The objective of the nine-week program is to provide an opportunity for nine undergraduate students to learn firsthand the nature of research in mathematics.
The participants will conduct research on problems in combinatorics, combinatorial number theory, and graph theory under the guidance of the two program directors from UMD and Harvard and program alumni who are PhD students from Princeton and Stanford.
Dates: May 31 - July 30, 2026
Stipend: Stipend: $5500
Allowances: Up to $850 for travel; free on-campus apartment housing
Location: University of Minnesota Duluth
Application Deadline: February 13, 2026
Applicants will be selected on the basis of motivation, mathematical accomplishments, and projected likely benefits to the participant and the program.
To qualify for stiped support, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen (or national) or have permanent resident status. An undergraduate studying at a U.S. institution who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident may apply but cannot receive a stipend. In these cases, some support for travel, housing, and the cost of living can be provided.
The exact starting and ending dates as well as the length of stay are negotiable. There will be organized social and recreational activities such as rafting, hiking, and driving. There will be 16-20 visitors, most of whom are program alumni.
Applications can be submitted at mathprograms.org.
A complete application consists of the following items:
Two letters of recommendation.
Curriculum Vitae (i.e., resume). This can include any awards, professional experience, relevant skills, or publications.
A transcript (it need not be official) OR a list of all university-level courses with grades.
A statement explaining your interest in combinatorics, number theory, or graph theory, your long-term career plans, any experiences that especially qualify you for participation, your current institution, and your expected date of graduation. If applicable, include information about your performance in math competitions such as the USAMO and the Putnam. (Do not include copies of papers you have written.)
Here is an AMS blog about applying to REU programs.
Joseph A. Gallian, Program co-Director, University of Minnesota Duluth
jgallian@d.umn.edu
Colin Defant, Program co-Director, Harvard
colindefant@gmail.com