Research Experience for Undergraduates - International Institute for Nanotechnology

Hands-on research infuses the traditional undergraduate curriculum with excitement. The IIN has provided over 400 students with a glimpse into the life of a scientific researcher, as well as opportunities to meet and work with world-renowned scientists.

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) participants engage in full-time research over a nine-week period in the summer (mid-June through mid-August). They also attend regular group meetings that provide an opportunity to share their progress and gain a broad overview of a wide array of scientific projects. Additional activities include special lectures, a field trip to Argonne National Laboratory, an individual writing workshop, and a public speaking seminar.

At the end of the summer, each student completes a substantive research paper and presents their research accomplishments at a closing symposium.

REU participants receive a $5,750 stipend, round-trip airfare, a meal plan, and housing in Northwestern dormitories.

Contact Margaret Connolly if you have any questions.

Undergraduate Opportunities

NU Nano Scientist Program

Research Experience for Undergraduates

Ryan Mbagna-Nanko utilizes a raman spectrometer to identify the signature of a crystal sample.

Applications & Eligibility

Applications for our 2026 REU program, will be accepted in November 2025. An application link will be posted here at that time.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, majoring in the physical sciences or engineering, with at least one year left to complete their degree. Participants are selected based on academic achievement and scientific interests.

Efforts are also made to include students from smaller schools where research equipment and opportunities might not be available and to encourage participation by young women and other groups typically underrepresented in science and engineering.