Natural History Research Experiences REU

Past projects have included work in the The United States National Herbarium.

Natural History Research Experiences (NHRE) is a 10-week summer internship program hosted at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. NHRE interns work closely with scientific mentors to complete independent research projects in Earth Science, Biology, and Anthropology.

Applications are now open for NHRE 2022, which will take place between May 31st and August 5th. We are currently planning for an in-person program. The application deadline is February 2nd.

The National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, hosts a world-class research staff and unparalleled scientific research collections. NHRE summer internships pair undergraduates with museum scientists to complete a research project in Anthropology, Botany, Entomology, Invertebrate Zoology, Mineral Science, Paleobiology, or Vertebrate Zoology. Although the majority of time during the internship is spent working on the research project, there are additional events including lectures, tours of museum collections, and other activities related to natural history research.

The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is located on the National Mall in the heart of Washington DC. The program runs for 10 weeks starting the day after Memorial Day. Participating students will receive a stipend of $6,500, up to $700 for travel to the DC area, and will be provided with housing at the George Washington University dorms in single-occupancy rooms.

Previous research experience is not required, and we encourage applications from minorities and members of other groups underrepresented in the sciences.

Questions about NHRE?  Contact us at NHRE@si.edu

Applying to NHRE
To apply please create an account on NSF’s ETAP website, then search for NHRE among the listed opportunities.

As part of the application procedure, students will need to identify a field of interest and/or specific individuals with whom they are interested in working. Information about research areas and staff directories can be found through the department websites listed below. Students can also browse past projects from previous years for inspiration by visiting the past projects page.

Students selected for placement in the NHRE program will be given full details about their specific research mentor, department, and project in the offer letter.