SURF@JPL
SURF@JPL supports undergraduates in ten weeks of mentored research at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, pursuing intellectually creative projects with potential for publication in refereed literature.
This grant was recently updated
The SURF@JPL application deadline moved from March 9 to February 22. The notice that 2026 applications were open was replaced with an announcement that 2027 applications will open on November 1.
Funder: California Institute of Technology
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 (2027 application opens) | February 22, 2027 (Application and recommendations) | April 1, 2027 (Award notification)
Funding Amounts: $9,600 per fellow for ten weeks in summer 2027
Summary: SURF@JPL supports undergraduate students conducting ten weeks of mentored research at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Key Information: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and secure a supporting research mentor before applying.
Description
Caltech’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships at JPL (SURF@JPL) gives continuing undergraduates the opportunity to conduct research with experienced mentors at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Modeled on the grant-seeking process, the program asks students to collaborate with a mentor to define a project, write a research proposal, and carry out the work over ten summer weeks. Fellows conclude their projects with a technical paper and an oral presentation.
Projects should have significant intellectual and creative content, with potential for publication in refereed literature. Students may explore fields beyond their own academic options. The research experience is complemented by seminars from Caltech faculty and JPL scientists and engineers, professional development programming, and writing workshops.
