REU Program: Quantum@UW

The REU Program Quantum@UW is a 10-week NSF-funded research program at the University of Washington in Seattle. It is designed to offer undergraduate students the opportunity to conduct research on a variety of topics in Quantum Information Science and Engineering ranging from theory and applications (quantum algorithms, cryptography, and complexity theory) to experiments (quantum hardware technologies and architectures). Summer 2026 will be the 2nd edition of this REU (you can find projects and photos from the 1st edition here).

Program dates: June 21 - August 29, 2026
Application deadline: Feb 20, 2026 (11.59pm EST)
Apply here: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/7795/opportunity/11643

Information about applying

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, U.S Nationals, or permanent residents, currently undergraduates at any college/university. The NSF is the funding source for the program and requires this for its funding of REU positions. Applicants should be at least 18 years old by the start date of the program.
Prerequisites: At least one undergraduate course in quantum information or quantum mechanics (or expecting to have completed one by the time the program starts), or equivalent background.
Participation is full-time. Participants should not be taking on other courses, jobs, or REUs.

Required application material:
1) CV/Resume and (unofficial) transcript.
2) Short statement (<500 words, ~1 page) describing your interests in (up to three of) the faculty hosts' research, and any relevant experience or coursework.
3) Contact information of one recommendation letter writer.
4) If indicating "theory" as primary interest, your solution (as a pdf) to one of the problems that you'll find on the application form.

FAQ

How many students will participate? We plan to host 10 students.

What is the stipend? Participants will receive a stipend of $7000 ($700/week).

Is there support for housing, travel, and meals? Yes, participants will receive free on-campus housing (or off-campus, depending on availability), a travel allowance of up to $600, and a small meal allowance.

I'm a graduating senior, am I eligible to apply? Yes, you are eligible (as long as you haven't already accepted, or shortly intend to accept, an outstanding PhD offer - basically, the REU should be helpful to you in deciding on whether to get into quantum computing research, or in enabling you to do so).

My reference letter writer is unable to submit my letter on time for the deadline, can they still submit it later? Yes, they can still submit it after the deadline. The online portal should still accept the letter. In case not, they can still email it directly to coladan (at) cs (dot) washington (dot) edu.

I learnt about this opportunity somewhat late, and didn't have much time to work on the "theory" problem. Can I submit a revised solution after the deadline? Yes, there's a chance it will still be ok but there's no guarantee. You should email this directly to coladan (at) cs (dot) washington (dot) edu. We aim to make decisions on all applications by April 1.

I heard back from another summer program, but not from Quantum@UW. What should I do? If you are still interested in our REU, write to us (at the email below). We may be able to give you an early decision.

If I'm offered a spot, is it ok to decline? Yes, of course. Admissions to REU programs are competitive, and we encourage you to apply to all the ones you'd be happy to attend. Please, do let us know as soon as you make up your mind though, so we can offer the one else.

The last week of the REU overlaps with my first week of classes. Can I leave early? We realize that for some schools this might be the case. If that's the case for you, it's fine for us that you leave a week early (the only way to make the 10-week program work logistically on our end was for it to end on August 29).

Why should I apply? If you are interested in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE), we think you will have a fun time here! Your research will focus on one area within QISE, but you will be part of a cohort of students who are also excited about quantum information, and are working on a wide variety of topics from theory to experiments. You will also get the chance to interact with researchers from the neighbouring quantum industry, e.g. through events at Microsoft Quantum in Redmond, and IonQ's fabrication facilities in Bothell. In addition, Seattle (and the Pacific Northwest) is one of the best places in the world to be in the Summer...

Contact: Have questions that are not answered here? Email Andrea Coladangelo: coladan (at) cs (dot) washington (dot) edu

This REU program is generously supported by the NSF under award CCF-2446908.