Why conduct research off campus?

The Bates faculty offers a dynamic summer research program, but there are also many exciting opportunities for undergraduate research—especially in the sciences—during the summer at other colleges and universities and research institutions. These programs can offer an introduction to many research fields not undertaken at Bates. They usually involve groups of undergraduates from several colleges working with graduate students, post-docs, and PIs (principal investigators). Many of these programs give you a sense of what research is like in a large research university. You might find a research position near your home, or a project that takes you to an exotic field research site. These programs usually pay you plus provide room and board.

Advice to students interested in off-campus summer research

~ Talk to a faculty member who works in the discipline about the program you are interested in, especially if you are hoping to continue the work as a thesis.
~ Some opportunities are only available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, so read the fine print!
~ Beware of early deadlines!  Many off-campus programs have deadlines in December and January.
~ Follow ALL instructions when applying. Most programs require faculty letters of recommendation and a transcript. Don't wait till the last minute to request these important components!

Get Info

Links to many off-campus summer research programs for undergraduates are available here, organized by discipline.

In Biology

In Chemistry

In Engineering

In Geology

Interdisciplinary

In Math

In Physics

If you do not see your discipline represented above, try these links below:

Search Engine for Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Off-Campus Opportunities
Browse a compilation of multidisciplinary off-campus research opportunities available at other universities, national labs, research institutes, and corporations.