The Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program at The Rockefeller University offers college sophomores and juniors an immersive 10-week laboratory research experience during the summer months, typically from early June to mid-August. Participants are placed in Rockefeller University laboratories based on their stated research interests, where they work on projects under the direct supervision of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and/or senior graduate students. The program spans a broad range of scientific areas, including biochemistry, structural biology and chemistry, molecular, cell and developmental biology, immunology, virology and microbiology, neuroscience, physics, and mathematical biology. Beyond hands-on research, SURF students engage in weekly Journal Club meetings to present and discuss scientific publications, attend a special lecture series by Rockefeller faculty about their research, and conclude the program by presenting their research findings at a poster session. Approximately 25 students are accepted each year from a diverse pool of over 700 applicants, and international students are eligible to apply. The program provides a stipend of $6,500 and offers free housing to students who cannot commute. The Rockefeller University campus is located on New York City
’s Upper East Side.
Program
Organizer: The Rockefeller University
Host: The Rockefeller University
Timeframe: June 1 through August 7, 2026
Duration: 70 days
Locations: North America, United States, New York City
Study Areas: Life Sciences & Biology, Medical & Health Sciences, Natural Sciences
Specific Fields: Bioinformatics & Biotechnology, Chemistry, Genetics & Genomics, Microbiology & Immunology, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Neuroscience & Mental Health, Pharmacology & Biomedical, Physics
Application
Criteria: Applicants must be currently enrolled as college sophomores or juniors. They should have scientific backgrounds and training relevant to the research areas offered (biochemistry, structural biology and chemistry, molecular, cell and developmental biology, immunology, virology and microbiology, neuroscience, physics, and mathematical biology).
Target Degree: Bachelor
Required Documents:- Completed Online Application Form
- Summary Statement (2 pages)
- Official Transcript
- Letter of Recommendation (2)
Costs & Contact
Stipend: $6,500.00 stipend; free housing provided for students who cannot commute.
Cost: No program fee.
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