The T.D. Lee Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship Program is a new initiative to support University of Chicago undergraduate students pursuing mentored research with faculty in the Physical Sciences Division (PSD). The program is established in honor of former UChicago PhD student and Nobel Laureate T.D. Lee, whose pioneering contributions to particle physics have shaped generations of scientific inquiry.
A limited number of 2026 Summer Fellowships are available for current first-, second- and third-year University of Chicago undergraduate students interested in conducting research over the summer. To apply, students should identity a research mentor within the PSD, and with them develop a project plan for the summer.
The Fellowship will provide a $5,000 stipend to support 10 weeks of research between June and September (with most students completing their fellowship June 15, 2026 – August 22, 2026). Students may not register for any courses during this 10-week summer Fellowship as the Fellowship is regarded as full-time research. This fellowship cannot be used in combination with other summer research fellowship support. This role is not benefits-eligible.
The initial deadline of March 31, 2026 guarantees your application will be reviewed for funding; applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after the initial deadline.
If you are an international student, please visit the OIA website as soon as possible to familiarize yourself with your work authorization eligibility and requirements. If you’d like to make an appointment with your international adviser, please visit this page.
Application required material:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research Proposal (one page maximum); Be sure to include the name of your research mentor and their contact information and the start date and end date of your research project.
- Personal Statement (one page maximum); Briefly describe your intellectual interests in the project, any prior experience that has prepared you to pursue research, and how participation in this fellowship advances your academic and personal development goals.
- UChicago Transcript (unofficial transcript is acceptable)
- Letter from Your PI / Faculty Mentor (emailed separately)
Items 1-4 can be submitted through Handshake.
Mentor letters (item 5) should be emailed from the faculty mentor directly to Brian Lease blease@uchicago.edu
Initial Application Deadline: March 31, 2026; if available, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the initial deadline.