Summer Research Program

The Thomas M. Siebel Center for Computer Science, home to Illinois Computer Science.
The Thomas M. Siebel Center for Computer Science, home to Illinois Computer Science.

In the Siebel School for Computing and Data Science Summer Research Program (SRP), students work with Illinois faculty mentors and graduate students over the summer to get an introduction to computer science research. This is an outstanding opportunity for aspiring scientists and faculty to learn from leading experts in computer science.  

The Siebel School for Computing and Data Science SRP activities include networking and social events, weekly lunch and learn seminars covering topics such as research skills, presentation skills, and information about graduate school, including applications, career opportunities, etc.  The experience is capped off with an end-of-summer research symposium, allowing participants to share their work.

SRP Important Information

Learn more about program dates, format, and funding for the summer research program.

Dates

The SRP will take place from May 26 to July 31, 2026.

The SRP will take place in a hybrid format with both in-person and online offerings.

Funding, including rate of pay and number of hours of work, is determined on an individual basis between the participant and faculty research mentor after the student has been accepted to the program and matched with a faculty mentor.

How to apply to the Summer Research Program

Gather your application materials: 

  1. Name and contact information of one professional reference. This professional reference should be someone who can speak to your academic and/or research skills. This person does not need to be a CS professor.
  2. Current CV or Resume
  3. Personal Statement: a 300-500 word statement of interest describing your individual goals and how you believe this research experience could help you achieve those goals.
  4. Research Statement: describe any prior research experiences you may have had (not required) and what topics you would like to research this summer. 
  5. Bio: a brief 150-word bio describing your academic and research background

Application Opens on  December 8, 2025

Apply Here Beginning Dec 8


Upcoming Summer Research Events

 
Jul
7

Summer Research Program Lunch and Learn: Developing your Professional Persona - Fernando Granha Jeronimo, Mashfiqui Rabbi and Jule Schatz

  • July 7, 2026
  • Tuesday, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Hybrid (In-person at Siebel Center, room 2405 and online at zoom link)
Jul
7

Summer Research Program Community Building: Board Games

  • July 7, 2026
  • Tuesday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Siebel Center, room 2405
Jul
10

Summer Research Program Community Building: Kayaking at Sugar Valley

  • July 10, 2026
  • Friday, All Day
  • Sugar Valley Marshall, IN
Jul
14

Summer Research Program Lunch and Learn: Presentation and Other Verbal Communication Skills - Ruby Tahboub, Gang Wang

  • July 14, 2026
  • Tuesday, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Hybrid (In-person at Siebel Center, room 2405 and online at zoom link)
Jul
16

Summer Research Program Community Building: Brazilian Dinner at Gies Stadium

  • July 16, 2026
  • Thursday, 6:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Gies Stadium
 
 
Jul
21

Summer Research Program Lunch and Learn: Preparing a Competitive Application for Graduate School and External Fellowships - Max Fowler, Aishwarya Ganesan and Lana Lazebnik

  • July 21, 2026
  • Tuesday, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Hybrid (In-person at Siebel Center, room 2405 and online at zoom link)
Jul
21

Summer Research Program Community Building: Bowling

  • July 21, 2026
  • Tuesday, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Illini Union Rec Room
Jul
28

Summer Research Program Lunch and Learn: Siebel School Summer Research Program Symposium

  • July 28, 2026
  • Tuesday, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Hybrid (In-person at Siebel Center, room 2405 and online at zoom link)