Santa Fe Institute UCR Program 2026 in USA | Fully Supported Undergraduate Research

Overview

The Santa Fe Institute Undergraduate Complexity Research (UCR) Program 2026 is an exceptional, fully supported summer opportunity for undergraduate students interested in exploring the scientific study of complex systems. Running from May 31 to August 8, 2026, this 10-week residential program invites students to conduct interdisciplinary research at one of the world’s leading institutes in complexity science.

About the UCR Program

The UCR Program is designed for students who are curious about the underlying patterns, behaviors, and dynamics that shape complex systems such as ecosystems, economies, societies, and technological networks. Participants carry out individual research projects under the mentorship of SFI faculty and researchers. The program combines hands-on research with tutorials, seminars, and scientific skill-building workshops that refine academic writing, data analysis, and scientific communication.

Students not only get to collaborate with world-class scientists but also become part of SFI’s vibrant research community that fosters creativity, open inquiry, and interdisciplinary thinking.

Program Benefits & Support

The Santa Fe Institute ensures that participants can focus entirely on their research by offering a comprehensive support package:

$7,000 stipend for the full duration of the program
Free housing and meals provided throughout the 10 weeks
Travel support for participants coming from outside Santa Fe
Daily transportation between the housing site and SFI campus
A collaborative environment with faculty, postdocs, and fellow undergraduate researchers

Participants will be housed on the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) campus, offering a peaceful and creative space close to SFI’s main campus.

Eligibility Requirements

The UCR Program is open to undergraduate students from all academic backgrounds. You are eligible if:

You are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (associate’s or bachelor’s).
You will not graduate before December 2026 if applying for the 2026 cohort.
You intend to return to your degree program after completing the summer research.
International students may apply and may receive visa support if required.

Prior research experience is not required, making this an accessible opportunity even for first-time researchers.

Application Process

The application process for UCR 2026 is simple but competitive. Applicants must submit the following:

Personal information
A current resume/CV
Academic transcripts (unofficial accepted)
A research statement responding to three prompts
One letter of recommendation from a professor or mentor

Shortlisted applicants may be invited for a Zoom interview before final selections are made.

Expect During the Program

Throughout the 10-week program, students engage in:

Regular meetings with assigned mentors
Weekly tutorials on scientific methods, research design, and critical thinking
Community events and shared meals with SFI scholars
A short “flash talk” early in the program
A final research presentation during the last week

The program requires full attendance, and late arrivals are not permitted due to the importance of the research planning phase in the first two weeks.

Why You Should Apply

The Santa Fe Institute UCR Program is more than a summer internship—it is a gateway to advanced research, scientific discovery, and intellectual growth. Participants gain: