NSF | SpectrumX REU+ Program
If you will be an undergraduate on May 25, 2026, we invite you to apply to the 2026 SpectrumX REU+ Program now!
The deadline for applications was 11:59 p.m. PT on February 8, 2026.
What is an REU Program?
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs support active research participation by registered undergraduate students in areas of research that are funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs at REU host sites or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program.
2026 SpectrumX REU+ Program
The 2026 SpectrumX REU+ Program will be co-located at universities, research facilities, and industry across the US for ten weeks between May 26, 2026 to August 7, 2026. Confirmed host sites include MIT Haystack Observatory, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), the University of Notre Dame, the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez, and the University of Virginia.
Students will have the opportunity to work with an experienced, trained mentor in their field of interest, including, but not limited to, spectrum use cases and coexistence, radio and network technologies, data and machine learning, spectrum economics and policy, science communication, and science communication education.
By applying, students commit to being available for 40 hours of work per week. Students will be expected to work closely with their mentors and other students, consult with researchers as necessary, and attend weekly meetings, lectures, and training sessions.
2026 Projects
MIT Haystack Observatory
- Spectrogram Pipeline for MEP Using CASPER
- Additional projects coming soon
National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO)
- Green Bank Observatory “Spectrum Weather” Monitoring Project
- Very Large Array “Spectrum Weather” Monitoring Project
University of Notre Dame
- AI/ML Based Methods for Environment Classification Using Wireless Signals
- AR / VR WiFi Performance
- RadioHound: A Low-Cost Spectrum Sensor
- Spectrum Coexistence Technologies and Policies for Interfering Radio Systems
University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez
- Radiowave Propagation Experiments
- Additional projects coming soon
University of Virginia
- AI/Advanced ML Solutions for RF Signal Detection and Estimation
- Wireless Communication Algorithm Implementation and Testing
- Implementation of Wireless Communication Transmitters Above 300 GHz
- Additional projects coming soon
What does the REU+ program fund?
Travel costs to and from the REU+ host site, as well as on-site accommodation, will be paid directly by SpectrumX. A $700 per week stipend, paid into the accepted student’s US bank account, will be provided to cover all other expenses during the program, including meals.
Eligibility
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
Students who are transferring from one college or university to another and are enrolled at neither institution during the intervening summer may participate. High school graduates who have been accepted at an undergraduate institution but who have not yet started their undergraduate studies are also eligible to participate. Students who have received their bachelor’s degrees and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are generally not eligible to participate.
NSF SpectrumX REU+ alumni are eligible to apply.
Applicants must be registered in degree programs directly related to spectrum research, education, or management. Examples of applicable programs include, but are not limited to, communications, computer engineering/science, data science, economics, education, electrical/electronic engineering, physics, policy, and pre-law.
Application Process
Applications for the 2026 NSF SpectrumX REU+ Program are now closed.
Short-listed applicants will be interviewed between February 17-20, 2026. Slides from an informational session aimed to provide applicants with additional program details can be viewed here.
Host Sites
Applications to host students during the 2026 REU+ program are now closed. If you are interested in hosting SpectrumX REU+ students at your institution in the future, please review the information on the REU+ Host Site webpage.
Queries
Contact reu@spectrumx.org
Photos provided by Wes Evard, College of Engineering, University of Notre Dame, and Christina Clark, SpectrumX and Notre Dame Research.
