The Illinois Office of Undergraduate Research maintains a list of external summer research opportunities for Illinois students. We will continue to update this list as we become aware of opportunities and revised application timelines. Opportunities that are greyed out have not yet announced application deadlines for this academic year.
If you have an opportunity you would like to share with the undergraduate research community at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, please submit your opportunity using the form by clicking here. We will post your opportunity on our research opportunity database and share with interested Illinois students.
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Other Opportunity Databases
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Other Opportunity Databases
- Pathways to Science Database - Offering a directory of 600+ scholarships, fellowships, internships, and postdoc positions in STEM, with emphasis on supporting underrepresented students.
- National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) Database - NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program.
Health
- Johns Hopkins Summer Internship Program (SIP) - The Johns Hopkins SIP provides a summer research experience in biomedical and public health research and receive a stipend of $3,000. There are 11 different programs under the SIP umbrella ranging in topics from nanotechnology and genomics to health disparities among communities. Application opens November 1, 2021.
- Summer Training in Academic Research and Scholarship Program (STARS) - This program offers juniors and seniors from underrepresented groups training in research methods in the labs of BWH and Harvard Medical School’s leading researchers. This opportunity caters to undergraduates interested in careers as research scientists, physicians, and/or health care professionals. Application opens November, 2021.
- Undergraduate Summer Research Experience in Virology (USREV) - This program is designed for students whose primary interest is exploring a career in Biomedical Research, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular Biology. Students can receive a competitive stipend of $4,700. Students will be trained in biomedical research, design and implement a tailor-made research project, and present findings at a research symposium. Application opens November, 2021.
- MU Alcohol Research Training Summer School & Internship (MU-ARTSS) - The MU-ARTSS program is a week-long didactic program (June 3 - 9, 2021) providing an intensive introduction to alcohol research followed by an 8-week research internship (June 10-July 30, 2021) in the lab of a MU-ARTSS professor. Deadline: February 20, 2022
- Center for Precision Medicine Undergraduate Summer Research Internship - This 9-week internship provides students with a $5,000 stipend and the opportunity to use state-of-the-art high-throughput genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics to study human diseases such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and aging at the Wake Forest School of Medicine Center for Precision Medicine. Deadline: February 8, 2021
- MU Alcohol Research Training Summer School & Internship (MU-ARTSS) - The MU-ARTSS program is a week-long didactic program (June 3 - 9, 2021) providing an intensive introduction to alcohol research, a $3,800 stipend, followed by an 8-week research internship (June 10-July 30, 2021) in the lab of a MU-ARTSS professor. Deadline: February 15, 2021
- Meharry Cancer Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) - The Meharry Cancer Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is a 10-week intensive, hands-on research experience for undergraduate students. The overall goals of the program are to expose students to different types of cancer research (clinical, biomedical, and community-based) and increase their awareness of cancer health disparities. Deadline: February 5, 2021
- Pfizer's 2021 Summer Student Worker Program (SWP) - SWP offers undergraduates a summer opportunity to intern in various positions including Clinical Research, Mathematical/Statistical Research, Science/R&D, and Medical Affairs. Students are included in team meetings, working sessions, and meetings with internal and external stakeholders. Many student workers form long-term relationships with mentors, advisors, and peers. Deadline: March 5, 2021
- Summer Research at UCLA's School of Nursing - This program offers junior year nursing undergraduates the opportunity to participate in an ongoing research project or design a new project, with guidance from UCLA’s School of Nursing faculty mentors. Along with research and laboratory experience, students will receive a stipend, on-campus housing, GRE test preparation, and formal and informal discussion on career options. Deadline: March 26, 2021
- Donald A. King Summer Research Fellowship - This fellowship sponsors students to pursue a research project on Huntington's disease. Please note, students must have a research mentor who oversees the laboratory where the research will be performed. Deadline: March 5, 2021
- Health Management & Policy Summer Enrichment Program at the University of Michigan (UMSEP) - UMSEP provides juniors and seniors from underrepresented groups an 8-week summer pre-professional internship in a health care or public health organization to learn more about health disparities, the health care system, and public health. Students are paired with mentors to complete a research project and will attend meetings, lectures, and present research findings. Deadline: February 3, 2021
Humanities
- 2021 Bucknell Seminar for Undergraduate Poets - This opportunity is for undergraduate poets to be guided by established poet mentors. Students will attend writing workshops, lectures, discussions, and present readings of their own and are rewarded a $1,000 stipend. Deadline: January 31, 2022
- Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP) - SR-EIP provides students with an 8-10 week paid summer research opportunity across multiple disciplines such as Applied Mathematics, Humanities, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences. Students will participate in research seminars and professional development workshops, and present their research at a symposium. Deadline: February 1, 2022
- Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center - Interns will work with the exhibition, preservation, and interpretation of Museum collections, assist with educational programs and fundraisers, and take part in marketing and day-to-day operations. This opportunity covers disciplines from Marketing, Business, Communications, and Education to Computer Science/Engineering. Priority deadline for Winter Internship is December 1, 2021
- Junior Fellows Summer Intern Program - Through this summer internship, fellows are exposed to a broad spectrum of library work: copyright, preservation, reference, access, and information technology. Working under the direction of Library curators and specialists in various divisions, fellows explore digital initiatives and increase access to the institution’s unparalleled collections and resources. Application opens October, 2021
- Presbyterian Historical Society Research Fellowship – This program offers students studying history, American studies, women's studies, mission history, architecture, and ecumenism the opportunity to use and publish records from historical archives for research purposes. Students will work inside the historical society in Philadelphia and be awarded research and travel grants of $2,500. Deadline: February 1, 2022
- The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Internships - The Gilder Lehrman Institute offers undergraduates the opportunity to participate in humanities research experiences during Fall and Spring semesters. Interns will be paid $15 per hour and will work an average of 10 to 15 hours per week. Deadline: September 7, 2021
- Steiner Summer Yiddish Program - The Steiner Summer Yiddish Program offers motivated students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Yiddish language and culture. Participants study with renowned scholars and build a community of yidishkayt in a supportive residential setting. Deadline: Rolling
- The Fund for American Studies Summer Programs (TFAS) - TFAS offers students the opportunity to spend 8 weeks earning 3-9 credits from George Mason University, complete an internship placement in their field of interest, and live in furnished housing provided through Washington Intern Student Housing. Deadline to apply is early December (dependent on program)
- Rutgers English Diversity Institute (REDI, Virtual)- REDI is a one-week virtual program designed to encourage current students and recent graduates from diverse cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds to consider graduate study in English-language literature. REDI alums have an amazing track record in gaining admission to prestigious English PhD programs. Deadline: February 1, 2021
- Michigan Humanities Emerging Research Scholars Program (MICHHERS) - This opportunity is designed for rising seniors, from diverse cultural, economic, geographic, and ethnic backgrounds to consider pursuing a doctoral degree in the humanities. Students will learn the latest methodologies and developments in their field, develop a research project, and will receive a $1,000 stipend and practical instruction on applying to graduate school. Deadline: February 8, 2021
Social Sciences & Behavior
- CHCI Congressional Internship Program (CIP) - CIP provides Latino undergraduates of all majors with paid placement in congressional offices for a period of 10 weeks. Interns will learn how the legislative system works, respond to constituent inquiries, write policy briefs, gain work experience, and participate in community service. Spring 2022 Internship deadline is October 1, 2021.
- Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURF-N) - SURF-N provides a 10-week hands-on training opportunity to undergraduates interested in several disciplines of neuroscience such as obesity, addiction, neurotoxicity, development, and the study of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Along with laboratory experience, students will participate in a poster presentation event, and present their individual research findings. Deadline: December 7, 2021
- Summer Internship Program at The Counseling Center at Pace University - This summer program provides interns with the opportunity to experience the diverse functions of a professional psychologist in a university counseling center (including didactic seminars, scholarly research, outreach and consultation, and exposure to clinical work). Internship is part-time, unpaid, and for rising seniors. Application opens January 2022
- Injury Science Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) - This REU provides underrepresented students with hands-on research experience in the fields of engineering, behavioral and population science, education, and statistics. With mentoring from pediatric researchers, students will participate in fundamental research on the causes and consequences of child injury. Application opens December 2021
- Psychology Research Experience Program (PREP) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison - PREP provides experience in scientific research to undergraduates from historically underrepresented populations who have an interest in a career in scientific psychology. The program features mentored laboratory research (approximately 30 hours/week), intensive “bootcamps” on technical skills (e.g., R and Python programming), and faculty presentations. Application opens November 1, 2021
- Undergraduate Summer Fellowship in Interdisciplinary Mind and Brain Studies at UPenn - UPenn provides students with a 10-week summer opportunity to study human intelligence and behavior spanning across Psychology, Biology, Neuroscience, Physics, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, and Philosophy. Students will work alongside a Penn faculty mentor, attend workshops, and research discussions. Application opens December 2021
- NFS-REU Minority Health Disparities Initiative - This REU provides students with the opportunity to study health disparities with a focus on understanding social context. Students can receive a competitive stipend of $5,000. Students will be trained in relevant social analysis techniques and use this training to develop hypotheses & learn how to design and conduct health disparities-related research. Application opens November, 2021
- Program for Research in Markets & Organizations (PRIMO) at Harvard Business School - Harvard offers a 10-week summer opportunity for students interested in management and business research. A wide variety of research areas are available, including accounting, finance, marketing, technology and operations management, business-government relations, and entrepreneurship. Application opens January, 2022
- Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP) - SR-EIP is a 10-week fully paid summer internship that provides undergraduates with mentored research experiences in life and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and humanities. Students will receive professional development mentoring on applying to graduate programs and create an oral or poster presentation to be presented at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium. Deadline: February 1, 2022
- Ralph Bunche Summer Institute (RBSI) Program - This program offers a five-week political science experience to undergraduates from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, or to students interested in pursuing issues that affect underrepresented groups. Students complete a research paper, professional development workshops, and learn about research methods in relation to race/ethnicity in politics. Deadline: January 21, 2022
- College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Summer Research Initiative (SRI) - SRI offers rising juniors/seniors from underrepresented groups with an 8-week intensive experience to develop research skills and learn about doctoral training in social, behavioral & economic sciences. Students will receive lab experience, attend workshops, and enhance their knowledge of the graduate application process. Deadline: February 10, 2022
- College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS) Summer Research Initiative (SRI, Virtual) - SRI offers rising juniors/seniors from underrepresented minorities an 8-week intensive experience to develop research skills and learn about doctoral training in social, behavioral & economic sciences. Students will receive a $3,000 stipend, lab experience, attend workshops, and enhance their knowledge of the graduate application process. Deadline: February 11, 2021
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke's Summer Program (NINDS) - NINDS offers students the opportunity to receive mentoring from leading neuroscience investigators, conduct individual cutting-edge research projects, and learn about the use of information technology in biomedical research. Students will present their research to the scientific community at NIH's Annual Research Poster Day for Summer Students. Deadline: March 1, 2021
- American Bar Foundation Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program - This fellowship introduces undergraduate students to the rewards and demands of a research-oriented career in law and/or social science, as well as to provide a stipend of $4,000, and guidance about the many career options under the umbrella of the legal profession. Deadline: February 1, 2021
Natural Sciences
A comprehensive list of 600+ science opportunities can be found at Pathways To Science.
- Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) Program - ASLO provides students underrepresented in aquatic sciences (oceanography, limnology, stream ecology, marine biology, fisheries, etc.) the opportunity to conduct research. Students will also attend annual meetings of ASLO in Honolulu, Hawaii, and present findings at a student symposium. Deadline: August 20, 2021.
- Conservation Science at Zoo Miami REU - This 10-week summer program allows students to conduct independent research in conservation science under mentorship from conservation biologists, wildlife veterinarians, and Zoo Miami education researchers. Students will have the unique experience of conducting research within a zoo environment. Application opens October, 2021
- NSF-REU Arctic Greenland - This NSF-REU provides a summer opportunity in geologic mapping, structural geology, and earthquake geodynamics. Students will receive a $4000 stipend with up to $1000 additional funding and conduct fieldwork in Greenland, analyzing Precambrian rocks to better understand how earthquake ruptures propagate through bedrock in the deeper reaches of Earth's crust. Deadline: February 6, 2022
- Scientists in Parks Fellows - The National Park Service provides students with a paid 12-week summer opportunity to work on management issues in a National Park, ranging from monitoring and conducting ecological research, educating on the environment, analyzing data, developing environmental communication campaigns, and much more. This opportunity is open to all majors. Application opens December 2021
- NSF-REU Ecology & Environment at Miami University - This NSF-REU offers independent lab/fieldwork research opportunities for undergraduates interested in ecology & the natural world. Research opportunities are available in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, students will also attend seminars on professions in environmental science & ecology. Application opens December 2021
- Exploration of Marine Biology on the Oregon Coast (EMBOC) - EMBOC offers a 9-week summer research fellowship at the University of Oregon. In addition to conducting marine science research, students will participate in weekly professional development discussions and training sessions, field trips, and marine biology seminars. Application opens in December, 2021.
- Discovery Hall Environmental Education Internship in Marine Science Program (DHP) - DHP offers a summer internship position for students currently underrepresented in marine science & environmental education. Interns will receive a $4,000 stipend, assist education staff, and gain hands-on experience in the field of environmental education, teaching marine biology to students from the ages of K-12 to high school. Deadline: March 19, 2021
- Research Experience for Undergraduates in Conservation Science at Zoo Miami (REU) - This 10-week program allows students to conduct independent research in conservation science under mentorship from conservation biologists, wildlife veterinarians, and Zoo Miami education researchers. Students will receive a weekly stipend ($600/week) and have the unique experience of conducting research within a zoo environment. Deadline: February 1, 2021
- The Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network (PLEON) - PLEON offers students working toward a degree in natural sciences, aquatic ecology, conservation, and management an opportunity to conduct aquatic fieldwork in Lake Wallenpaupack, PA. Interns will gain experience in lake ecology and water quality sampling methodology, quantitative laboratory analysis, and science communication and networking. Deadline: February 22, 2021
- Ecology for Undergraduates at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies - This program offers students the opportunity to conduct fieldwork and individual research in streams and urban forest ecology in New York City and offers a $5,500 stipend. Interns will attend workshops, seminars in team building and collaboration, writing, data discovery, analysis, and synthesis. Deadline: January 29, 2021
- NSF-REU Natural History Research Experience at The National Museum of Natural History (NHRE, Virtual) - NHRE offers a 10-week summer opportunity for students to work alongside museum scientists to complete a research project in Anthropology, Botany, Entomology, Invertebrate Zoology, Mineral Science, Paleobiology, or Vertebrate Zoology. In addition to the research project, students will a stipend of $6,500, attend lectures, and receive tours. Deadline: January 27, 2021
Science & Technology
A comprehensive list of 600+ science opportunities can be found at Pathways To Science.
- Grainger College of Engineering Corporate Opportunities - Corporations outside of the University of Illinois are searching for undergraduate researchers to join their ranks for a short period of time. This list will be updated as opportunities become available so check back frequently. Application deadline: Rolling
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) Internship Program - HSCI provides undergraduate students with a summer research experience in a cutting-edge stem cell science laboratory. Students will conduct research, explore career pathways, and research findings at a symposium at the end of the program. Application opens December 2021
- Nebraska Summer Research Program - The Nebraska Summer Research Program is an intensive summer opportunity that provides students with mentoring and research experiences and a preview of graduate school life. Research topics range from Applied Plant Systems, Biomedical Engineering, Minority Health Disparities, Sustainability of Civil Infrastructure, Virology, and more. Students will also attend workshops for GRE prep, writing personal statements, and creating research posters. Application opens November 2021
- Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) - CSF provides undergraduates with a passion for space a semester-long opportunity in Washington DC to research and write briefs about commercial space policy issues, support meetings on Capitol Hill and with various government agencies, administrative and organizational tasks, and network with other D.C. space professionals. Spring 2022 Application opens October 1, 2021
- Stanford University Center for the Study of Language and Information (CSLI) - This NSF REU provides students with the opportunity to work closely with a faculty or grad student mentor on a science research project. Students will gain experience in developing the project, collecting data, analyzing results, and attend weekly seminars. At the end of the program, students will present their work to an interdisciplinary audience. Application opens December 2021
- Amgen Scholars Science and Biotechnology Undergraduate Research Program - This program provides students with the opportunity to take part in institution research projects, gain hands-on lab experience and contribute to the advancement of science across disciplines related to human therapeutics, as well as biomedical and biotechnology fields. Students will participate in engaging scientific seminars, workshops, networking events, and receive support from faculty mentors. Application opens November 1, 2021
- Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) at Caltech – SURF offers students the opportunity to conduct a 10-week summer research project under the guidance of experienced mentors with a stipend award. Students will collaborate with a potential mentor to define and develop a project, submit a technical paper, and give an oral presentation at one of several SURF Seminar Days. Deadline: March 15, 2022
- NSF-REU Biological Interactions Summer Research Program - Through this 10-week summer research program students will contribute to research examining the contributions of genetics and the environment on an organisms phenotype. There are a wide range of projects under this umbrella from botany and entomomlogy to medical genetics and biomolecular chemistry. Deadline: February 15, 2022
- Brite Research Experience for Undergraduates at BU Bioinformatics (REU) - BRITE REU provides training on the computational and mathematical fundamentals of bioinformatics analysis. Participants will attend programming workshops (Python, R), career opportunity talks, receive training on data visualization, and further develop their scientific communication skills. Deadline: Rolling
- Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program at Boston University (SURF at BU) - SURF offers rising juniors/seniors a full-time science & technology research position in a BU lab with mentorship from BU faculty. Students will conduct research related to the control of gene expression for biological outcomes, participate in enrichment activities, and present research findings at the BU Undergraduate Research Symposium. Deadline: March 1, 2021
- NSF-REU Biotechnology Sequencing at NC State (BIT SURE, Virtual) - BIT SURE provides undergraduates with a 10-week opportunity to learn more about next-generation sequencing techniques and technology. BIT SURE participants will receive a $5,500 stipend, participate in professional development, outreach events, a research symposium, and biotechnology career panels. Deadline: February 14, 2021
- FBRI Molecular Visualization SURF Program - FBRI Molecular Visualization SURF program is a 10-week long summer program that gives students the opportunity to participate in research using imaging technologies to understand appropriate application of each technology in understanding biological processes. Deadline: February 21, 2021
- EERE Robotics Summer Internship Program - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) Robotics Internship Program provides opportunities for students and recent graduates to intern at DOE national laboratories. Project assignments will involve technologies used to develop machines that can substitute for humans and replicate human actions automatically. Deadline: February 8, 2021
- Math Teaching Experiences for Undergraduates at Brown University - Through this six-week immersive summer experience in secondary mathematics education at Brown University, students earn a generous stipend, take a 60-hour course in mathematics pedagogy, and teach urban high school students under the supervision of a master teacher-mentor.Deadline: February 28, 2021
- Science Teaching Experience for Undergraduates at Trinity College - Through this seven-week immersive summer experience in secondary science education at Trinity College, students earn a generous stipend, take a 60-hour course in science pedagogy, and apply what they’re learning to teaching urban high school students under the supervision of a master teacher-mentor.Deadline: February 28, 2021
- Propulsion, Aerodynamics, Materials & Controls of Aerial Vehicles at Georgia Southern University - This 10-week summer opportunity provides students with hands-on research in Aerodynamics, Advanced Sensing, Intelligent Control, Fundamental Combustion, and Ballistic Impacts. Students will receive a $6,000 stipend, training in research methods, and conduct research in engineering labs where results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals. Deadline: February 1, 2021
- Bioprocessing Summer Undergraduate Internship Training & Education (BSUITE) - BSUITE offers a 6-week intensive internship in bioprocessing and bioengineering research at the Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, CA. Students will be introduced to career options within biomanufacturing and learn about technical/regulatory considerations for the production of biopharmaceuticals, such as cell line engineering, cell growth, product purification, viral controls, and quality systems. Deadline: March 31, 2021
Media & Arts
- AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship - This program strengthens connections between scientists and journalists by placing undergraduate scientists, engineers, and mathematicians at media organizations (National Public Radio, Los Angeles Times, WIRED, etc.). Students sharpen their abilities to communicate complex scientific issues and enhance coverage of science-related issues in media. Application opens October 2021.
- Sevilleta Research Experience for Art Undergraduates - This interdisciplinary program is seeking art students to observe and interpret the ecology, research, and landscape of the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge through the creation of artistic works (e.g., photography, painting, sculpture, videos). Students will receive a stipend of $6,000. Application opens December 2021.
- Humanity in Action Fellowship (Virtual & In-person) - This international fellowship provides undergraduates with the opportunity to explore issues of democracy, pluralism, human rights, and social justice in foreign provinces. Students will study academia, arts, and activism in any of the following capitals: Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Sarajevo, and Warsaw. Deadline: February 14, 2021
- Moore Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program at UNC-Chapel Hill (MURAP, Virtual) - MURAP offers a paid summer fellowship to students from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups studying humanities, social sciences, and fine arts pursuing PhD programs and faculty positions. Students will develop a 20-25 page research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor, attend professional development seminars, and present & discuss research findings. Deadline: February 8, 2021
- Schomburg-Mellon Humanities Summer Institute (Virtual) - This program offers an opportunity for rising seniors (graduating in 2022) interested in African-American & African Diasporan Studies to participate in a 6-week immersive research experience. Students will explore a variety of disciplines (arts, literature, cultural studies) and examine questions about identity, migrations, mental health & criminal justice. Deadline: March 15, 2021
- Summer Research Opportunities at Poster House - Poster House is the first museum in the United States dedicated to the global history and design of posters. Internships available for a wide range of disciplines including graphic design, education, art history, and business. Deadline: February 26, 2021
- Katzenberger Foundation Art History Internships - This 10-week internship offers students pursuing degrees in Art History a variety of opportunities working alongside the Smithsonian’s media directors, Collections staff, and Hirshhorn Art educators to produce visual films, spoken presentation, and written publications, gain a deeper understanding of best practices in art education, and make significant research contributions to art collections. Deadline: February 14, 2021
