The RI-INBRE SURF Program is a 12-week paid summer research experience for undergraduate students to complete research at the University of Rhode Island, Brown University, and its RI partner institutions. The program is open to all students from all institutions and students from underrepresented backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. Housing and transportation may be available for students based on funding and need but is not guaranteed. Fellows can earn up to $5,400 during the program.
Potential research areas include: Biotechnology, Cancer, Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Neuroscience, Engineering, Health Sciences. See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information on the program and research areas and our SURF Mentors page for more information about mentors who typically participate in the program.
2023 Program Dates: May 22 – August 11, 2023
Application Deadline: Friday, February 10, 2023
Application Link: The application has closed for 2023. Contact riinbresurf@uri.edu with any questions.
*Have your resume, personal statement, unofficial transcript, and names and contact info for letter writers available before starting the application.*
Eligibility: (1) The program is for undergraduate students that have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. (2) You must be either a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. (3) Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field. (4) Previous RI-INBRE SURF participants will apply using this application for the SURF+ program. (5) Graduating seniors that have previously participated in RI-INBRE SURF and have been accepted into a graduate program at URI or Brown are eligible to apply for a Bridge to Graduate School Fellowship .
Application Requirements: (1) a one-page resume, (2) an unofficial copy of college transcripts with up-to-date GPA through Fall 2022, (3) a one-page personal statement (details below), and (4) at least one letter of recommendation. All application materials must be PDF documents. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Personal Statement: Include: (1) your background and professional experience, (2) why you want to participate in the RI-INBRE SURF program, (3) your future professional goals, and (4) what type of research you are interested in. This document should be no more than one page in length (approximately 500 words).
Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are required to provide at least one letter of recommendation, however, two letters are preferred. On the application you will provide the name and affiliation for the people that will be providing your letters of recommendation. At least one letter needs to come from someone who knows you academically (e.g. a faculty member). Letters from supervisors, managers, and mentors are acceptable for the second letter, although letters from faculty members is preferred.
Letters must be uploaded by the letter writer directly to this link: https://forms.gle/jwkT2MxtLAY9oXsw8
Other RI Research Programs: Rhode Island has many wonderful research opportunities for undergraduate students. You can check out these opportunities HERE.
For more information please contact us at riinbresurf@uri.edu.