SAO/NSF Solar REU Program

We are in the process of proposing for our next round of funding covering the 2026 - 2028 programs.  Given the current state of uncertainty surrounding science funding in the United States, it is possible that the 2026 program will not be funded or funding may not be disbursed in time to organize the program.  Please check back here for more updates as the situation progresses.

This summer, scientists from the Solar and Stellar X-Ray Group (SSXG) and the Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Group (SSP) at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) will host undergraduate students from around the US. For 10 weeks these students will participate in cutting-edge astronomical research about the Sun and the heliosphere, and learn the skills necessary for a successful scientific career. Projects range from data analysis to computer modeling to instrument building. Special seminars will be held to increase students' public speaking and computer programming skills. Students will learn from experience about scientific research and how to apply their academic work to real-world problems. Of course, some time will be devoted to exploring Cambridge, MA and the surrounding area. 

Objectives:

• Provide a high-quality research experience for students.
• Accomplish state-of-the-art solar research.
• Develop independence, creativity, and interest for possible physics and astronomy graduate study.
• Demonstrate how academic knowledge acquired in classes applies to real-world research problems.
• Strengthen practical skills in data analysis, computer programming, theory, numerical modeling, laboratory techniques, and communication.
• Develop competence and confidence in presenting scientific results in a public forum.

Program Dates: Prospectively, June 1 - August 7, 2026, but may be subject to change.

Programmatic Information:

Housing is provided to the students free of charge in a dormitory room nearby the CfA. Travel from the student's university or home city to Cambridge is also provided. The stipend for the summer is $8000 with an additional meal allowance. The student must be available for the entire 10 weeks of the program. Virtual internship options can be arranged if the student is unable to travel to Cambridge due to family or other reasons. Travel allowances are also provided to students to present their summer research at the Fall AGU meeting or the Winter AAS meeting. 

Facilities:

The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) is an umbrella organization for the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) and the Harvard College Observatory (HCO). The CfA is arguably the largest astrophysical institution in the world. A broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics, earth and space sciences is carried out by a highly skilled staff. The CfA is the center of pioneering efforts in the development of orbiting observatories, large ground-based telescopes, the application of computers to astrophysical problems, and the integration of laboratory measurements, theoretical astrophysics, and observations across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Located a short walk away from the main Harvard campus and the famous Harvard Square, CfA is close to restaurants, shopping, and museums. The abundance of public transportation makes travel around the Cambridge and Boston areas a snap.

Sponsors:

Intern and mentor funding is provided primarily by NSF's Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences with supplemental funding from NSF's Division of Astronomical Sciences.

Application Site Opens: If funded, late November to early December, 2026

Due Date: If funded, Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

Acceptance Timeline

The first round of offer letters will be emailed on Sunday, March 1, 2026.  Offer letters may continue to be sent out in the subsequent weeks if not all positions are filled after the first round.  You are still considered eligible for selection until you have received a letter from us stating otherwise.

Eligibility

To participate in the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a part-time or full-time undergraduate enrolled in a degree-granting program (associate's or bachelor's) at an accredited college or university either currently or starting in the fall term of 2026
• Must not have graduated before the end of the REU program (August 7, 2026) unless starting a new undergraduate-level degree-granting program (associate's or bachelor's) in the fall term of 2026
• Must not have been enrolled in a graduate-level degree-granting program (certificate, master's, or doctorate) at any point prior to the start of the program
• Must be 18 years of age or older by the start of the program (June 1, 2026)
• Must be a US citizen, US national, or US permanent resident (green card holder)
• Must not be enrolled at Harvard University either currently or starting in the fall term of 2026

Application Requirements

Every applicant must submit:

• Top two choices for summer projects (a list of projects for the 2026 program will be found here in fall 2025)
• A copy of their academic transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process, and official transcripts will be required upon admission to the program.
• Two letters of recommendation. A request email will be automatically sent to each of your recommenders once you fill out the Reference sections. Note that the Reference sections will remain labeled "incomplete" until your recommenders upload your letters, but this will not prevent you from submitting your application.
• Two one-paragraph essays: one discussing a challenge you have faced and how you overcame it, and another detailing the unique talents and characteristics that you will bring to the program. Tell us about yourself!

Your application will not be considered without the above elements.