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Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
Mission: SURF is designed to inspire undergraduate students to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through a unique research experience that supports the NIST mission.
You're invited to the 2026 SURF Colloquium!
Aug 3, 4, and 6
2026 SURF COLLOQUIUM SCHEDULE
We are excited to showcase the work of this summer’s SURF participants at the SURF Colloquium! Each participant will present their research conducted at NIST over the course of the program. Presentations will be given from both the Boulder and Gaithersburg campuses, and attendees can watch and engage with presenters from either location in person and/or through the live broadcast and ZoomGov links.
With presentations spanning topics such as machine learning, semiconductors, concrete, and pharmaceutical manufacturing standards, the colloquium offers something for everyone. Please see the complete schedule with ZoomGov links above. We look forward to seeing you there!
Plenary session talks on Mon, Aug 3, from 1:00 - 4:15 pm ET, are 25 minutes each,, including Q&A.
Location: Gaithersburg, Bldg 101, Green Auditorium & Boulder, Bldg 1, Room 1107- ZoomGov: https://nist.zoomgov.com/j/1611193419?pwd=jLFrLapFjtxcN45raSdm3NlTnmwJxJ.1
- Meeting ID: 1611193419
- Passcode: 325093
- ZoomGov: https://nist.zoomgov.com/j/1611193419?pwd=jLFrLapFjtxcN45raSdm3NlTnmwJxJ.1
Parallel session talks on Tues, Aug 4, 9am-5pm ET, and Thurs, Aug 5, 8am-5pm ET, are 15 minutes each, including Q&A.
Location: Gaithersburg, Bldg 101, various rooms (see schedule) & Boulder, Bldg 81, Rm 1A116
2026 SURF Program Dates
- Main 11-week program: May 27 - Aug 7
- 9-week program: June 8 - Aug 7
- Offset 11-week program: June 8 - Aug 21
NIST summer interns have improved MRI technology, studied medications, and more. Spend your summer with us for 11 weeks of hands-on lab experience with world-class mentors in one of NIST’s six labs or other offices.
What You’ll Get
In 2026, we expect to provide $7,810 for the 11-week summer stipend ($710 per week). If you’re participating in person, you’ll need to find your own housing. We will share a list of affordable housing options when you’re selected. Limited financial assistance for housing ($4,500) and travel (up to $500) is available for students who need to relocate for the summer. In-person local participants may receive support for commuting (varies) assistance.
Eligibility and Requirements
You must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident able to provide proof on your application. You must be a full-time undergraduate student in an accredited two-year or four-year college in the U.S. First-year undergraduates and graduating seniors (seniors participating in the Winter or Spring Commencement) are eligible and encouraged to apply to the program.
Participants will work 40 hours per week (Monday through Friday during business hours). You must also:
- Pass a background check
- Provide proof of health insurance
- Receive your payments by direct deposit
- Be at least 18 years old
How to Apply
Apply to the SURF program through USAJobs. All documents are required and must be submitted for consideration. Please submit your documents as PDF files if possible. Detailed instructions are available in the program FAQs.
Contact Us
surf [at] nist.gov (surf[at]nist[dot]gov)
Taking Measure Blog Posts from SURF Students
News and Updates
Contacts
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International and Academic Affairs Office