The Illinois Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (I-MRSEC) will host an NSF-sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in summer 2026. Undergraduate students accepted into the program will come to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Urbana, IL to spend 10 weeks over the summer carrying out cutting-edge, meaningful scientific research under the mentorship of I-MRSEC faculty in an interdisciplinary environment. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this research, students applying to this program can come from a variety of majors: Materials, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, etc), and related disciplines. Participants receive training aimed at developing not only scientific research skills, but also communication skills and grad school/career preparation. No prior research experience required, just enthusiasm for learning and research!
Research topics surround the areas of 2-dimensional and other nanomaterials, ionics, energy conversion and storage, modeling and simulation of materials and devices, strain, defects, heterostructures, magnetic materials, laser spectroscopy, photonics, materials synthesis, additive manufacturing, organic electronics, tissue mechanics, microfluidics, plasma, metals/alloys, polymers, self-assembly, ceramics, electron microscopy. Projects may include materials growth, characterization, engineering, modeling/simulation, and other aspects of materials research. Both experimental and computational projects are available.
- Program dates: May 27 – July 31, 2026
- Compensation: Students receive a $7,000 stipend, housing and travel support to/from program is included
- Students studying materials, physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply
- Application deadline: February 15, 2026
- Open to only U.S. citizens and permanent residents 18 years old or older who are currently enrolled in 2- or 4-year programs, and have not complete a bachelor’s degree before Fall 2026
- Additional information and application can be found here. If you have questions, please contact mrsec-info@illinois.edu