SURF
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program is one of the "crown jewels" of Caltech. Since 1979, SURF students have had the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of experienced mentors working at the frontier of their fields.
SURF is modeled on the grant-seeking process:
- Students collaborate with a potential mentor to define and develop a project
- Applicants write research proposals as part of the application process
- Faculty review the proposals and recommend awards
- Students carry out the work over a 10-week period during the summer
- At the conclusion of the program, students submit a technical paper and give an oral presentation at one of several SURF Seminar Days, symposia modeled on a professional technical meeting.
SURF Fellows will be expected to:
- Devote full effort to conducting the SURF project for the full ten-week period. Participants cannot take courses or hold another job.
- Conduct research in person. Remote projects are not allowed.
- Submit two interim reports, an abstract, and final technical paper approved by the mentor.
- Give a final oral presentation.
- Abide by Caltech's Honor Code and other campus policies.
In 2026, Fellows will receive an $8,110 award for the ten-week period.
To enrich the research experience, SURF Fellows are invited to attend the following:
- Weekly seminars by Caltech faculty & JPL scientists and engineers
- An academic and professional development series on developing a research career, graduate school admissions, and other topics of interest to future researchers
- Effective communication workshops
- Social and cultural activities
- Student-faculty dinners, and more!