Summer Research Opportunities

Immersive summer research, powered by FRI.

Our Summer Research Programs provide students with a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful, faculty-mentored research through a nationally recognized program known for its innovative, course-based research model. Built on the same collaborative structure, mentorship, and research expertise that define FRI during the academic year, these summer programs allow students to join a research stream, develop hands-on laboratory and analytical skills, and contribute to real scientific questions. By drawing on FRI’s experienced faculty, peer mentors, and well-established research streams, the summer programs offer an intensive and supportive environment where students can explore their interests, build confidence as researchers, and take an early step toward future academic and career success.

Structure

Students conduct research within a focused research stream in science or engineering, supported by dedicated laboratory space and led by a Research Educator. Working in teams of three to five, students collaborate on research questions aligned with the stream’s overarching goals, developing essential skills in teamwork, communication, and identifying next steps in the research process.

Summer 2026 Programs

Programs are open to all college/university students unless otherwise noted.

Cost

These programs are course-based and count towards a Binghamton University degree. The courses fulfill various general education requirements and count towards some majors and minors. To learn more about how FRI courses count towards degrees here. A breakdown of costs for NYS residents is available below:

  • 10-Week Programs
    • Tuition & Fees: 8 credits = $2,782.60
    • Laboratory Fee: $300
    • Total Cost: $3,082.60
  • 5-Week Programs
    • Tuition & Fees: 4 credits = $1,393.80
    • Laboratory Fee: $150
    • Total Cost: $1,543.80

    Additional fee for 2026 FtRI Biogeochemistry:

    • Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee: $1827
    • This fee covers the course components (tuition, fees, housing, and meals) at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station in Wallops Island, VA.

*Subject to change, 2025 Summer Tuition & Fee Rates

**Most up to date summer tuition and fees and non-resident tuition can be found on the Student Accounts website. 

Additional Costs

Apply

The summer application for 2026 is open! The application has rolling admission and application review will start March 2nd, 2026. The number of slots in the programs are limited, so we recommend that you apply early. Applicants will notified within a few weeks of the application deadline of April 5th, 2026.

Materials required:

  • Google form application
    • Personal information
    • Recommender contact information
    • Personal statement (reasons for seeking opportunity and commitment to program)
  • Recommendation Google Form filled out by recommender
  • Transcript for NON-Binghamton students only

APPLY HERE

SRI Student Quotes

"My experience in this course could not be matched by any other courses in Binghamton. Seeing in person what I would usually only see in textbook photos changed my perspective on my education, and made me feel ready to apply what I was learning into a career. I also strengthened my professional relationships based on the course's collaborative approach with other courses." — Safiya Hamdani, Biogeochemistry Students kayaking in Virginia
Clean Energy students performing a lab protocol "Through the Scholars Program, I was connected with Dr. Yiliang Luan in SRI, where I learned how to conduct impactful academic research while developing critical skills essential for research and medicine, including critical thinking and problem-solving. In addition to research, there were weekly professional development meetings that helped me better understand how to build my path forward... This guidance ultimately led to my acceptance into the Guthrie Program. I am now continuing to work toward my dream of becoming a physician. I am incredibly grateful for the support system that guided me to this point." — Matthew Lyman, Clean Energy
"What began as a curiosity about climate change ended with meaningful results about its effects on the Binghamton Valley structure. I went from learning how desktops work to... analyzing real environmental data... to learning how to write academic papers that represent science professionally and to envisioning five years toward a PhD within the stream. Through FRI, I learned not to limit myself because research isn’t something I do, it’s who I am. Environmental Visualization was the first step — and sometimes, that first step is exactly what you need." — Rabia Khan, Environmental Visualization Student pointing at a drone