The National Science Foundation (NSF) has recently scaled back its support for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, which has long provided summer research opportunities for college students, particularly those from underrepresented groups in STEM.
Since 1987, REU programs have offered students from non-research institutions the chance to participate in original, hands-on research projects, often in collaboration with faculty and researchers at major research institutions. These programs, which allow universities to host a cohort of 8-10 students each summer, are typically funded for three-year periods. However, due to budget constraints and an uncertain federal funding environment, NSF has withdrawn support for many sites that had already submitted proposals and were expecting renewals, leaving several universities scrambling to cancel their summer programs.
Among the institutions affected are the University of California Merced (UC Merced) and Johns Hopkins University, both of which had already begun accepting student applications for summer 2025 before learning that their funding would not be forthcoming.
Once informed, UC Merced officials posted an explanatory notice online.
“Please note that changes in federal science funding as of January 2025 due to the incoming presidential administration have unfortunately impacted REU Site renewal decisions,” The notice reads. “Due to the uncertainty stemming from this lack of support for science funding by the Trump Administration, the NSF is unable to proceed with the initial funding recommendation anticipated to support the REU program. Therefore, the UC Merced Physics REU will not take place in summer 2025. We hope to secure funding to continue the program in summer 2026.”
REU programs that have not been canceled are in limbo, as Congress has until March 14 to pass a final spending bill and avoid a government shutdown. Administrators and faculty worry that further funding delays will result in more program cancellations, while students face uncertainty about summer plans, financial support, and professional development.
