Marine Biological Laboratory Summer Research Program
The NSF REU Biological Discovery in Woods Hole is an intensive 10-week summer research program at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, running from June 14 to August 14, 2026. Undergraduate students are placed in the laboratory of an MBL research scientist specializing in areas such as molecular and cell biology, neurobiology & behavior, physiology, developmental biology, and evolutionary biology. Participants engage fully in laboratory exercises and activities, focusing on molecular, cellular, and physiological processes that regulate complex systems and mediate organismal behavior using both marine and non-marine models. The program provides a stipend of approximately $7000, room and board in MBL dormitories, and a travel allowance.
To augment the hands-on research, students attend weekly program meetings, professional development workshops, seminars on topics like graduate school applications, ethics, and career paths, as well as group activities, field trips, and barbecues. The experience culminates in an undergraduate research symposium where students present their findings. The program integrates participants into the vibrant MBL scientific community, including year-round and summer investigators from around the world, fostering a unique research environment in a coastal marine setting.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Enrolled undergraduate students in a bachelor's degree program (part-time or full-time)
- Students who have not yet received a bachelor's degree
- Transfer students not enrolled during the summer may participate
- High school graduates who have not enrolled in college or those who have graduated with a bachelor's degree are ineligible
- Students from small colleges, underrepresented groups, or institutions with limited research opportunities especially encouraged
For thorough eligibility and selection information, visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.