Summer Research for External Students
Stanford has two opportunities for undergraduate students from institutions outside of Stanford to do summer research in physics and astronomy. Both programs aim to increase research opportunities for students from a broad range of backgrounds, including those who are the first in their families to attend college and those from under-resourced backgrounds.
Research opportunities include topics in Astrophysics & Cosmology, AMO Physics, Biophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, Particle Physics, and Physics Education Research. Students will work for 8 weeks in the summer with a Stanford research group. In addition to research within a group, students will participate in weekly meetings focused on research skills, applying to graduate school, and exposure to cutting-edge topics in physics. At the end of the summer program, students will present their work at a research fair attended by faculty and students.
In 2024, the program will start June 24 and last 8 weeks. Participants must be available during the entire 8-week period.
We have two opportunities for students to apply: the Cal-Bridge program, and the Leadership Alliance Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP). Applications for both programs are due February 1.
Calbridge-Summer
Students at participating Cal State campuses and California community colleges may apply through Calbridge-Summer. We welcome students from these institutions to apply regardless of immigration or citizenship status.
Leadership Alliance SR-EIP
Rising juniors and seniors at any US institution who are US citizens and permanent residents may apply through the SR-EIP, if in good academic standing with a committed interest to pursue graduate study.
The department is interested in understanding and mitigating barriers to access to all of our programs, including barriers based on citizenship status, accessibility, or financial or logistical challenges. If you are interested in our summer research internships but are not currently eligible, or if there are barriers that limit your ability to apply given our current procedures, we would appreciate hearing from you.