Virtual National Science Foundation internships can expand opportunities for STEM students

A Purdue analysis of NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs found that virtual REUs produced similar or stronger learning outcomes while reducing costs and allowing more students to participate.

Many undergraduates are applying to summer research internships, including the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), a competitive paid program. About 6,000 American undergraduates take part in REUs each year. During the pandemic, some programs moved online, and Purdue University piloted virtual and in-person REUs between August 2021 and August 2024. The article reports the virtual format produced similar or stronger learning outcomes while costing less and allowing more students to take part. Key findings: - Purdue piloted one virtual and two in-person REU programs from August 2021 to August 2024. - Fourteen students took part in the virtual REU over one or two semesters; earlier in-person lab cohorts typically included about 10 students. - Virtual students met with faculty mentors more often (weekly over 16–32 weeks) compared with roughly 10 mentor meetings during a 10-week in-person summer program. - The National Science Foundation recommends about $1,550 per student per week for summer REUs, of which roughly $600 is the student stipend. - The article reports that, for the same cost as an in-person program for two students, a two-semester virtual REU could serve five students or a one-semester online version could serve about 10 students. - The reported drawbacks include less direct lab experience, fewer natural in-person connections with mentors and peers, and the fact that not every student thrives in remote learning. Summary: The article describes virtual REUs as delivering comparable or stronger research-skills gains while reducing per-student costs and increasing participation, with tradeoffs in hands-on lab time and informal mentorship. The author notes these findings could inform how research agencies, including the NSF, weigh program formats amid budget decisions. Undetermined at this time.