Program Description
Sponsored by the Universities Research Association (URA), the URA-Fermilab Undergraduate Research Summer Internship (FURSI) engages undergraduate students in STEM to conduct research at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in fulfillment of its mission. The S&T portfolio of Fermilab covers the research areas of particle physics, high-energy physics, accelerator science, computational physics, engineering and emerging technologies in support of the following projects: LBNF/DUNE US, PIP-II, HL-LHC AUP & CMS, Mu2e, Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS).
Interns spend 12 weeks at Fermilab performing hands-on research under the direct leadership, guidance, and supervision of Fermilab scientists, engineers, computing professionals, technicians, and staff across all laboratory directorates performing hands-on research.
FURSI fosters scientific and technical expertise, leadership, science communication, and science policy. Additional programming includes career development panels, networking events, and graduate school advising. A highlight of the program is the URA Science and Technology Policy Day in Washington DC, where students gain firsthand insight into the co-supportive process between policy and scientific research.
FURSI is a stepping stone for aspiring scientists and engineers, providing a rounded and enlightening research experience that builds the foundation for future graduate studies, fellowships and leadership roles.
Eligibility
- Students majoring in Physics, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer), Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, Materials Science or Chemistry
- Enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at a U.S. institution of higher education located in the U.S. or its territories
- Undergraduate sophomores, juniors and seniors not graduating prior to December of internship year
- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR)
Application Procedure
Before applying have all requirements ready. Once submitted, access to the application will no longer be available to upload any missing requirements.
Required application materials:
- Online application – Application Walkthrough Video Guide
- Resume
- Statement of Interest (300 words max): Describe your experience, skills, personal and professional goals and the intellectual curiosity you will bring to Fermilab to make you an outstanding intern. (Upload Statement of Interest under the Resume section saved as pdf.)
- One letter of recommendation from a professor, faculty member or academic or research advisor. The recommendation letter should address the applicant’s academic record and potential for success in a STEM internship, as demonstrated by academic and intellectual merit, research/technical if applicable, communication, leadership and teamwork skills. The recommendation letter must be received by the application closing date.
After submitting an application, the applicant will receive an email request to provide contact information for individuals writing letters of recommendation. An email link will be sent to identified references to upload their letter of recommendation. Note, reference links are sent only to the individual writing the letter of recommendation and only emailed during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
Internship Details
- Application Period: October 15, 2025 – January 15, 2026 at 5 p.m. CST
- Program Dates: May 26, 2026 – August 14, 2026
- Offer Date: February 20, 2026
- Acceptance Date: March 1, 2026
- Salary: Stipend is based on 40 hours/week at $23/hour for 12 weeks
- Airfare/Housing/Transportation: Airfare, Housing and Ground transportation paid by the program if permanent address is more than 50 miles from host laboratory.
Deliverables
- Attend the Undergraduate Lecture Series twice weekly
- Presentation abstract (150 words)
- Oral presentation
- Poster presentation
- Written research project report