Plant biology · Undergraduate research · 2027 cycle
ASPB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships 2027
Prepare a mentored plant-biology research proposal before applications open. Use the new cycle’s forms when they become available.
Portal still shows the previous cycle: At review, the application site displayed 2026 dates and forms. ASPB’s main funding page confirms the 2027 window above. The new award amounts, form limits and closing time must be checked when the portal updates.
What ASPB SURF supports
The American Society of Plant Biologists supports early undergraduate research in plant biology. Awardees present at the annual Plant Biology meeting in the year after their fellowship. For 2027 awardees, this points to 2028; confirm the meeting arrangements in the new terms.
The award supports a proposed student–mentor project. It should not be read as an automatic placement at a particular US university or a degree-admission offer.
Eligibility and mentor: previous-cycle framework
The prior framework welcomes international full-time undergraduates in years one to three, preferring second-year students; seniors are excluded. A mentor must be secured before applying, belong to ASPB and host the work in their laboratory.
Students following non-standard degree calendars should confirm how their enrolment maps to the rules. Do not assume your nationality determines the research location or travel eligibility.
Funding and research commitment
Prior-cycle reference only: The portal lists a US$6,000 stipend, ASPB membership, US$700 to the mentor or institution for supplies, and conditional conference-travel support.
It describes ten consecutive full-time research weeks outside classes. Overlapping research salary or stipend is restricted, while supplementary room-and-board support is allowed.
Budgeting advice: Separate personal support from laboratory supplies and later conference costs. Ask your mentor about accommodation, transport, insurance and any research expenses beyond the award. Confirm the 2027 rules before combining funding sources.
Documents to organise
The previous checklist includes student project and personal statements, a mentor research-and-mentoring statement, undergraduate transcripts and an independent faculty recommendation from outside the mentor’s lab.
Use the new forms and page limits once released. The old portal requires combined student/mentor information and warns that finalisation locks the application; recheck these mechanics for 2027.
Prepare with your mentor
CareerAidHub editorial advice: The following steps help organise preparation and are not extra ASPB requirements.
- Choose a manageable question. Explain the biological problem and what a summer project could realistically establish.
- Check resources. Discuss access to plant material, equipment, training and supervision before proposing methods.
- Define your contribution. Distinguish the work you will lead from tasks performed by others. Describe existing skills without exaggeration.
- Build a feasible schedule. Allow for growth times, repeat experiments and data analysis. Discuss a fallback if the first approach fails.
- Arrange independent support. Ask your recommender early and provide a concise account of your academic preparation.
- Check the final package. Compare every file with the new instructions, confirm recommendation completion and retain the submission receipt.
Programme enquiries: slee@aspb.org.
Independent application guidance
The Career Accelerator Program offers career planning, opportunity mapping and application-document feedback. For this fellowship, develop the scientific proposal with your mentor and follow ASPB’s rules on assistance and originality.
CareerAidHub is independent of ASPB and cannot guarantee selection, funding or a visa. General support enquiries: coaxialedu@gmail.com.
Frequently asked questions
Is ASPB SURF 2027 open now?
Not yet. Use the opening date in the status panel and check the official page for changes.
What is the deadline time?
The 2027 announcement gives a date but no closing hour or timezone. Do not carry forward the previous cycle’s time.
Is this a US-only laboratory placement?
Do not assume a fixed host location. The published framework allows a mentor at the student’s institution or another institution; confirm the current rules and practical arrangements.
Are the old award amounts guaranteed?
No. Read the new package when released and ask ASPB about any uncertainty before committing expenditure.
Who should write the research statement?
Our advice is to develop it yourself through discussion with your mentor. Explain the question, approach and your own role accurately.
Can I submit last year’s forms?
Wait for the current forms. Our advice is to use older templates only to organise preparation, never as a substitute for new instructions.
How should I plan my summer?
Discuss your available dates with the mentor and identify conflicts early. Allow time for training, experimental delays and analysis.
Does CareerAidHub award the fellowship?
No. CareerAidHub provides independent guidance; ASPB controls review and awards.
Official source and application route
Reviewed on 6 November 2026 against ASPB’s award page, grants listing and application portal. Follow the official SURF page to the application system and confirm all current-cycle instructions.
