Undergraduate Research

Student in hardhat at an experiment site

Looking for Research?

You are in the right place!

Our department provides a variety of channels for students to get involved with real scientific research early in their careers. Through research, students strengthen their physics knowledge by applying it to real-world problems while developing valuable skills in collaboration, problem-solving, communication, programming, data analysis, and experimental techniques. Undergraduate researchers often work closely with graduate student or postdoctoral mentors and contribute to projects ranging from simulation and data analysis to laboratory experiments and instrumentation. Participating in research is one of the most rewarding parts of the undergraduate experience, and we encourage all students to explore opportunities.

How Research Opportunities Work

There is no single application process for undergraduate research. Most students find research through a combination of attending the Undergraduate Physics Research Fair, applying to URAP positions, exploring opportunities on the Research Opportunities Board, reaching out directly to research groups, and talking with faculty, graduate students, and peers. While some positions are advertised through formal programs, direct outreach and networking are among the most common ways students find research opportunities.

N3AS Undergraduate Research Program
Physics Innovators Initiative Summer Scholars Program (Pi2)

Student Testimonial

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Photo of student Rav Kaur smiling, wearing turquois shirt.

As a freshman coming into UC Berkeley with no previous experience in research or astronomy, I joined ULAB, after learning about it in my physics class, and had my first research experience working on determining cosmic distances from gravitational waves, previously knowing nothing on the topic. The same year, I took the Python for Astronomers DeCal, and did a project on creating Hertzsprung-Russell diagrams for several star clusters. After these two introductory experiences, I felt more confident in my abilities as a researcher, and attended the physics and astronomy research fairs at the start of each semester of my sophomore year. From the fair, I emailed one of the presenters, and subsequently got my position working under Antonella Palmese and Saul Perlmutter on gravitational wave cosmology. Having started this position in the spring, I decided to apply for the Pi2 scholars summer program, and was accepted to the program to work with Antonella as my mentor, continuing the work we started in the spring. I also joined ULAB staff as a lab manager in my sophomore year, and I am now research director for the DeCal, helping other undergraduates get their first research experience like I once did. The various opportunities offered by the Physics and Astronomy departments helped expose me to all these research experiences, and allowed me to improve and grow greatly from when I arrived at Berkeley to now.

- Rav Kaur, Class of ‘24

Research Quick Start Guide

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  1. Attend the Undergraduate Physics Research Fair (fall and spring).
  2. Apply to relevant URAP positions (fall & spring).
  3. Apply to ULAB (fall only): a student-led program for first-time researchers that builds foundational skills and is an excellent option if you don't obtain faculty-led research.
  4. Explore opportunities on the Research Opportunities Board.
  5. Reach out to research groups that interest you. See below for tips and resources.
  6. Cast a wide net—many students contact multiple groups before finding a position.

Best Timing: The first two weeks of each semester are often the busiest recruiting period, with many research opportunities posted and applications due. However, students are welcome—and encouraged—to reach out to research groups at any time during the year, as opportunities can arise on an ongoing basis.

How to Find Research

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Most students find research through one or more of the following approaches:

  • Attend the Undergraduate Physics Research Fair (held each fall and spring within the first two weeks of classes). Research groups share information about their work, answer questions, and sometimes advertise available positions.
  • Apply to Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) positions each semester. URAP allows students to work with faculty researchers for academic credit.
  • Reach out directly to research groups. Direct outreach is one of the most common ways students find research opportunities. Many students obtain positions by contacting faculty members, postdocs, graduate students, and research staff whose work interests them. Research groups do not always advertise available positions, so students are encouraged to contact multiple groups and not be discouraged if they do not receive responses from every email. Students may find our Cold Email Checklist helpful when getting started.
  • Explore opportunities beyond the Physics Department, including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL), the Advanced Light Source (ALS), and related departments such as Astronomy, Nuclear Engineering, and Chemistry.
  • Review the Research Opportunities Board, which includes semester research opportunities, summer programs, funding opportunities, and deadlines.

Suggested Timeline

  • Before the semester: Explore research areas and browse the Research Opportunities Board.
  • First week of classes: Attend the Undergraduate Physics Research Fair.
  • First two weeks of classes: Apply to URAP positions, research positions from the fair, and programs such as ULAB.
  • Throughout the semester: Continue networking and reaching out to research groups.

Build Experience & Connections

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Research experience is not required to obtain a research position. However, the following opportunities can help students explore research and become stronger candidates:

  • Strong performance in coursework—especially 5- or 7-series labs and Physics 77—can help students build skills that are useful in research.
  • Join a Physics Student Organization and attend Physics Colloquia and Seminars. Connect with students and faculty at events to learn more about research opportunities. Many students learn about research opportunities through conversations with faculty, graduate students, and peers.
  • Apply to Physics ULAB, a student-led research program that helps students develop research skills and gain hands-on experience, particularly if they have not yet joined a faculty research group.
  • If interested in theoretical physics, Participate in the Physics Directed Reading Program (PDRP), which pairs undergraduates with graduate student mentors to explore a specialized topic over a semester.
  • Visit the Physics Innovation Lab to gain experience with programming, electronics, CAD, 3D printing, optics, and other research-adjacent skills.

Funding, Course Credit & Summer Opportunities

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Academic Credit

Students conducting research may be eligible to receive academic credit through the following options:

  • Physics/Astronomy 99 or 199 (Supervised Independent Study)
  • Physics/Astronomy H195 (Senior Honors Research)
  • URAP

Contact a Physics advisor for information about eligibility and enrollment procedures.

Paid Research Opportunities

Some research groups are able to hire undergraduate researchers through grants, work-study funding, or departmental support. Students are encouraged to ask research mentors whether funding is available.

Research Funding

  • Berkeley Physics Undergraduate Research Scholarship (BPURS) supports year-long faculty-mentored research projects.

Summer Research Opportunities

Many summer research programs have application deadlines between January and March.

Examples include:

  • SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship)
  • Pi² Scholars Program
  • Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)

These and other opportunities are posted on the Research Opportunities Board.

Watch this 2021 video highlighting physics research persuits by Berkeley physicists and mathmaticians

Basic Research Lights the Way for UC Berkeley's Math & Physical Sciences