REU site: solar and heliospheric physics

The National Science Foundation Office of Integrative Activities awarded The University of Alabama in Huntsville $470,401 on September 1, 2026, to operate a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site in solar and heliospheric physics through August 31, 2029.

The award funds hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate students selected from across the United States to conduct intensive research projects in solar and heliospheric physics at a federal research center. Students work closely with faculty and researchers who provide mentorship and professional development. Participants develop skills in research ethics, scientific communication, data analysis, instrumentation, modeling simulations, and physics theory through independent research projects and cohort-based collaboration. The program includes exposure to research at a federal facility, a research poster competition, and career exploration designed to prepare students for the workforce and address challenges in space weather applications.

The award is classified as a Project Grant with place of performance in Huntsville, Alabama. The funding agency designates this as part of the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050), which supports basic research to strengthen the national scientific enterprise and increase understanding of the integrated Earth system. No subawards are planned for this award.

Abstract

This project will provide undergraduate students with hands-on research opportunities in a variety of scientific disciplines. Students from across the united states will be selected to participate in intensive research projects, working closely with faculty and researchers who offer mentorship and guidance. Students will gain valuable scientific skills, professional networks, and career exploration, strengthening the workforce of outstanding scientists and engineers. This REU site focuses on solar and heliospheric physics and provides a unique opportunity to receive mentoring and professional development, be exposed to research at a federal research center, and participate in a research poster competition. The students will develop skills in research ethics, communicating scientific findings, data analysis, instrumentation, modeling simulations and physics theory through independent research projects and collaboration within a cohort of researchers. These experiences will prepare students for the workforce and provide them with the tools to address current and future challenges in space weather applications. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.