Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Boston University, as the awardee, will deliver a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site program funded by the National Science Foundation's Division of Biological Infrastructure under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074). The award of $469,538 supports a ten-week summer research training program for ten undergraduate students annually over three years (2026-2028). The primary deliverables include structured research experiences in gene expression and regulation, mentorship from faculty and graduate student research teams, formal scientific training in research methods and ethics, three oral presentations per student during each summer program, and documented career outcomes tracking through program surveys, exit interviews, and post-program follow-up assessments.

The program generates measurable scientific outputs through student participation in peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, while contributing to the broader national scientific workforce by developing early-career researchers in cellular and molecular biology. Students apply through the NSF Education and Training Application portal, and success is evaluated based on scientific publication records, pursuit of graduate education, and career trajectories in molecular biology and related STEM fields. The training aligns with National Science Foundation priorities in artificial intelligence and biotechnology, positioning the REU Site to advance both scientific knowledge and human capital development in critical areas of biological research.