NSF Funding for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Did you know that NSF-funded investigators can apply for supplemental funding from NSF for undergraduate students?

NSF's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students. This program applies to all NSF directorates. The REU program includes both Sites and Supplements, the latter of which is to be used as part of a new or ongoing NSF-funded research project. This is an excellent opportunity for NSF

Funding typically supports one or two undergraduate students, but centers and large research efforts may be able to request support for more students depending on the size and the nature of the project. Stipends for summer projects are approximately $600 per student per week. As we often advise - talk to your program officer about what is best and appropriate for your project.

REU Supplements place a high value on quality mentoring, in addition to developing students' research skills.

When possible, you should plan for an REU supplement when you submit your research proposal and include those plans in the application. You may also submit a post-award request for supplemental funding, but this option is reserved for cases where the need was not known when you submitted your original proposal. The solicitation offers specific instructions for requesting an REU Supplement, including a three-page description of the REU activity.

Additional solicitation specific review criteria apply to REU supplement applications:

1. Appropriateness and value of the research and professional development experience for the student participants, particularly the appropriateness of the research project(s) for undergraduate involvement and the nature of the students' participation in these activities.
2. Quality of the research environment, including the facilities, the preparedness of the research mentor(s) to guide undergraduate research, and the professional development opportunities for the students.
3. Appropriateness of the student recruitment and selection plans, including those for involving students from underrepresented groups, from outside the host institution, and from academic institutions with limited research opportunities in STEM.
4. Quality of plans for student preparation and for follow-through designed to promote continuation of student interest and involvement in research.
5. Appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of the budget, effectiveness of the plans for managing the project and evaluating the outcomes, and commitment of partners, if relevant.
6. For renewals of previously funded REU Sites: effectiveness of the previous Site.

The next deadline for REU Supplements is August 25, 2021. Deadlines occur annually on the fourth Wednesday of August. The program guidelines and solicitation are available on NSF's website, here.