Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
10 Weeks | Up to $3,500 for Students | $1,500 for Mentors
Spend a summer on a research, scholarly or creative project of your own, with a faculty or staff mentor guiding you and a stipend supporting you.
2027 applications now open and are due Sunday, November 8, 2026.
What is SURF?
Giving Undergraduates a Paid Summer to Work on a Research or Scholarly Project
SURF, also called the Summer Undergraduate Research Program, gives UW-Superior undergraduates a paid summer to work on a research or scholarly project with a faculty or staff mentor. You submit a proposal for one of two awards. After a competitive review, selected students complete their projects over a 10-week summer period. Mentors receive a $1,500 stipend to guide and support the student.
SURF Awards
Which award is right for me?
| Fellowship Award | Development Award | |
|---|---|---|
| Hours/Stipend | 200 hours / $3,500 | 100 hours / $1,750 |
| Best for | Students ready to lead their own project | Students early in their academic careers who want to build research skills |
| Who leads | You. You handle design, analysis, and communicating your findings, with mentor guidance | Your mentor provides more direction and works closely with you |
| Experience | Prior course-based or work-related research, scholarly, or creative activity, or a research methods course | No prior experience needed. Show initiative and interest in learning |
| Proposal | Can be developed with your mentor but should be substantially yours, showing your motivation and originality | Can be written with your mentor but is submitted by you |
| Typical Projects | Independent research, scholarly, or creative projects | Literature reviews, data collection, analysis, or exploratory work that lays a foundation for future research |
Who can apply?
Students
24 completed credits at UW-Superior by May 15, good academic standing and plans to enroll the following academic year. Past Developmental Award recipients can apply for a Fellowship. Past Fellowship recipients can’t reapply.
Mentors
Any faculty or academic staff member, including adjuncts. Mentors must be available all summer and meet with their student at least weekly. Most mentors support up to two SURF students.
How do I apply?
- Find a mentor and talk through your idea early.
- Read the 2027 SURF Submission Outline & Guide.
- Write your proposal. Your mentor submits a mentor plan to go with it.
- Submit through the online form by November 8. If your project involves people (surveys, interviews), start the IRB decision tree with your mentor now.
What happens after I’m selected?
Orientation and Research and Professional Development Workshops run January through May. You work on your project during the 10-week summer program. Then you share your work at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. Fellowship recipients also present at one more venue.
Timeline for Application and SURF Participation
· Monday, September 28, 2026 – Application for 2027 SURF Cohort Opens for Submission
· Sunday, November 8, 2026 – Application Deadline for 2027 SURF Cohort
· Friday, December 4, 2026 – 2027 SURF Cohort Decision Letters emailed to Applicants
· January – Orientation for 2027 SURF Cohort
· January – May – Research and Professional Development Workshops for SURF Scholars
· Wednesday, May 26, 2027 – 10 Week Summer SURF Program Begins
· Sunday, August 8, 2027 – 10 Week Summer SURF Program Ends
· Tuesday, October 12, 2027 – UW-Superior Undergraduate Research Symposium
Mark your calendars
The Undergraduate Research Symposium
October 13, 2026 | 3-6 p.m.
The UW-Superior Alumni and Friends Foundation has been a consistent funder for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, providing continued support for the students and the program. The Foundation also provides numerous scholarships to new and current students.
Connect with the URSCA team
We’re here to help.
Swenson Hall Room 1061
P.O. Box 2000
Superior WI 54880