraduates with GPA of 3.0 or higher who are US citizens or permanent residents; must have completed at least 2 semesters by the time of the summer experience; must have at least one semester remaining after the summer experience; should intend to pursue a PhD in the future. A goal of the program is to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups, including minority students, first-generation college students and students from low-income backgrounds regardless of race or ethnicity, who choose to pursue graduate education or research careers.

Application: Applications are generally accepted from November through February. Apply online.

DAAD Summer Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE)

Info: This six to twelve-week program supports interns working on scientific research projects at top research institutions in Germany. Awardees may choose from among 500+ research projects. German language skills are helpful but not required. Participants receive a monthly stipend, health insurance, and assistance arranging housing. Approximately 300 are awarded annually. Visit the program website.

Sponsor: Deutscher Akadimischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD) German Academic Exchange Service

Locations: Various sites in Germany

Who May Apply: Sophomores and juniors of any nationality studying biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, or engineering in the US or Canada

Application: Applications are generally accepted from December through January. Apply online.

Life Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Programs (LSSURP)

Info: This ten-week program offers students from groups that are underrepresented in the life sciences the experience and training to enhance their ability to pursue a research career. Participants work on specific research projects under faculty guidance. Participants receive a stipend and housing and travel allowances. Approximately 60 participants per year. Visit the program website.

Sponsor: University of Minnesota

Locations: U of MN–Twin Cities, Itasca Biological Station

Who May Apply: Full-time undergraduates who are US citizens or permanent residents interested in the life sciences

Application: Applications are generally accepted in January or February. Apply online.

Department of Energy (DOE) Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)

Info: This program encourages undergraduate students to pursue STEM careers by providing a research experience at one of 15 DOE laboratories. Interns perform research under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers on projects supporting the DOE mission. Ten-week summer internships as well as 16-week fall and spring internships are offered. Interns receive $500/week stipend and travel reimbursement. Housing information is provided. Visit the program website.

Sponsor: U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science and Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists

Locations: Various

Who May Apply: Currently enrolled full-time undergraduate with GPA of 3.0 or higher, 18 years or older when internship begins, U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Application: Applications are generally accepted from August to October. Apply online.

Lillehei Heart Institute Summer Research Scholars Program (SRSP)

Info: Named summer research scholarships in cardiovascular medicine offer highly qualified students an exposure to several disciplines within cardiovascular medicine. Each scholar is assigned to a laboratory and faculty mentor to engage in intensive basic or clinical research. Scholars are introduced to clinical, industrial, and academic medicine through a variety of activities 10 weeks full-time. $4000 stipend for college students, $3000 for high school students. Nine scholarships are offered to college students and three to high school students. Visit the program website.

Sponsor: Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School

Locations: U of MN–Twin Cites

Who May Apply: High school students and undergraduate students studying in a health care related field.

Application: Applications are generally accepted from December to February. Apply online.

McNair Scholars Program

Info: This program aims to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low income backgrounds and underrepresented groups entering PhD programs in all fields of study. Participants develop higher-level academic and research skills in preparation for graduate school and get advice on the graduate admissions process. The program includes a paid summer research experience. Visit the program website.

Sponsor: U.S. Department of Education, TRiO, and others

Locations: U of MN–Twin Cities

Who May Apply: US citizens or permanent residents, low income and/or first-generation college students. Applicants must intend to pursue PhD in any field after graduation. Open to students in all fields of study; specific sites may restrict to participants from a limited number of eligible institutions; sophomores and juniors may apply.

Application: Applications are generally accepted until February. Apply online.

NanoJapan International Research Experience for Undergraduates

Info: Provides 12-week summer research experience in nanotechnology for freshman or sophomore students in Japan; no prior Japanese language or culture study is required. Participants earn 1 credit through Rice University. Award includes stipend, international airfare, 3-week language and culture orientation. Up to 12 awards per year. Visit the program website.

Sponsor: Rice University

Locations: Various Japanese research laboratories

Who May Apply: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; should have a demonstrated interest in the field of nanotechnology as it relates to THz dynamics of nanostructures; no prior research experience is required. Women and students underrepresented in STEM disciplines are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application: Applications are generally due in January. Apply online.

National Institutes of Health Summer Internship Program (SIP)

Info: Provides a full-time eight week biomedical research experience in an NIH facility. Approximately 1100 interns are selected per summer. Stipend amounts vary. Some interns are invited to volunteer. Visit the program website.

Sponsor: National Institutes of Health

Locations: NIH lab in Bethesda, MD and elsewhere

Who May Apply: High school students, college students, graduate students, professional school students. US citizenship or permanent residency is required.

Application: Applications are generally accepted from November to March. Individual scientists select and fund their own interns. Apply online.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Info: At REU sites, groups of approximately 10 undergraduate students work on specific research projects under the direction of faculty and other researchers. Students receive a stipend and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Research fields include the social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, mathematical sciences, and engineering. Visit the program website.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

Locations: Numerous, U.S. and abroad

Who May Apply: Undergraduates in good standing who are US citizens and permanent residents. Additional requirements apply to specific REUs.

Application: Applications are made specifically to REU sites and are generally accepted until the fourth Wednesday in August. Apply online.

Summer Institute for Training in Biostatistics (SIBS)

Info: SIBS offers a comprehensive 6-7 week training course on biostatistics. Participants gain an intensive introduction to biostatistical approaches and research through exposure to the principles, methodologies, uses, and applications of statistical methods in biomedical and clinical research. Benefits vary by site but generally include travel, housing, food, and tuition & fees to receive college credit. Visit the program website.

Sponsor: National Institutes of Health

Locations: Various locations in the U.S., including the U of MN–Twin Cities.

Who May Apply: Undergraduate and early-career graduate students who are American citizens or permanent residents. Additional requirements may apply to specific SIBS sites.

Application: Applications are made specifically to the various SIBS sites and are generally accepted from December to March.