This resource bank is a work in progress and updated regularly, not exhausted by any means. These links were gathered by community members, and we thank everyone who helped compile them to support undergraduates. This guide is intended for students who may be unfamiliar with the research programs and opportunities available. We don’t claim this to be a centralized resource but it is a good start! A lot of resources will overlap with other fields and that is in the nature of the Physical Sciences!
REU Panel:
National Research & STEM Opportunity Databases:
Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)
HACU National Internship Program (Include STEM disciplines)
SIAM – Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (Includes companies and industry related resources/internships options)
NASA Internship Programs (Did you know there was a program for international students?!?!)
Curated list of REU programs directory available to Freshmen, Sophomores, International students and undocumented students
Undergrad Research Directory for MPS Majors
The following programs are also open to all students in MPS (Mathematical & Physical Sciences). These directories are broad and inclusive; they are not restricted to specific majors and often feature opportunities beyond its designated department and traditional MPS fields.
Math: Iowa State University’s REU Programs Directory
Physics(Discovery Hub Directory linked below): UC Berkeley’s Research Opportunity Board
Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS): Northwestern University’s Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates Directory
Astronomy(Overlaps a lot with Physics & EPS): The American Astronomical Society Resource bank
Community Resources:
Recommend a Program
If you would like to add or recommend a research program to this directory, please fill out the submission form.
Open Form →University resources:
These resources exist to serve students. I would exhaust them! Find cooler places on campus in the process. There is a fair amount of centers, libraries and advisors. You should make sure that you are in their mailing list and make it a habit to check your email. Make an active effort to find a community! Make sure you are on your departmental mailing list. Meet with an academic advisor. Take advantage of opportunities and seek support if you need it! These are academic resources that I wished I took advantage of. Don’t graduate without reaching out to an academic advisor and building a relationship with them! More often than not, they are very supportive and can give really good advice.
STAR: STEM Transfer & Research Program
Just browse to learn about opportunities and more programs on campus. STAR supports students in the STEM fields through mentoring, workshops, academic success resources, and guidance on how to get involved in undergraduate research at UC Berkeley. The program helps students navigate research pathways, connect with faculty and labs, and build community within STEM at Berkeley. Highly encourage transfers to check out this website!
Visit STAR →Discovery Hub’s Research Programs Directory
A curated list of research opportunities, programs, and faculty groups compiled by the University. The opportunities here are beneficial for anyone in the Physical Sciences. This includes both programs for Berkeley and non-Berkeley students.
Open Directory →Cal NERDS STEM Center
Cal NERDS provides research opportunities(workshops and the like), mentoring, funding(Posters and conferences), maker-space access, and community support for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students in STEM. Students across the Physical Sciences, Engineering, and Computer Science can benefit from their programs, workshops, and research resources. Everyone is really nice here and it is a good study spot. 3D printing and free poster printing available too!!!
Visit Cal NERDS →EOP STEM
EOP STEM provides holistic support for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students pursuing majors in the Physical Sciences, Engineering, and other STEM fields. They offer mentoring, academic counseling, STEM-focused workshops, and guidance to help students navigate classes, research opportunities, and their long-term STEM pathways. They are very supportive and I encourage people to talk to an advisor here!
Visit EOP STEM →Berkeley Discovery Hub
The Discovery Hub helps UC Berkeley undergraduates explore research, enrichment programs, academic opportunities, and personalized pathways. They offer advising, workshops, and guidance for connecting with faculty, finding research programs, and designing meaningful discovery experiences across all majors, including the Physical Sciences. Sign up to their mailing list!!! I found it useful myself!
Visit Discovery Hub →Office of Undergraduate Research & Scholarships (OURS)
OURS is UC Berkeley’s central hub for undergraduate research and scholarly opportunities. They host programs such as URAP, SURF, research fellowships, national scholarships, and funding for independent projects. A great starting point for students looking to get involved in research on campus. Really helpful resources too!
Visit OURS →Student Learning Center (SLC)
The Student Learning Center offers free tutoring, study groups, and academic support for a wide range of subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and more. SLC provides a collaborative, welcoming environment where students can strengthen their understanding, prepare for exams, and build confidence in challenging STEM courses. Good to study and ask questions! All of the tutors I’ve met so far are goated!
Visit SLC →MPS Scholars Program
The MPS Scholars Program supports promising students in the Mathematical & Physical Sciences by providing funding, mentorship, research opportunities, and community. It’s a great resource for students in physics, math, astronomy, or related fields who want structured support to pursue research, internships, or graduate school. They are also super nice. They have made an effort to make community-based events. Host one of the biggest research fairs on campus. Active effort from administration and department to support undergrads!
Visit MPS Scholars →Handshake (Career Center)
Handshake is UC Berkeley’s central platform for finding internships, research positions, part-time jobs, and full-time roles. Many labs, companies, national labs, and on-campus employers post opportunities here. Students can also access career advising, career fairs, and application resources through the Career Center. I heard there were opportunities for professional head-shots, AI resume screening and a lot of career-related support. Definitely check out!
Visit Handshake →For recommended additional information/programs/opportunities, corrections, broken links, or requests to update or remove content, please reach out to us at compassproject@berkeley.edu