Summer Research Opportunities

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For Summer Research Fellowships at St. Lawrence, check out: 
The Summer Fellows Program or the Tanner Fellowship Program

Many off-campus, Summer Undergraduate Research opportunities can be found directly on the National Science Foundation Summer Research (NSF-REU) Award Page

Summer 2026 REUs & SURFs: 

Research Experiences for Undergraduates & Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships

  • SURF Program | College of Graduate Studies | SUNY Upstate
    SUNY Upstate Medical University’s College of Graduate Studies offers 2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) for juniors majoring in chemistry, biology, or related fields. The 10-week program (June 1–Aug 7) includes research under faculty supervision, seminars, presentations, and career discussions. Fellows receive a $6,200 stipend plus housing. Applicants must be in good academic standing and interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical research; selection is based on scholarship, academic excellence, and research interest match. International students with J-1 or F-1 visas studying in the U.S. may apply by February 1, 2026.
     
  • The Rockefeller University » Chemers Neustein 2026 SURF Program
    The Chemers Neustein SURF program at The Rockefeller University offers a 10-week summer research experience (June 1–August 7, 2026) for college sophomores and juniors. Students conduct research in areas such as biochemistry, structural biology, molecular and cell biology, immunology, virology, neuroscience, physics, and mathematical biology. Participants are matched to labs based on research interests and work under faculty and senior researchers. SURF students receive a $6,500 stipend, and free housing is provided for those who cannot commute. Application deadline: February 1, 2026.
     
  • Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) - College of Arts & Sciences at Syracuse University
    The NSF REU at Syracuse University runs June 1–Aug 6, 2026. Deadline: Feb 15, 2026. Participants receive a $7,000 stipend, free housing, $1,000 food allowance, and possible travel/conference reimbursement. Research areas include Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Solid-State Science, Chemical Physics, Surface Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, Materials Science, X-ray Diffraction, and others. While most students will have completed their junior years, this program is open to all students who have completed their first year of study and have a serious interest in chemistry.
     
  • Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) | MRSEC at University of Delaware
    The University of Delaware CHARM REU offers a full-time, 10-week summer research program from June 8 to August 14, 2026, focused on innovative materials science and engineering with strong chemistry components, including polymer chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical & biomolecular engineering. The program provides a $6,000 stipend, on-campus housing, professional development workshops, industry and national lab visits, and networking opportunities. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents who are current sophomores or juniors in STEM fields (graduating in 2027 or later) with a GPA above 3.0. Application deadline: February 1, 2026.
     
  • Chemistry and Biochemistry: Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program - JMU
    James Madison University’s NSF-funded Chemistry & Biochemistry REU promotes inclusivity by integrating Deaf, hard-of-hearing, hearing, and ASL interpreting students in chemical research. Participants work in areas like synthesis, biophysical chemistry, and materials, while engaging in workshops on science communication and outreach. Applications for Summer 2026 open late 2025/early 2026.
     
  • Chemistry & Biochemistry REU Program with the National Science Foundation | Duquesne University
    The Integrated Computational and Experimental Chemistry NSF-REU Program welcomes applications from undergraduate students majoring in biochemistry and chemistry. Applicants will be chosen based on their academic achievements, previous lab experience, and potential in their respective fields. You'll receive free on-campus housing, a meal plan and a stipend. This program is made possible through the collaboration of the U.S. Department of Defense's Awards to Stimulate and Support Undergraduate Research Education (ASSURE) program and the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) program. 
     
  • Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) | Princeton Center for Complex Materials
    The Princeton Center for Complex Materials (PCCM) REU program offers a 9-week summer research experience (June 1–July 31, 2026) for undergraduates interested in materials science and engineering. Students work on cutting-edge projects that are integral to ongoing faculty research across departments including Physics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering. The program includes short courses, lectures on grand challenges in materials research, seminars on the role of science and engineering in society, and lab visits to Princeton and local industry. Application deadline: January 16, 2026.
     
  • Science Undergraduate Laboratory... | U.S. DOE Office of Science (SC)
    The DOE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) Summer 2026 application is open until January 7, 2026, 5 PM ET. This paid 10-week program (May–August) places STEM majors at one of 17 DOE labs for research under expert mentorship, using advanced facilities. It offers hands-on experience, networking, and skill-building in areas supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission. Semester-long options are also available.
     
  • Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) | Columbia | MRSEC
    The joint Materials Research Center REU program at Columbia University and City College of NY offers a 10-week summer research experience (May 26–August 1, 2026) focused on advanced materials science. Students work on projects involving 2D layered materials and heterostructures or molecular cluster materials, collaborating with faculty from physics, chemistry, engineering, and industry partners like IBM and Brookhaven National Lab. The program includes lab training, seminars, industry visits, and a final symposium. Participants receive an approximate $6,000 stipend, which may be used for food and subsistence. Housing is provided on Columbia’s Morningside campus, and allowable round-trip travel expenses up to $500 will be reimbursed. Application deadline: February 13, 2026.
     
  • Chemistry Summer 2026 REU | College of Sciences | UT San Antonio
    The Voelcker Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates at UT San Antonio offers an 8-week program (June 8–July 31, 2026) in Medicinal Chemistry, Preclinical Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Chemical Biology. Participants work full-time under faculty mentorship, engage in professional development sessions, and present a research poster at the program’s conclusion. Benefits include an $8,000 stipend, on-campus housing and meal plan, and travel allowance up to $500 for those living more than 100 miles away. Eligibility: U.S. undergraduates majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields, with GPA ≥ 3.0, entering junior or senior year, and interested in pursuing a Ph.D. Application deadline: February 27, 2026.
     
  • REU in Molecular Biosciences | Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | CSU
     Colorado State University’s Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, funded by the NSF, offers a 10-week summer research program for undergraduates nationwide. Participants receive a $7,000 stipend, housing, $2,000 for food, and up to $1,000 for travel. Research areas include gene expression, protein structure, molecular neurobiology, cancer biology, plant metabolism, and more. Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents only; students graduating Spring 2026 are not eligible. Application deadline: February 2, 2026.
     
  • Chemistry REU Program | Funded by NSF since 1989 | University of Michigan
     University of Michigan’s NSF-REU Chemistry program offers a 10-week summer research experience with mentoring and professional development. 
    Application deadline: February 6, 2026 (funding pending)
     
  • MSU Chemistry 2026 REU Program - Chemistry and Biochemistry | Montana State University
    NSF REU in Chemistry & Biochemistry offers 10 students a 10-week summer research experience (May 26–July 31, 2026) focused on “Elevating Culturally Relevant Chemistry.” Topics include catalysis, biocatalysis, energy materials, and functional materials. Participants receive a $7,000 stipend, travel support, housing, and 100 meals. Application deadline: Feb 5, 2026.
     
  • NSF-REU: Food, Energy, and Water Security – Summer 2026 | Department of Chemistry
     Mississippi State University’s NSF-supported REU offers a 10-week summer research program (May 26–July 31, 2026) focused on Food, Energy, and Water Security. Students work on projects in renewable energy, environmental chemistry, and sustainable materials, plus professional development and outreach. Includes $7,000 stipend, housing, meals, and travel assistance. Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents who have completed freshman year but not graduated. Application deadline: Feb 15, 2026.
     
  • Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program
    The VSGC Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship offers up to $8,500 to rising juniors and seniors enrolled full-time in STEM fields (excluding Allied Health Sciences) with a NASA or aerospace-related, faculty-mentored research project. Awards include $3,000 academic-year stipend, $3,500 summer stipend, and up to $2,000 for research expenses. One-year, non-renewable. Application deadline: Feb 25, 2026. 
     
  • Research Experiences for Undergraduates – Materials Science & Engineering | UC Santa Cruz
    UCSC Materials Science & Engineering REU runs June 21–August 15, 2026, offering research in physics, chemistry, and engineering focused on sustainable technologies (e.g., low-power electronics, renewable energy, biomimetic devices). Applicants must have a minimum 2.8 GPA in STEM courses. The program provides a $5,600 stipend, on-campus housing, and travel support. Application deadline: Feb 2, 2026.
     
  • NASA Student Airborne Research Program (SARP) 
    NASA’s Student Airborne Research Program (SARP) is an 8-week paid summer internship for advanced STEM undergraduates focused on Earth system science. Students gain hands-on experience in airborne campaigns, including flying on research aircraft, operating instruments, collecting field data, and developing individual research projects. Program includes stipend, travel allowance, housing, and local transportation. Eight participating institutions. Application deadline: Jan 31, 2026.
     
  • Paid Rosetta Commons Research Experience for Undergraduates
     NSF-funded Rosetta Commons REU offers a 9-week program: 1 week of Rosetta Code School plus 8 weeks of hands-on research in computational protein modeling and design, ending with a Rosetta Conference presentation. Includes housing, travel, and stipend. This program involves 18 participating institutions and requires a minimum GPA of 3.25. Application deadline: Feb 1, 2026 (funding pending).
     
  • NDSU | Discipline-Based Education Research (CiDER): A summer REU
    North Dakota State University’s CiDER REU program invites undergraduates to join its 12th annual 10-week summer research experience focused on STEM teaching and learning. Participants will receive a $7,000 stipend, on-campus housing, mentorship from leading DBER researchers, and a collaborative cohort experience. The program runs from May 26 to July 31, 2026 (arrival 1–3 days prior; departure August 1). Women, underserved minorities, and first/second-year STEM majors are encouraged to apply. Travel awards are available for students facing financial hardship. Application deadline: February 2, 2026
     
  • Physical Chemistry Summer Research Program | University of Mississippi
    The Ole Miss Physical Chemistry Research Program is accepting applications for its NSF-funded summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). Ten non-University of Mississippi students who have completed at least one year of college and have not graduated will work on research projects under faculty mentorship. Participants receive a $7,000 stipend, housing and meal plan for 10 weeks, and travel assistance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program runs from May 26 to July 31, 2026 (tentative). Application deadline: February 23, 2026.
     
  • Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) – Department of Chemistry – UW–Madison
    The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers three integrated summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs in Chemistry and Chemical & Biological Engineering, Materials Science, and Chemical & Materials Engineering for Future Manufacturing. These programs provide hands-on research opportunities across chemical sciences and engineering, forming a collaborative research community. Participants receive a $6,000 stipend, a $600 food allowance, and housing for the 10-week program running May 26–August 1, 2026. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have completed their sophomore or junior year, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Application deadline: February 15, 2026.
     
  • NSF Center for the Mechanical Control of Chemistry REU Program | Texas A&M University
    The NSF Center for Mechanical Control of Chemistry (CMCC) REU program offers undergraduates a unique 10-week research experience in mechanochemistry—a green approach to chemical synthesis that uses mechanical force to drive reactions. Students will join research teams at affiliated sites, receive professional development in scientific writing, graduate school preparation, and science communication in collaboration with the Science History Institute. Participants receive a $6,000 stipend, housing, travel support, and a $500 meal allowance. The program runs May 26–July 31, 2026. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens or permanent residents majoring in chemistry, physics, materials science, or engineering, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and at least one year of college completed. Application deadline: January 30, 2026.
     
  • Chemistry Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program | Texas A&M University
    Texas A&M University’s Chemistry Department REU program offers undergraduates a 10-week research experience under the theme Reimagining the Chemical Heartland: Chemistry for a Changing Gulf Coast. Students will engage in interdisciplinary projects addressing sustainability, green chemistry, climate change, and human health. Participants receive a $7,000 stipend, lodging, a $500 meal card, up to $500 for travel, and $700 for presenting research at a conference. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens or permanent residents majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, or related fields, who have completed at least one year of college and two semesters of chemistry with lab experience. Students from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. The program runs May 26–July 31, 2026. Application Deadline: February 15, 2026.
     
  • Biochemistry & Biophysics NSF REU Program | Texas A&M University
    The NSF-funded Biochemistry and Biophysics (BCBP) REU program offers undergraduates a 10-week, full-time summer research experience in areas such as biophysics, cell biology, drug discovery, enzymology, gene regulation, plant biochemistry, microbiology, quantitative biology, and structural biology. Students will conduct hands-on research under faculty mentorship, attend weekly seminars on professional development, ethics, and science communication, and network with peers and faculty. The program runs May 26–July 31, 2026, and provides a $7,000 stipend, housing, food allowance, and up to $900 for travel. Applications are due February 15, 2026.
     
  • CatResDev REU Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) at Penn Chemistry
    The University of Pennsylvania’s Chemistry Department offers the CatResDev REU program, Novel Techniques and Applications in Catalyst Research Development and Molecular Dynamics, a 10-week summer research experience focused on catalysis, molecular dynamics, and high-throughput experimentation. Participants will receive training in research safety, professional development, and networking while working alongside leading experts. The program runs May 26–July 31, 2026, and is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are sophomores or juniors majoring in chemistry or related STEM fields, with a minimum 3.0 GPA and interest in pursuing a Ph.D in Chemistry. Students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Application deadline: January 15, 2026.

 

Please Note:
This list is not comprehensive and may not include opportunities directly aligned with your specific field(s) of interest. However, all programs listed are open to Chemistry majors.

This resource is intended solely as an initial reference point for exploration. Students are responsible for identifying and pursuing opportunities that best correspond to their academic and professional goals—but consider this a helpful first step toward finding the right fit!