Simons Summer Research Program 2026: Full Overview

The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University gives motivated high-school participants a rare chance to step inside real STEM laboratories. 

Each participant joins an active research group, builds practical skills, and learns directly from experienced faculty mentors.

Across six intensive weeks on campus, participants explore new ideas, contribute to ongoing projects, and grow in confidence as emerging researchers. The programme finishes with a written abstract and a poster presented at a final symposium.

Here is a complete guide to the Simons Summer Research Program in 2026.

Course Breakdown

Note: Check their official website for their current pricing.

Why Choose the Simons Summer Research Program?

The Simons Summer Research Program gives 11th-grade participants the chance to work inside real laboratories at Stony Brook University, a leading research institution on Long Island. 

Participants join active science, mathematics, or engineering groups based in the university’s research buildings, gaining daily exposure to the pace and expectations of an R1 laboratory environment. This includes access to specialist equipment, dedicated lab spaces, and close guidance from experienced faculty mentors.

Weekly academic sessions enrich the laboratory experience. Furthermore, research talks, skill-building workshops, and campus events help participants grow in confidence as they learn to analyse data, discuss ideas, and communicate their findings.

The programme concludes with a formal poster symposium, during which each participant presents their work to faculty, peers, and guests. Additionally, participants receive a stipend during this closing ceremony. Its tuition-free structure adds further appeal, making advanced research more accessible to committed learners.

Like the Simons Summer Research Program, Immerse also values curiosity, academic growth, and personalised support. 

Immerse extends these principles through flexible online research pathways, multiple global residential locations, and a broad subject range that spans STEM, humanities, and creative disciplines.

Participants can study in Oxford, Cambridge, London, and cities abroad, experiencing academic life in renowned settings. And for learners exploring future careers, the Career Insights programme offers project-based study linked to real industries, helping participants understand professional pathways while developing practical skills.

Key Features of the Simons Summer Research Program

The Simons Summer Research Program places participants inside active research laboratories at Stony Brook University, giving them hands-on experience with real projects, specialist equipment, and daily guidance from faculty mentors. Each participant joins a research group and develops practical skills that support future scientific study.

Weekly talks, workshops, and campus events offer structured academic support and help participants build confidence in presenting and discussing their work. Meanwhile, safety training in the first week ensures that every participant feels prepared for the laboratory environment.

The programme offers both commuter and residential options. Commuters attend their lab and academic sessions each day, while residential participants stay in university halls for the full duration of the programme. 

The residential option remains relatively affordable compared with many research placements, as participants only need to budget $2,450 for summer 2026, covering dorm fees, a required starter meal plan, and health services fees.

A final poster symposium brings the programme to a close, allowing each participant to present their findings in a professional setting, along with a stipend that students will receive. Overall, the tuition-free model makes this a strong option for learners seeking high-level research experience without significant academic fees.

Advantages

• Authentic university lab immersion: Work inside active Stony Brook University research laboratories with access to specialist equipment and real scientific workflows.
• Faculty-led mentorship: Receive direct guidance from university faculty and research staff who supervise ongoing STEM projects.
• Tuition-free academic experience: Access a high-level research placement without academic tuition fees, making it more accessible to motivated learners.
• Poster symposium presentation: Present research findings at a formal university-style symposium attended by faculty, peers, and invited guests.
• Residential affordability: Stay on campus for about $2,450, covering housing and dining for the full duration of the programme.
• Hands-on scientific practice: Engage in daily experiments, data analysis, lab meetings, and technical skill-building rarely available at the high-school level.

Disadvantages

• STEM-only focus: Academic areas are limited to science, mathematics, and engineering, with no options in humanities, social sciences, or creative subjects.
• US-only eligibility: Only US citizens or permanent residents may apply, limiting access for international students.
• No online pathways: The programme is fully in person with no remote or hybrid options available.
• Single campus location: All activity takes place at Stony Brook University, with no alternative campuses or international locations.
• Narrow age range: Only 11th-grade students aged sixteen or older may participate.
• Highly competitive selection: With an acceptance rate around five percent, many strong applicants may not receive a place.

Simons Summer Research Program vs Immerse Education

Immerse Education offers three core pathways: Academic Insights, Career Insights, and the Online Research Programme (ORP), combining university-style learning, real-world experience, and one-to-one research mentorship across global locations.

Is the Simons Summer Research Program Worth It?

The Simons Summer Research Program is a strong choice for participants who want meaningful exposure to scientific research in a real university laboratory. The programme offers access to specialist equipment, structured mentorship from faculty, and daily involvement in active STEM projects. This level of immersion helps participants build confidence, independence, and a practical understanding of scientific inquiry.

Its tuition-free structure also makes it appealing for motivated learners who value academic depth without traditional programme fees. The final poster symposium provides a clear academic goal and allows each participant to present their work in a professional setting. With residential costs of around $2,450, the on-campus experience remains relatively accessible compared with many research-focused summer programmes.

However, the programme is highly competitive, has narrow eligibility criteria, and focuses solely on STEM. It also provides no online pathways or flexibility for participants who prefer different formats or wider subject choices.

For learners seeking a broader academic experience, Immerse offers residential and online programmes across STEM, humanities, and creative subjects. Participants can study in renowned global locations, work with experienced tutors, and choose pathways that reflect their academic interests or career ambitions.

Alternatives to the Simons Summer Research Program

• Immerse Education – Academic Summer School: Oxbridge-style teaching in small tutorials, with residential programmes in Oxford, Cambridge, and Sydney.
• Immerse Education – Career Insights: Project-based learning focused on real industries, offered in global cities for participants exploring future career pathways.
• Immerse Education – Online Research Programme: One-to-one or small-group research mentoring across STEM, humanities, and creative subjects, delivered flexibly online.
• Polygence: Online project-based mentorship where participants work with academic specialists to produce independent research or creative outputs.
• Research Science Institute (RSI): A selective residential STEM research programme offering intensive academic challenge and mentorship.

How to Apply

1. Confirm your eligibility – Applicants must be in 11th grade, at least sixteen by the programme start date, and either a US citizen or permanent resident. These requirements must be met before applying.
2. Secure your school nomination – Most schools may nominate only two students each year. For the 2026 cycle, schools will submit nominations by 30 January 2026. Applicants should speak with a science teacher or counsellor early to ensure they are considered.
3. Complete the online application – After nomination, applicants complete the online form, upload a transcript, and identify preferred research areas. For 2026, the application will be due by 5 February 2026 at 11:59 pm EST.
4. Arrange your teacher recommendations – Two recommendations are required, ideally from science or maths teachers. Recommenders will need to submit their forms by 13 February 2026.
5. Monitor your email for decisions – After applications close, the programme will review submissions and release decisions in early April 2026. Successful applicants will then receive instructions about confirming their place and arranging commuter or residential participation.

Final Thoughts

The Simons Summer Research Program offers motivated students a valuable opportunity to engage in real university-level STEM research. Its hands-on laboratory work, faculty mentorship, and tuition-free model make it a strong choice for learners who want practical scientific experience.

Its narrow eligibility and STEM-only focus, however, may not suit those seeking broader subjects or more flexible formats. 

Immerse Education provides residential and online programmes across STEM, humanities, and creative fields, giving participants the chance to learn in global locations and explore pathways that align with their academic goals.

With its global settings and diverse pathways, Immerse allows participants to grow academically and personally in ways that shape their future.