Purpose & Scope

The aim of the National Science Foundation is to promote and advance scientific and engineering progress in the United States. This requires continuing efforts to attract a diversified pool of talented students into research careers in these fields, and to help ensure that they receive the best education possible. The undergraduate years are critical in the educational sequence, as career-choice points and as the first real opportunities for in-depth study.

Active research experience is one of the most effective techniques for attracting talented undergraduates to and retaining them in careers in mathematics, science and engineering. Too few such experiences are now available. The Research Experiences for Undergraduates program (REU) is designed to help meet this need.

Projects supported by the REU program provide opportunities annually for several thousand undergraduate students to participate in active mathematics, science and engineering research experiences. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specially designed for this purpose. Projects may also provide opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research opportunities in non-U.S. settings. International activities are eligible for support from the Division of International Programs either on the basis of proposals submitted to it or in conjunction with proposals submitted to disciplinary research divisions.

NSF is particularly interested in increasing the participation in research of women, minorities and persons with disabilities. REU project directors are encouraged to involve students who are members of these groups.

Last Updated: April 1, 2008

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