Friday, April 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | Alexander Library, Undergraduate Reading Room, New Brunswick
Summer Science Program
For rising sophomores who are new to research, the Summer Science Program pairs students with faculty mentors to conduct a research project over the summer.
Dive into Summer Science
The Summer Science Research Program is an intensive, full-time research experience exclusively for Rutgers–New Brunswick rising sophomores. Students are matched with faculty mentors from a diverse array of scientific disciplines. Participants learn about the process of research by working with their mentors in the laboratory and by participating in library workshops, seminars, trips to local research laboratories in industry and medicine, and social events. Summer experiences often lead to involvement in research during the subsequent academic year.
About the Program
Summer Science Program 2025 (May 27-July 31)
Rising sophomores selected for this opportunity will spend the summer session engaged in research. Each participant receives a stipend of $3,000. The program runs ten weeks starting late May through early August. The program culminates in a public poster session, where each student presents their research to family, friends, and faculty.
Eligibility and Requirements
Students must be rising sophomores at Rutgers–New Brunswick. No previous experience in research is necessary, and there is no minimum GPA; the most important criterion is an interest in learning about the process of research. To be eligible, students must be full-time and in good academic standing at Rutgers–New Brunswick.
Potential faculty mentors will evaluate applicants and select interviewees based on their academic records and the compatibility of their interests with faculty projects. Mentors will conduct interviews in February, and all finalists will be notified by early March.
The Summer Science Program is more than a full-time commitment. Participants cannot take any summer classes or hold employment during the program period. Participants are required to attend all program events.
How to Apply
Applications are now closed.
When the application cycle is open, you can view the full list of available research opportunities for the Aresty Summer Science Program and apply by clicking on the green "Apply Online" button found at the bottom of each research project posting. You may apply to up to three projects.
You will need to submit the following online:
- A single-spaced, one-to-two-page essay describing your interest in the project and your qualifications. The essay should also include your post-undergraduate and career plans if you know them.
- A résumé, which must include information about employment history, internships, research experiences, and any organizations and/or activities you have partaken at Rutgers.
- Your most recent transcript, which will be automatically uploaded once you apply.
Participating faculty will arrange interviews with top candidates. Not all applicants will receive an interview. Please refrain from contacting professors with questions or requests to discuss their research projects during the application period. You may direct all inquiries to the Aresty Research Center at aresty@echo.rutgers.edu.
"As you gain independence in research, you take on more responsibility, learning accountability, time management, and communication. I've made some of my closest friends here. Research has been a highlight of my time at Rutgers."
- Siddharth Ghosh Roy SAS'25, participant in the Summer Science Program, the Peer Instructor Program, and the Senior Peer Instructor Program
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Tillet Hall, Piscataway
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore frequently asked questions about the Summer Science Program.