Cornell University, Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences and Education

REU ID:

Cornell-CLASSEPhysics-AIMIREU [#31389]

REU Title:

AI-MI Summer REU program

REU Type:

Student programs

Location:

Ithaca, New York 14853, United States of America

Subject Areas:

Physics
Engineering
Materials Science

Appl Deadline:

2026/01/30 11:59PM help popup

(posted 2025/12/12)

Description:

AI-MI summer undergraduate research program at Cornell 2026 REU Online Application Form

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we discover and engineer materials—speeding the path from scientific insight to real-world technologies in energy, sustainability, and quantum information. Led by Cornell University, NSF AI-MI accelerates the discovery of next-generation materials by bringing together computer scientists, materials researchers, and data scientists to tackle knowledge- and data-centric challenges at the intersection of AI and materials science.

In this AI-MI summer undergraduate research program, students will work alongside scientists to connect data generation (experiments, simulations, imaging, and literature) with AI analysis and rapid experimental feedback to dramatically reduce the time it takes to discover new materials—from months to days—while building reproducible, reusable workflows. Students may contribute to the AI Materials Science Ecosystem (AIMS-EC), an open, cloud-based portal that integrates a science-ready large language model with multimodal materials data, and explore projects ranging from 2D moiré materials for robust qubits and new superconductors to functional soft materials and microplastics-remediation peptides, as well as data-driven optimization and self-driving lab approaches for materials synthesis.

More information about NSF AI-MI can be found at: https://aimi.cornell.edu/ ;

The REU program is open, by NSF regulation, only to US citizens and permanent residents. If accepted, you will be required to show proof of citizenship or permanent residency. This program is intended primarily for sophomore and junior students in science and engineering. In exceptional cases first year students could have enough familiarity with physics, engineering, or computer science to profit from their research experience. Students who have not yet enrolled as undergraduates and students who will have a Bachelors degree by the summer of 2026 are not eligible according to NSF regulations. If accepted, you will have to show proof of health insurance coverage for the period of the REU Program.

Each CBB participant will receive a $6,000 stipend for their summer research work.

Dates: June 1 - August 7, 2026

Your application should include:

Personal statement describing your experience, skills, interests and goals, and what aspect of the research at the Center for Bright Beams is of special interest to you, are required.
An electronic transcript from your university (a scanned copy is acceptable; however, we may request an original at a later time).
Two letters of recommendation from individuals, at least one from a professor, who are familiar with your potential for research.

Applications completed after midnight EST Tuesday, January 30, 2026, may not be considered. Note that consideration of applications, and any offers made, will be contingent upon available funding.

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

Prior relevant work or industry experience.
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
Unique applicable skills.

Application Materials Required:

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

Transcript
Personal Statement
Two reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site )

And anything else requested in the description.

Further Info:

https://aimi.cornell.edu/

Physical Sciences Building
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853