Funding for Undergraduate Research
Division of Science Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURFs)
Brandeis students (rising Brandeis sophomore, junior, or senior in Summer 2023) who are working in a lab in the Division of Science at the time of application are eligible for a SURF. Each Fellow will receive $6000 in stipend support to do summer research (housing support is not included).
- Deadline: Applications for Summer 2023 have CLOSED. The deadline was February 15, 2023.
- Summer/Academic Year: Summer only
- How to Apply: Submissions require your research proposal, single letter of reference from your faculty mentor, and an unofficial transcript.
Donor Support
The Division of Science Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURFs) are underwritten by Brandeis University with the support of generous alumni and friends, helping to create the next generation of scientists. The Brandeis community gratefully recognizes the following individuals and organizations whose generous support enable the summer undergraduate research program and SciFest.
- Dr. Frederick W. Alt '71
- Blavatnik Family Foundation
- Gene and Shirley Cordes
- Leontine Jordan & Johanna Dreyer Foundation
- Dan Getz Endowment for Cardiovascular Research
- Stephen Hahn P'24 & Dina Venezky P'24
- Peter & Barbara Palmer Jordan
- Abraham Kaplan Charitable Foundation
- Tema C. Nemtzow '79 & Kraig L. Steffen
- Cele H. & William B. Rubin Family Fund
- The Jerome A. Schiff Charitable Trust
- Denise D. Selden '70
- David G. & Susan C. Van Hooser
- Dr. Ilene G. Wittels
- Dr. Elaine S. Yamaguchi ‘71
Other Sources for Undergraduate Research Funding
Summer Schedule
The formal summer research program in Summer 2023 is anticipated to run from Tuesday, June 6 to Friday, August 11, 2023. SciFest XII will tentatively take place on Thursday, August 10, 2023.
How to Apply
There are two ways to apply for summer research funding. Most funds use the Unified Application, but a few programs use different applications.
Unified Application for Internal Fellowships
There is a single application form for fellowships run by the Division of Science. The SURF Application page includes the application, instructions, and eligibility requirements to complete this form. The application is due on February 15th, 2023. No late applications will be accepted.
The unified application does not apply to the REU in the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center.
Provost's Undergraduate Research Fund
Applications for the Provost's Undergraduate Research Fund are due March 9th, 2023.
Additional Opportunities
Off-campus Opportunities
Fellowships listed above are primarily or exclusively for research at Brandeis.
Applying to Off-Campus REUs or Other Summer Fellowships
Although we at Brandeis pride ourselves in our summer research programs and encourage you to participate here, we know that some of you will want to explore options elsewhere for reasons of subject matter, variety, or personal circumstances.
What's an REU
REU stands for "Research Experiences for Undergraduates," a title used by the National Science Foundation in programs they support.
If you want an off-campus opportunity, you should be able to find many programs on the internet with a quick search. Summer programs of about 8-10 weeks duration can be found at many fine American universities. The Search for an REU Site from the NSF and the Pathways to Science Undergraduates page might be a couple good spots to start looking.
Deadlines for applying are usually around the start of February for summer programs. Don't delay.
You might find the document "How to Succeed as an Undergraduate Science Researcher at Brandeis University" useful when preparing to apply. It was prepared by the Brandeis Science Communication Lab. Additional tips can be found at the Pathways To Science Resources Library.