Rockefeller University Chemers Neustein SURF Fellowship 2026 – Fully Funded Summer Research Program in New York 

Rockefeller University Chemers Neustein SURF Fellowship 2026: Overview

The Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at Rockefeller University offers highly motivated undergraduate students a fully funded 10-week research experience in life or physical sciences. Selected students work closely with world-class faculty, postdocs, and graduate mentors on personalised research projects.

The 2026 program runs from June 1 to August 7, 2026, and is open to international students.

Rockefeller University Chemers Neustein SURF Fellowship 2026: Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be current college sophomores or juniors

• Be majoring in life sciences or physical sciences

• Demonstrate strong academic performance and motivation for research

• Have interest in laboratory-based scientific research (prior experience is helpful but not required)

• Provide two strong recommendation letters (critical for selection)

• Be able to commit to the full 10-week program period

International students are welcome to apply.

Benefits

• $6,500 stipend for the 10-week program

• Free housing for students who cannot commute

• Match with a mentor (faculty member, postdoc, or PhD student)

• Exposure to advanced research environments at Rockefeller University

• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge scientific work

• Professional development and networking with top researchers

Program Components

Participants will:

• Conduct hands-on laboratory research

• Work under a dedicated mentor

• Participate in seminars, workshops, and scientific presentations

• Produce an independent project outcome

• Engage with peers in a supportive research community

Research fields include multiple areas of biological and physical sciences.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Online application form (via official SURF portal)

• Two-page statement covering:

  • Academic background

  • Scientific interests

  • Research experience (if any)

  • Career goals

  • How they would benefit from and contribute to the SURF program

• Official transcript (uploaded online)

• Two recommendation letters

  • Preferably from professors or research mentors

  • Must be submitted online OR mailed in sealed, signed envelopes

Mailing Address (for documents not uploaded online):

Office of Graduate Studies
The Rockefeller University
1230 York Avenue, Box 177
New York, NY 10065-6399

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence

• Strength of motivation and research interest

• Quality of personal statement

• Strength and relevance of recommendation letters

• Fit with available laboratory opportunities

Placement into labs is centrally organised—students should not contact labs individually.

Application Process

1. Complete and submit the online application.

2. Upload your statement and official transcript.

3. Ensure two recommendation letters are submitted on time.

4. Wait for confirmation and updates via the contact information you provided.

Completed applications are reviewed in the order received.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: February 1, 2026

• Final Decisions: Mid-March 2026

• Applicants must be reachable during the first two weeks of March.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Rockefeller University Chemers Neustein SURF Fellowship 2026 – Fully Funded Summer Research Program in New York