NSF Grant Opportunity: Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Research Experiences for Undergraduates is a Foundation-wide program that supports active participation in science, engineering, and education research by undergraduate students.
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) proposals are welcome in any of the research areas supported by NSF, including the priority areas and cross-cutting areas that NSF has identified. The REU program seeks to expand student participation in all kinds of research–both disciplinary and interdisciplinary–encompassing efforts by individual investigators, groups, centers, national facilities, and others. It draws on the integration of research and education to attract a diverse pool of talented students into careers in science and engineering, including teaching and education research related to science and engineering, and to help ensure that these students receive the best education possible.
Research experience is one of the most effective avenues for attracting students to and retaining them in science and engineering and for preparing them for careers in these fields. The REU program, through both Sites and Supplements, aims to provide appropriate and valuable educational experiences for undergraduate students through participation in research. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. REU projects feature high-quality interaction of students with faculty and/or other research mentors and access to appropriate facilities and professional
development opportunities.
REU projects offer an opportunity to tap the nation’s diverse student talent pool and broaden participation in science and engineering. NSF is particularly interested in increasing the numbers of women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities in research. REU projects are strongly encouraged to involve students who are members of these groups. (Underrepresented minorities are African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders.) When designing recruitment plans, REU projects also are encouraged to consider students who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Services and first generation college students.
Historically, the vast majority of REU participants have been junior- or senior-level undergraduates–students who have typically already committed to a major in science or engineering. So that the REU program can succeed in attracting students into science and engineering who might not otherwise consider those majors and careers, projects are encouraged to involve students at earlier stages in their college experience. Some REU projects effectively engage first-year and second-year undergraduates by developing partnerships with community colleges.
REU projects may be carried out during the summer months, during the academic year, or both. Three years is the typical duration for REU Site awards in most NSF directorates; however, a duration of up to five years may be allowed in some cases. New REU Sites are
encouraged to apply for no more than three years of funding. Renewal REU Sites should discuss the project duration with the cognizant program officer prior to requesting support for more than three years. The term of an REU Supplement may not exceed that of the underlying research project.
Due Date: August 24, 2022
If you are interested in applying, please contact Justine Briggs, jabriggs@Brockport.edu. Read more online.