Research Experiences for Undergraduates
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports undergraduates in active research across various NSF-funded areas, in the form of sites or supplements for US citizens or residents, with projects offering interdisciplinary opportunities and an international dimension.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: August 18, 2027 (Full proposals)
Funding Amounts: $5,000–$500,000 per award; REU Sites typically receive $100,000–$155,000 annually for three years
Summary: Supports mentored undergraduate participation in NSF-funded research through cohort-based REU Sites and supplements to research awards.
Key Information: NSF-supported student participants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. permanent residents.
Description
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program is a Foundation-wide NSF program supporting meaningful undergraduate participation in ongoing research or projects designed specifically for undergraduate research training. Projects may address any NSF-supported research area, including disciplinary and interdisciplinary work, and may operate during summer, the academic year, or both. International research projects are welcome.
REU Sites provide cohort-based research experiences with a coherent intellectual focus. REU Supplements support undergraduate participation within new, renewal, or ongoing NSF-funded research projects. Both mechanisms emphasize high-quality mentoring, access to research facilities, and professional development. The program aims to attract and retain students in science and engineering careers and broaden participation, particularly among students who would otherwise have limited access to research opportunities.
