Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering (SURE)
The University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering, in cooperation with the NSF’s Materials Research Science and Engineering Center and the Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics Department, hosts a summer research experience for undergraduate students. Participants will spend ten weeks conducting laboratory research in an area of engineering or the physical sciences. Students are exposed to other research available on campus through weekly meetings and faculty seminars, and participate in social activities with current graduate students. At the conclusion of the program, students present their research in an interdisciplinary poster session.
SURE 2026: June 1 – August 7, 2027.
When to apply: November 1, 2026 – February 10, 2027
Program Information
Benefits
SURE provides students with opportunities that build on their interest in science and engineering careers. Participants conduct a research project under the direction of faculty mentors and work as members of laboratory research teams investigating problems in engineering and the physical sciences in an academic environment.
SURE professionally develops the student through seminars, interaction with faculty members, staff, post-doctoral scholars, and graduate students at the UW-Madison College of Engineering. Seminars include but are not limited to: How to apply to graduate school; Fellowships; Career options with graduate degrees in engineering; How to know if graduate school is right for you.
All participants receive a financial support package worth approximately $11,000. This package consists of a $6,500 stipend for the 10-week period, round-trip travel, housing, meal allowance, and health insurance (if needed).
Environment
The College of Engineering is made up of eight departments and is known internationally for its research in engineering and the physical sciences.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is located in the city of Madison on the south shore of Lake Mendota, one of several lakes in the area. The UW campus offers opportunities for interdisciplinary work between its superb undergraduate and graduate programs and other schools such as the School of Medicine and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, and more.
Madison is the capital of Wisconsin with a population of 200,000 and offers a wide variety of social, cultural, educational and recreational opportunities. The city is 1-1/2 hours northwest of Chicago and 1 hour west of Milwaukee. Students were able to explore both Chicago, Milwaukee, water-theme parks, Devil’s Lake and other State/National parks with current graduate students on program-sponsored trips.
Apply
Eligibility
Eligible students are undergraduates who have a strong desire to complete a Ph.D. and meet the following criteria:
- majoring in engineering, math, chemistry, physics, computer science, or other physical sciences.
- completed their sophomore or junior years of college by the start of the program.
- has at least 1 semester of undergraduate education remaining after completing the program.
- has an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, enrolling in an accredited college or university
Program Priority
The SURE program aims to expand access to research opportunities for students who have limited access to research experience.
Students may have limited access to research for many reasons, including attending a small college or 2-year college with fewer research resources, coming from a low-income background and needing to work during the academic year, or being the first in their family to attend college and benefitting from additional support.
All eligible students are welcome and encouraged to apply.
Application
Please note that the applicant is responsible for submitting a complete application consisting of the following:
- The application form: APPLY NOW
- Application essays. Be sure to include information on previous laboratory research experience, postgraduation (undergraduate) plans, any experiences you have had that have prepared you for this experience, along with your reasons for applying to the program.
- College transcripts. “Unofficial” transcripts printed from the college website are acceptable.
- One letter of recommendation from a professor in your major area or a former research advisor/supervisor.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline
All application materials, including the letter of recommendation, must be submitted by February 10, 2027.
Program Contact:
Eve Williams
SURE Program Manager
College of Engineering, UW-Madison
Email: sure-reu@engr.wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 890-4502