The LRSM REU is a 10-week research program designed to expose and prepare undergraduate students majoring in STEM fields at a college or university in the United States and U.S. territories for graduate education and future careers in STEM or related fields.
Selected students will gain experience in conducting graduate-level research in various subjects, including Material Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Engineering. Moreover, participants will attend professional development workshops, panel discussions, faculty-led seminars, and social events. The program culminates with students presenting their summer research project as an oral presentation or poster.
The 2027 REU program
June 1 – August 6, 2027
Application window opens on November 17, 2026 – February 1, 2027 (11:59 PM, EST).
Offers will be made on a rolling bases and will conclude no later than April 1, 2027.
For more information, please send an email to outreach@lrsm.upenn.edu.
Information
The REU schedule is carefully designed to provide participants continuous and varied professional and scientific development programming throughout the entire 10-weeks.
Workshops, seminars, lectures, and social events are updated with every incoming REU cohort. Final schedules are shared with selected participants by the start of the program.
Similarly, given the extensive list of faculty affiliations and availability, the list of REU laboratories are announced later in the application period and changes every year.
Student and lab matches are made after the official list of REU participants and laboratories is complete. The student’s prior research experience, interests, and in some instances curriculum, are taken into account when selecting a potential lab. While we cannot guarantee an ideal placement, we aim to make the most suitable and fruitful/rewarding match between the student and a lab.
Prospective students must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.
- Be enrolled in a degree-granting STEM program at a college or university in the United States (U.S.) or U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands).
- Should have completed at least 6- semesters/ 9-quarters by the beginning of the program. Special consideration will be given to well-qualified candidates with < 6-semesters/ 9-quarters.
- Seniors graduating after the end of the program are eligible to apply.
Please note:
- If you wish for your application to be considered for the sponsorship from AirFoundry, please answer the additional questions in the application.
- Applicants with school schedules that interfere with the start of the program should still apply and note their situation in the comments section of the application.
Offers will be sent on a rolling basis and will conclude no later than April 1st of the program year.
If you wish to remove your application from consideration, please send an email to outreach@lrsm.upenn.edu.
Selected applicants must meet all requirements during the duration of the program:
- Attend pre-onboarding and orientation sessions.
- Complete safety training required by the university and host laboratory.
- Complete at least 40 hours of research per week.
- Attend all programmed events, including professional development workshops and social activities.
- Present the summer research project in a poster or oral format at the conclusion of the program.
Please note:
Airfoundry sponsored participants must also fulfill additional requirements, including attending 2-3 hands-on workshops and seminars, and participate in 3 or more mentor meetings.
For more information about LRSM REU participation requirements, please send an email to outreach@lrsm.upenn.edu.
The information below provides an overview to some of the benefits provided by the LRSM REU program to selected applicants.
- Stipend: A payment totaling to $7,250 will be distributed to participants in weekly installments to cover living expenses (e.g., food).
- Housing: Each participant will be provided with housing accommodations at no cost.
- Travel: Travel assistance is available to selected participants to support round trip travel to Philadelphia.
- Networking: Students will meet LRSM-affiliated faculty, graduate students, and postdoc associates.
- University of Pennsylvania: This is where the program will take place.
- Location: Live and explore the city of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia, PA).
Please note:
- All benefits and resources, including travel assistance, are based on available funding and guidelines from the University of Pennsylvania.
- Information regarding housing location, onboarding steps, and accommodation details (type of room and care package) will be provided closer to the start of the program. All housing matters will be managed by the property and not the LRSM REU Coordinators.
If you have questions regarding travel assistance or a financial hardship, please send an email to outreach@lrsm.upenn.edu.
Application Period: November 17, 2026 – February 1, 2027 (11:59 PM, EST).
- Application Components:
- The University of Pennsylvania uses Interfolio to process applications. Please read and follow all instructions.
- Transcript (PDF, unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
- CV or Resume (PDF). A CV is highly recommended for those who have prior research experience.
- Two letters of recommendation. One must be from a faculty member at the applicant’s current university.
- All components must be submitted in order for your application to be complete and considered. Applications with one letter of recommendation submitted will not be considered.
- Letters of recommendation must be submitted by the close of the application cycle (February 1, 2027, 11:59 PM).
To apply, click Application (preferred)
The information below provides answers to frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions, please contact both LRSM-REU Coordinators: (outreach@lrsm.upenn.edu).
Is the application free?
Yes! This application is free of cost and per the guidelines of the University of Pennsylvania, we use Interfolio.
I have completed less than the required 6-semesters/9-quarters or I graduate after the start of the program. Can I still apply?
Yes! All undergraduate students are welcome to apply, even non-graduating seniors. Although preference will be given to students who have completed 6 semester/9 quarters of higher education, students in earlier stages of their undergraduate studies and seeking opportunities to support their research development are still encouraged to apply.
How many references do I need to request to complete my application?
Your application must have TWO letters of recommendation. One must be from a faculty member at your current university.
I have little to no research experience. Should I still apply?
Yes! Every single component of an application is evaluated to gain a holistic view of the candidate.
How do I apply?
Follow the instructions included in the “How to Apply” tab.
When is the application deadline?
February 1 (11:59 PM, EST).
How will I receive notifications about my application?
You will receive Email notifications. Make sure to check your Spam folder, s well as your inbox.
Can I submit my application before my letters of recommendation are received?
Yes. However, your application will be considered incomplete if the letters are not submitted by the end of the application cycle (February 1 | 11:59 PM, EST) .
Can I upload an unofficial transcript?
Yes, a PDF copy of a unofficial transcript is acceptable.
When can I expected to receive any news about my application?
Offers will be announced on a rolling bases and will conclude no later than April 1.
I received an offer, how long do I have to confirm my participation?
Given the high number of applications, we ask students to submit their decision within 7-10 business after receiving an offer.
Once I accept an offer, can I change my mind and go to another institution?
Before April 1: Yes
After April 1: No If you have applied to multiple summer programs, it is courteous and professional to honor the offer you choose to accept. We also recommend students to promptly notify programs of your decision.Timely responses helps programs manage their selection process efficiently.
When will I receive news about my assigned lab and mentor?
Student and lab matches are made after the official list of REU participants and laboratories is complete. You will receive within several weeks after April 1.
When will I receive news about housing?
Housing arrangements are usually organized and finalized several weeks ahead of the start time. All communications regarding onboarding and arrival instructions, onsite resources, etc. is managed by the residence staff and not by the REU Coordinators.
Will I be living by myself or will I have a roommate?
The type of room arrangement depends primarily on availability and size of cohort. While we always try our best to secure individual rooms, the housing management cannot guarantee our request. In the event that participants will be rooming with others, we ask for special consideration in pairing up REU students. Individuals with medical exemption will need to submit additional documentation to ensure a single-room.
REU Coordinators
Dr. Ashley J. Wallace
Director
Dr. Adriana N. Santiago-Ruiz
Assistant Director