Chemistry REU Program

2026 Program details

Program Title: A Summer Experience for Undergraduates Integrating Research, Education, and Career Development in an Interdisciplinary Environment

Program Starts: May 26th • Ends: July 31st

Click here to access the recruitment flyer

Program Benefits:

  • $7,000 Stipend
  • Travel allowance
  • Housing and meal plan covered by the program
  • Support for presenting results at regional or national scientific meetings

Projects are available in the following Research Interest Areas

  • Chemical Synthesis and Catalysis
  • Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry, Energy and Nanoscience
  • Lasers, Spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics
  • Chemical Biology, Microfluidics and Mass Spectrometry

Professional Development Activities:

  • Scientific Communication (oral and poster presentations)
  • The Graduate School application and admissions process
  • Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities for graduate students
  • Educational programming on Sustainability in Chemistry
  • Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research

Why KU Chemistry REU?

Our program participants answer this question best. View former REU student testimonials on our application page.
Student Testimonials

Since 1988 (~35 years), the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas has been a proud sponsor of a National Science Foundation-supported Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program (REU).

The program provides initial research experiences for a diverse group of 10-12 students in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.  Undergraduates attending any U.S. university or college who are majoring in chemistry or a closely related field, and who are considering a career and perhaps graduate study in chemistry, are encouraged to apply.

Key components of this program are career enhancement and educational activities that encourage and prepare the students for graduate studies and careers in emerging and interdisciplinary areas of the chemical sciences (the current focus is sustainability in chemistry).  Close interactions between the participants and their faculty, graduate student, and postdoctoral mentors provide guidance and feedback throughout the program and beyond.  In addition, students develop important skills for oral and written presentation of their research accomplishments and are encouraged to present their REU outcomes at national or regional scientific meetings (with financial support from the program).

Each participant in the KU Chemistry REU program receives a $7,000 stipend plus full room and board and a travel allowance, a total value of approximately $10,000.
                                               

Important Information

  • The application portal will open in early December and remain open until all positions are filled.

  • Application Deadline for Full Consideration: February 22. 2026 11:59 PM

The KU Chemistry REU Program is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all participants.  The program does not tolerate harassment or any other form of personal misconduct by participants, mentors, or program staff, or retaliation in response to reported incidents of alleged misconduct.  

View the full policy.

The KU Student Access Center is dedicated to providing necessary services for individuals with special needs.