About the Program

Summer Undergraduate Research at the University of Kansas

For over 31 years, the KU Chemistry Department has hosted a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF).  In summer 2019, 11 NSF-sponsored participants from colleges and universities in Kansas, the Midwest, and states across the country joined a larger cohort of undergraduates to engage in 10 weeks of full-time top-quality research.  All of the projects were carried out in state-of-the art laboratories with access to cutting-edge facilities.

If you are a chemistry major attending a U. S. university or college, and are interested in contributing to some truly exciting research and discovery in chemistry in the Summer of 2021, we invite you to revisit the site in November and complete an application.

Participants will work on individualized research projects in one of six research interest areas, and at the same time share their professional development experiences as a cohort.

The research projects have been be carefully planned to be tangible and appropriate for an undergraduate researcher. The cohort experiences include a variety of professional and social group activities that will contribute to each participant’s personal and professional growth. The students benefit from the highly collaborative research environment at KU, state-of-the-art facilities, an extensive orientation program to facilitate their acclimation to the University and initiation of research.

A key component is a career enhancement program addressing career opportunities and challenges in emerging interdisciplinary research.

Close interaction of the participants with their faculty and graduate student and/or postdoctoral mentors provides high-quality guidance and feedback throughout the program and beyond. In addition, the students develop important skills for oral and written communication/dissemination of their research accomplishments. See more about Career Enhancement.

Join us this summer!

The 2021 program is anticipated to start: May 24th.  Each participant receives a competitive stipend plus full room and board and a travel allowance, a total value of approximately $10,000.  Apply Now!

The University of Kansas is an equal opportunity institution.
Women, minorities, and students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.