Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) at BIOS

Applications for the 2025 BIOS REU Program are now open, apply here.  

The 2025 program will start on August 25 and end on November 14.

An REU internship at BIOS is a great way for U.S. undergraduate students to gain the experience necessary to embark on graduate studies or careers in science.

BIOS has National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) funding to support undergraduate student researchers at BIOS during the fall semester. Participants will conduct research projects under the expert mentorship of BIOS scientists. 

Potential areas of research for 2025 include:

• Coral Ecophysiology
• Coral Reef Ecology
• Marine eDNA
• Marine Invertebrate Physiology
• Marine Microbiology
• Oceanography
• Zooplankton Ecology

Throughout the semester, participants will give oral and virtual poster presentations that outline their research topic, experimental methods and results and attend a series of professional development workshops and seminars hosted by BIOS faculty. In addition, they will provide a project report at the end of the program. Schedule and weather permitting, all participants will be offered an exciting opportunity to join an oceanographic research cruise aboard R/V Atlantic Explorer. They will also have the option to enjoy field and boat excursions to learn about Bermuda's history, flora and fauna.

Eligibility and Terms of Internship

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. To be eligible, applicants must be over 18 years of age and enrolled in a program of undergraduate study immediately before and after the program dates. Applicants are ineligible if they have participated in a prior NSF-funded REU in Ocean Sciences.

Successful candidates are advised to arrange for independent study credit through their home institutions. Return airfare (from and to the U.S.), campus accommodation, meals and a competitive stipend are covered by the BIOS REU program; medical/travel insurance is the responsibility of the student. 

This is an intensive 12-week program requiring a minimum commitment of 40 hours per week, plus additional evening and weekend hours if necessary - participation in concurrent online and/or remote classes is therefore not possible.

Participants will be expected to participate in marketing and development activities.

Application Procedure

Applicants must complete the online application form and upload copies of their current resume and most recent academic transcripts. They must also provide the names and contact details of two academic referees, who will each receive a request to submit a reference in support of the application.

In addition to providing a personal statement, applicants will be asked to select up to four research projects from the list provided and briefly explain their choices. Applicants will also be asked how participating in the BIOS REU Program will advance their education and career goals.

Before submitting your application please carefully review and follow the instructions provided on the form. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Applications will close on Saturday, May 31 at 11:59 PM ET.

Letters of reference will be accepted no later than Friday, June 6, 2025.

Further Information

Since the inception of our REU program in 1991, BIOS has enabled over 250 students to undertake independent research projects in Bermuda. Of these, approximately 80 students have translated their efforts into peer-reviewed publications in prominent scientific journals and conference proceedings, providing a springboard to future careers in ocean and atmospheric sciences. 

Visit the BIOS Facebook page to learn more about REU alums and the science research going on at BIOS.

Funding for this REU site is provided by the National Science Foundation’s Division of Ocean Sciences located in Arlington, VA. Award number OCE-2349130. The NSF contact for this program is Elizabeth Rom. NSF does not handle REU applications; please contact each REU site directly for application information.