by The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) is a program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), that promotes the engagement of undergraduate students in active research within the fields of science, engineering, and education.
This initiative aims to broaden student involvement in diverse forms of research, spanning disciplinary and interdisciplinary pursuits. This includes projects led by individual researchers, collaborative groups, academic centers, national facilities, and various other entities.
The REU program leverages the fusion of research and education to attract a diverse and talented pool of students, fostering their interest in pursuing careers in science and engineering. This extends to roles in teaching and education research aligned with science and engineering disciplines, ensuring that participating students receive an exceptional and comprehensive education experience.
REU Program Description
Engaging in research is a highly effective means of attracting and retaining students in the fields of science and engineering while preparing them for successful careers. The REU program, comprising both Sites and Supplements, is designed to deliver meaningful and valuable educational experiences to undergraduate students through their active involvement in research.
Within REU projects, students play integral roles in ongoing research programs or participate in projects specifically crafted for the program. These initiatives ensure a high-quality interaction between students and faculty or other research mentors, providing access to appropriate facilities and avenues for professional development.
The REU program serves as an avenue to tap into the diverse talent pool of the nation’s students, fostering broader participation in science and engineering. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is particularly committed to increasing the representation of women, underrepresented minorities, and individuals with disabilities in research.
REU projects are strongly encouraged to actively engage students from specific groups, including underrepresented minorities such as African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders. In the formulation of recruitment strategies, REU projects are also urged to consider the inclusion of U.S. Armed Services veterans and first-generation college students.
Traditionally, the majority of REU participants have been junior- or senior-level undergraduates, typically those who have already declared majors in science or engineering. To ensure the REU program effectively attracts students who may not have initially considered these majors or careers, projects are encouraged to involve students in the earlier stages of their college experience.
Certain REU projects have successfully engaged first-year and second-year undergraduates by establishing partnerships with community colleges. These projects may take place during the summer, the academic year, or a combination of both.
NSF REU Site Contacts
For comprehensive information, including contact details, on NSF Directorates, programs, and funding opportunities, visit the NSF website. Potential proposers are strongly encouraged to utilize this resource:
https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_contacts.jsp
REU Supplements
Typically supporting one or two undergraduate students engaged in research within a new or ongoing NSF-funded project, an REU Supplement is available. However, larger research efforts or centers may seek support for multiple students, aligned with the project’s size and scope. These supplements are backed by various research programs within the Foundation, including initiatives like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR).
International Projects
The REU program actively promotes projects with an international dimension. Proposals for REU Sites and REU Supplements that have an international focus may be considered for co-funding by NSF’s Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE). Such projects often involve collaborating on a U.S. REU project with one or more international partners in a specific institution or organization.
Successful international REU projects demonstrate genuine intellectual collaboration with foreign partners and derive benefits from the expertise, specialized skills, facilities, phenomena, or other resources provided by the foreign collaborator or research environment.
Research Experiences for Teachers (RET)
NSF advocates for research experiences tailored to K-12 teachers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), promoting their integration with REU projects. Many directorates formally endorse Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) and outline specific interests, such as RET Sites or RET Supplements, in solicitations, Dear Colleague Letters, or on their respective websites.
While some NSF units lack formal announcements for RET support, they evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis. Alternatively, these units may permit the inclusion of an RET component (with a distinct description and cost breakdown) within an REU proposal. Teachers can also participate in international REU projects.
Applicants interested in incorporating an RET component in an REU proposal are encouraged to reach out to the relevant REU program officer for guidance. Proposals for REU Sites with a substantial RET component should prefix the project title with “REU/RET Site:” for proper tracking at NSF.
REU AWARD INFORMATION
REU activities can receive funding through standard or continuing grants as an augmentation to an existing award, or as a component within a new or renewed grant or cooperative agreement. The financing for REU Sites and Supplements is sourced from diverse disciplinary and educational research programs across the NSF. The quantity of awards distributed varies annually across the Foundation, as does the corresponding investment amount.
In most NSF directorates, the standard duration for REU Site awards is three years, although in certain cases, an extension of up to five years may be permitted. A typical REU Site accommodates 8-10 students annually, with funding typically ranging from $80,000 to $130,000 per year. It’s important to note that NSF does not prescribe a strict upper (or lower) limit for the funding amount, as it is contingent upon factors such as the number of students hosted and the duration of the program.
REU ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Eligibility for Proposal Submission
The eligible categories of proposers authorized to submit proposals to the National Science Foundation are outlined in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), Chapter I.E.
Principal Investigator Eligibility
In the case of REU Site proposals, a sole individual can be assigned as the Principal Investigator. This designated person will assume responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the award. However, an additional individual may be appointed as a Co-Principal Investigator if the development and operation of the REU Site entail shared responsibilities.
Restrictions or Limitations on the Number of Proposals per Organization
There are no specific restrictions or limitations on the number of proposals per organization, except the NSF Centers.
Limitations on the Number of Proposals per PI or Co-PI
There are no imposed restrictions or limitations.
Additional Eligibility Information
Eligible Student Participants: Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds in either REU Supplements or REU Sites must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States. An undergraduate student is defined as an individual enrolled, either part-time or full-time, in a degree program leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree.
Transferring students, who are moving from one college or university to another and are not enrolled at either institution during the intervening summer, may still participate.
High school graduates accepted at an undergraduate institution but who have not yet commenced their undergraduate study are also eligible to participate. However, individuals who have obtained their bachelor’s degrees and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are generally not eligible to participate.
REU PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Instructions for Proposal Preparation:
Proposers have the option to submit proposals for this Program Solicitation through FastLane, Research.gov, or Grants.gov.
NSF Proposal Processing and Review Procedures:
Upon receipt, NSF assigns proposals to the appropriate program for acknowledgment and, if they meet NSF requirements, for review. A thorough review is conducted by an NSF Program Officer, along with three to ten external experts, such as scientists, engineers, or educators, serving as ad hoc reviewers or panelists.
Reviewers are selected by Program Officers overseeing the review process.
1. Merit Review Principles and Criteria:
The National Science Foundation aims to invest in a diverse portfolio of projects that generate new knowledge and breakthroughs across all science and engineering research and education domains.
To determine project support, NSF utilizes a merit review process that considers both the technical aspects of a proposed project and its potential contribution to advancing NSF’s mission. The agency strives for a fair, competitive, and transparent merit review process.
2. Merit Review Principles of Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU):
These principles should be carefully considered by Principal Investigators (PIs) and organizations during proposal preparation and project management, by reviewers when evaluating proposals, and by NSF program staff when deciding on funding recommendations.
As the primary federal agency supporting excellence in basic research and education, NSF adheres to the following three principles:
3. Merit Review Criteria:
All NSF proposals undergo evaluation using the two National Science Board-approved merit review criteria. In specific cases, additional criteria may be employed by NSF to emphasize particular objectives of certain programs and activities.
4. Review and Selection Process of Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU):
Submitted proposals in response to this program solicitation will undergo evaluation through Ad hoc Review and/or Panel Review.
Reviewers will assess proposals based on two National Science Board-approved merit review criteria, and if applicable, additional program-specific criteria. Each reviewer and/or panel will typically provide a summary rating and accompanying narrative. The Program Officer overseeing the proposal’s review will consider reviewers’ input to formulate a recommendation.
Following scientific, technical, and programmatic review, the NSF Program Officer advises the relevant Division Director on whether to decline or recommend the proposal for an award. NSF aims to inform applicants of the outcome—either declination or funding recommendation—within six months.
For large, intricate proposals, or submissions from new awardees, additional review and processing time may be necessary. The review period commences from the deadline, target date, or receipt date, whichever is later, and concludes when the Division Director acts on the Program Officer’s recommendation.
Once programmatic approval is secured, recommended proposals proceed to the Division of Grants and Agreements for a review of business, financial, and policy considerations. After an administrative review, Grants and Agreements Officers handle the processing and issuance of grants or other agreements.
AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
1. Notification of the Award:
Notification of the award will be conveyed to the submitting organization by a Grants Officer in the Division of Grants and Agreements. Organizations with declined proposals will receive timely advice from the relevant NSF Program administering the program.
Principal Investigators will automatically receive verbatim copies of reviews, excluding the identity of the reviewer. For additional information on the review process, refer to Section VI.B.
2. Award Conditions:
An NSF award comprises several components: (1) the award notice, which includes any specific provisions and numbered amendments; (2) the budget detailing approved amounts by expense categories or indicating any specific approvals or disapprovals of proposed expenditures by NSF; (3) the referenced proposal from the award notice; (4) relevant award conditions, such as Grant General Conditions (GC-1) or Research Terms and Conditions; and (5) any announcement or other NSF issuance that may be referenced in the award notice.
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Frequently Asked Questions About REU
What does REU stand for?
REU, or Research Experiences for Undergraduates, is a program spanning the Foundation that encourages the active involvement of undergraduate students in research within the fields of science, engineering, and education.
Is REU paid?
The REU program provides financial support through a stipend, distinguishing it from traditional employment arrangements that involve a salary or wage.
What are the different types of REU?
REU programs are typically focused on specific scientific disciplines. These disciplines encompass a wide range, including but not limited to mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, biology, psychology, and computer science.
What is the purpose of the REU program?
The goal of the REU program is to increase student involvement in diverse research endeavors, spanning disciplinary and interdisciplinary domains. This includes initiatives led by individual researchers, collaborative groups, centers, national facilities, and various other entities.
What to expect from a reu?
Regarding daily tasks, participants engage in meetings, contemplative sessions, computer code writing, paper or book reading, note-taking, attending talks by visitors, working on examples, and reflective periods. (Mathematics research entails a significant amount of critical thinking.)
Can international students participate in REU?
Undergraduate students taking part in either REU Sites or REU Supplements must hold U.S. citizenship, U.S. national status, or U.S. permanent residency.
What is the age limit for the REU?
There is no maximum age restriction or limit.
How do you list a REU on a resume?
Provide the employer with the necessary information about your role in the research project. Outline the research objectives, methodologies, and outcomes. Clarify the nature of your involvement, such as data collection or experimentation.
What are the benefits of a REU?
Benefits of REU:
- Acquire expertise in state-of-the-art scientific methodologies for addressing compelling research inquiries while collaborating with prominent researchers.
- Engage in direct collaboration with various faculty members to execute research projects.
NSF REU
For students, the NSF supports numerous research opportunities for undergraduates via its REU Sites program.
REU University
An REU Site comprises approximately ten undergraduates actively involved in the research programs of the hosting institution.
REU programs
The NSF provides substantial funding for research opportunities aimed at undergraduate students via its REU Sites program.
How do I write an application for REU?
REU Application Tip: Clearly articulate your interest in the specific REU program to which you are applying. Conduct thorough research before completing your application by exploring the program’s website. Utilize this acquired knowledge to emphasize particular aspects of the program that resonate with your interests and aspirations.
REU Math
The NSF supports the REU Math program, a summer initiative designed to engage undergraduate students in mathematical research.
REU programs summer
The REU program provides summer opportunities for undergraduate research experiences (SUREs). This focuses on collaborative innovations in the fields of data science and climate science.
Final Thought!
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) is a program across the Foundation that encourages the direct involvement of undergraduate students in research. The research is within the fields of science, engineering, and education.
The primary objective of the REU program is to broaden student engagement in various forms of research. This research can either be disciplinary or interdisciplinary. This covers endeavors led by individual researchers, collaborative groups, academic centers, national facilities, and other entities.
The program emphasizes the fusion of research and education. This aims to attract a diverse and talented pool of students to pursue careers in science and engineering. There is also availability roles in teaching and education research related to these fields. The overarching goal is to ensure that participating students receive a high-quality education.
Resources and References
You can embark on your Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) journey. Here are some valuable resources and references to guide you:
Funding Opportunities from the National Science Foundation (NSF)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides opportunities for REU funding proposals across various research areas.
Link to NSF Funding Information
NSF REU Site Contacts:
The NSF website serves as the most comprehensive repository of information regarding NSF Directorates. This is inclusive of contact details, programs, and funding opportunities. Strongly urge potential proposers to utilize this valuable resource.
Initiate REU Sites through the submission of independent proposals by a specified deadline on an annual basis. These proposals aim to launch and oversee projects involving numerous undergraduate students in research.
Proposals for establishing an REU Site are welcome across all NSF directorates. The Office of International Science and Engineering is open to co-funding relevant REU Sites primarily managed by other NSF units. Encourage proposers to actively engage with the NSF REU point of contact within their disciplinary area.
For more details, refer to NSF REU Contacts
International Projects
For projects with an international dimension, it is essential to consult with a program officer in the Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE). Refer to the list of contacts by country and region at https://www.nsf.gov/od/oise/country-list.jsp. Additionally, strongly advise program officers to engage in discussions in all relevant cases.
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