It draws on the integration of research and education to attract a diversified pool of talented students into careers in science and engineering and to help ensure that they receive the best education possible. The REU program, through both Supplements and Sites, aims to provide appropriate and valuable educational experiences for undergraduate students through research participation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specially designed for the purpose. Active research experience is considered one of the most effective ways to attract talented undergraduates to and retain them in careers in science and engineering, including careers in teaching. The design of such projects is based on the opportunity at hand, but typically involves partnering of an experienced REU project in the U.S. with international collaborators in a selected organization or institution.
Successful projects arise from shared commitment to research and education in a focused area.
The funds may be used for visits that would take place either in the current fiscal year or beyond. Supplement and Site projects may be carried out during the summer months, during the academic year, or both. REU Sites may be proposed for durations of one to five years, with a three-year duration being typical in most NSF directorates. The term of REU Supplements may not exceed that of the underlying research project. REU Supplements - REU Supplements are supported by the various disciplinary and educational research programs throughout NSF, including programs such as Small Business Innovation Research.