Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program

Harvard University REU

Many undergraduates gain rich exposure to science and engineering by participating in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program as we provide a coordinated, educational, and dynamic research community to inspire and encourage young scientists to continue on to graduate school. Elements of the REU program include:

  • Multidisciplinary Research Projects — Each REU project has a clearly identifiable research goal at a challenging yet appropriate level for undergraduates during the summer program. Participants have the unique opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary environment with highly talented scientific mentors. Most experimental projects involve hands-on research in one or more of the state-of-the-art central instrumentation facilities with training and supervision provided by expert technical staff.
  • Faculty-Led Seminars — Faculty present on various research topics including discussion of ethical issues.
  • Technical Writing & Presentation Skill Workshops — Weekly writing and communication workshops assist with the program deliverables, provide insights into technical writing for academic journals, and how to improve your personal statements, resumes, etc.
  • Multimedia & Public Outreach Training — Learn how to effectively communicate research through engaging multimedia presentations and in everyday conversation. Hone your elevator pitch for colleagues and people of all ages in the community.
  • Graduate School & Career Workshops — Learn from faculty, industry panels, and former REU students about their experiences.
  • Networking & Social Activities — Visits to local research institutes are arranged, and students explore Boston-area attractions.
  • Deliverables — A final written report or multimedia project, an abstract, and a presentation before peers for sharing and documenting your research.
  • End-of-Program REU Seminar — Students present their projects and research results to peers and colleagues. REU 2023 Symposium • REU 2022 Symposium

The REU program seeks currently enrolled undergraduates from across the country interested in chemistry, physics, biology, computer science, mathematics (applied and pure), statistics, and engineering. Students without prior research experience, including freshman and sophomore students, are especially encouraged to apply. Must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States for all projects funded by NSF.

International students will only be considered for projects funded by The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and The Rowland Institute.

2024 MRSEC REU

Dates: June 3 - August 10, 2024

Flyer: REU 2024

Applications and transcripts are due February 1, 2024, and selection of the summer students proceeds with Center faculty through April. With direction from a faculty advisor, and in most cases, a postdoctoral fellow or graduate student, the REU student defines and sets up a program in an REU Research Area necessary to accomplish the ten-week summer project. A final presentation is given by each student at the "end-of-summer" seminar attended by Center faculty, student mentors, and fellow REU students.

The summer 2024 REU Program 1s 10 weeks in duration from Monday, June 3 (move in day) to Saturday, August 10, 2023 (move out day).

Apply for the 2024 REU program at REU application details by February 1, 2024.

For more information about 2023 projects and participants, please visit 2023 MRSEC REU, or for more information about this program, contact:

Office of Education Outreach & Community Programs
29 Oxford Street
Pierce Hall 185
Cambridge, MA 02138
Email: outreach (at) seas.harvard.edu or reu (at) seas.harvard.edu