The program
Launched in 2012, SuperUROP is an expanded version of MIT’s flagship Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). The year-long research program, open to juniors and seniors at MIT, enables students to tackle tough problems and strive for publication-worthy results.
SuperUROP gives students the time, training, resources, and guidance necessary for deep scientific and engineering inquiry along with access to graduate-level facilities such as the MIT nanofabrication labs.
As of May 2023, 1149 undergraduates have completed the program.
How does SuperUROP work?
Students choose a faculty member or MIT researcher, take a two-semester course (6.UAR) on undergraduate research, and spend 10 hours a week (or more) on their research.
Often, these year-long projects evolve into graduate theses, startup plans, or industry positions.
Guest speakers from industry and the faculty also provide insight on topics ranging from technical communications to intellectual property to ethics in engineering.
Most students receive funding generously gifted by industry supporters, alumni, and donors, while earning course credit.
What is the desired outcome of SuperUROP?
The program serves as a launch pad to academia, research, industry, and startups by teaching students how to:
- Select a research project and conduct background research.
- Explore current research topics in their degree field.
- Write high-quality research papers and experience the review process.
- Give effective research presentations to various stakeholders.
How do I become a SuperUROP scholar?
Each year in March, SuperUROP program coordinators hold one or more info sessions. Watch this recorded info session. In April, students submit applications with project proposals. Acceptance letters typically go out in June, and the SuperUROP experience begins in September. See the timeline below for details.
| DATE | ACTIVITY |
|---|---|
| January–May | SuperUROP scholar supporters confirmed. |
| February-March | Company and faculty submit project ideas by March 1. One or more info sessions for prospective SuperUROP scholars are held in early March. |
| April | Students indicate intent to participate by submitting résumé and transcript to SuperUROP application site in early April and project proposals with their supervisor’s approval in late April. |
| June/July | Applications are reviewed; selection letters are sent to students. Selection letters will be sent between mid-July and the end of July. |
| Early August | Students accept enrollment in SuperUROP. |
| By mid-August | SuperUROP scholar assignments are made. |
| Early September | First term starts; class and research begin. |
| September | Résumés are distributed to supporters. |
| Early December | Fall SuperUROP Showcase is held in early December. |
| Early February | Second term starts; class and research continue. |
| Late April–Early May | Final project presentations are made during last classes. |
| Mid-May | SuperUROP closing reception is held. |
Apply for
SuperUROP 2023-2024
This program is open to MIT students during their junior or senior years. You can contact us at superurop-contact [at] mit.edu if you have questions.
Interested in participating in SuperUROP for 2023-2024?
Watch this info session to learn about the program. You can also watch this recording to see the students in action at a SuperUROP showcase.
For more details and to apply to SuperUROP for 2023-2024, please visit the SuperUROP application website.
Important dates | 2023-2024
March 5, 2024
Info Session, 4-5pm, Room 34-401B
You can view last year’s slides used in the info session here and watch the recording of the info session.
March 13, 2024
Info Session, 12-1pm, Room 32-G449
Early April 2024
Deadline for students to indicate their intent to participate in SuperUROP by submitting their résumé and grades.
End of April 2024
- Deadline for students to submit a SuperUROP proposal, approved by their supervisor.
- Deadline for uploading the following: your CV; transcript; and a short, 2-3-paragraph research proposal.
- Deadline for your project supervisor to upload a letter of recommendation. While we would appreciate receiving the letter of recommendation by the above date, if the letter arrives within a week, it will be considered on time. If more time is needed, please let us know.
June/July, 2024
Funding decisions will be announced.
August, 2024
Funding decisions will be emailed.