NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

NSF REU — Sites and Supplements (Seed)

Funds undergraduate research cohort and supplement opportunities for students at United States universities.

The NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programme supports intensive, hands-on research by undergraduate students across all scientific disciplines funded by the National Science Foundation. Two distinct funding mechanisms are available. REU Sites are funded through faculty applications to establish structured research programmes that host cohorts of undergraduates, typically over a summer period; students apply directly to these sites and receive stipends as well as, in many cases, support for housing, meals, and travel. REU Supplements provide additional funding attached to an existing NSF grant, enabling the principal investigator to involve one or more undergraduates in ongoing research.

The programme is available to students enrolled at US colleges and universities, including those from institutions with limited research opportunities. REU Sites may be located in the United States or at international research settings where NSF-funded work is taking place. Stipend amounts and support packages vary by site and directorate but are standardised within each award.

REU is a long-running, continuously active NSF-wide initiative. Specific annual deadlines for REU Site applications vary by NSF directorate and are published in the relevant solicitation; the current governing solicitation is typically NSF 22-601 or its successor. Faculty wishing to establish an REU Site or add a Supplement to an existing grant should consult the NSF funding opportunities page for deadline and submission requirements applicable to their discipline.