Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Overview

Paid 10-weeks of summer research at the University of Rochester (UR) beginning in late May, annually. In 2025 the program ran from May 27, 2025 to August 2, 2025. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for eligible undergraduates from any institution in the United States.

2026 program dates will be announced in December 2025. 

The David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Student Success supports students through academic advising, tutoring, courses, and program coordination for various professional social and academic programs including five NSF REU programs.

Previous University of Rochester REU Offerings

2026-reu-offerings-graphic-2.png
The graphic includes the REU programs previously offered at the University of Rochester. Including Chemistry - Developing the Next Generation of Molecule and Material Makers, Data Science - Computational Methods for Understanding Music, Media and Minds, Photonics - Nanophotonics, Quantum Photonics and Vision/Biomedical Optics, Physics - Physics, Astrophysics and Optics, Electrical and Computer Engineering - Imaging in Medicine and Biology. 

2026 University of Rochester REU Offerings

Each UR REU Includes

  • $6,000 - $7,000 Research stipend (department dependent)
  • Travel reimbursement
  • Free on-campus housing for participants 
  • Faculty mentor and Kearns advisor
  • Professional development workshops
  • GRE test and Personal Statement preparation class
  • Graduate school preparation class
  • Community building and social events
  • Opportunity to present your work at a conference-style summer symposium

The University of Rochester operates on a personal scale, creating exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close work with faculty. Explore how graduate study or industry work fit into your future at UR! Complete your summer with new skills and an enhanced vision of yourself as a researcher, collaborator, and mentor to others.

Information Sessions/Webinars

The Kearns Center hosts information sessions via zoom for prospective Summer 2026 REU students.  Information sessions are centered around an overview of the REU structure and programming, application timeline, details about housing, transportation and stipends. 

The 2026 information sessions will be held on the following dates:

  • Dates TBA

Interested in attending? Please fill out our webinar interest form to receive an emailed RSVP link!

Webinar Interest Form

Hear more from our 2024 REU scholars!

Eligibility

Eligible undergraduate students must be:

  • U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or U.S. Permanent Residents
  • Enrolled in any undergraduate program leading toward a bachelor’s or associate degree at the time of participation in the REU

*UR REUs prioritize applicants from institutions other than UR

Applying

Each REU program has its own deadline. Most applications will open in November and close in January/February. Please check individual REU websites for details.

Application materials typically include:

  • Online (ETAP) application
  • Personal statement
  • Two references
  • Resume or CV
  • Unofficial transcripts

Accepted applicants will be notified in the beginning of March.

All University of Rochester REUs utilize the NSF ETAP application portal. Enter keyword "University of Rochester" to locate the application for any UR REU.

REU Milestones

Students typically go through the following research stages throughout the summer program:

  • Prior to REU (mid-April): Connect with faculty mentor and outline research question(s)
  • Weeks 1 – 2: Read background literature, get acquainted with lab/equipment
  • Weeks 3 – 4: Define research project, participate in lab meetings
  • Weeks 5 – 8: Conduct research, analyze data, present initial findings
  • Weeks 9 – 10: Prepare talk, poster, and final paper and participate in Symposium

 

Contact

For more information, please email REU Coordinator Samantha Branch, at samantha.branch@rochester.edu.

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