Over the past five years, the Letters & Science Summer of Excellence in Research (LASER) Program has proudly connected talented undergraduate students completing their freshman year with unique and valuable research opportunities across the STEM disciplines at UW–Madison. This success would not have been possible without the continued partnership and mentorship of faculty and research groups like yours.
As we look ahead to LASER ’26 (June 15 – August 7, 2026), we are inviting new and returning faculty mentors to submit summer research projects suitable for first-year undergraduate students. The goal of LASER is to provide early, high-quality research experiences that foster scientific curiosity, communication skills, and a sense of belonging in the STEM field. Participants will receive a stipend, free campus housing, and access to a weekly seminar at no cost.
We seek researchers interested in working with and serving as research mentors to our students. Your proposed project will help shape the opportunities available to next year’s cohort of L&S STEM Scholars.
Please submit your Project Proposal Form by Monday, January 13, 2026. Access the form here.
To learn more about LASER, please join us at any of the following ZOOM sessions:
Friday, December 5 12:00 pm ZOOM Link – 12/5
Thursday, December 11 12:00 pm ZOOM Link – 12/11