INT Undergraduate Research Network program | Institute for Nuclear Theory (INT)

The Institute for Nuclear Theory (INT) at the University of Washington (UW) offers opportunities for undergraduate research in nuclear physics. This INT Undergraduate Research Network (INTURN) program hosts undergraduate students interested in pursuing research in nuclear theory and taking steps toward a career in physics. Program activities are centered around individual student projects and supported with mentorship from the INT postdocs, research assistant professors, graduate students, and faculty.

The INT is a U.S. Center of Excellence for theoretical nuclear physics research. Within the program, the students are able to participate in a wide range of topics on the cutting edge of fundamental nuclear science, including (but not limited to) phases and properties of matter at extreme density and temperature, neutron stars, cosmic explosions and compact object mergers, nucleosynthesis, neutrino physics, dense nuclear matter, and the structure of hadrons and nuclei. For a full list of available projects, see “Open Projects” below.

The application deadline for spring quarter 2025 has passed.

Research projects involve theoretical and computational work. Through project activities, the participants gain valuable skills for a successful career in STEM fields, such as model development, code development, and data analysis. The students also gain numerous opportunities to hone their scientific communication skills and network with senior researchers in nuclear physics and closely related areas. In addition, students interested in nuclear astrophysics, neutrinos, and fundamental interactions are able to interact with members of the Network for Neutrinos and Nuclear Astrophysics (N3AS).

Participants in the program are eligible for course credits or stipends. The program's initial phase lasts one academic quarter, and interested students will be offered the possibility to continue over the summer and the next academic year. Program activities require a commitment of about 8-10 hrs/week during the academic year and 20-40 hrs/week during the summer.

To be eligible for the program, candidates must: 1) be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate STEM major at the time of application and for the duration of the program, 2) be in good standing overall, 3) be 18 years of age at time of application.

For questions, contact intmail@uw.edu.