More than 150 undergraduate students are scheduled to participate in hands-on research and technical training at Department of Energy National Laboratories and a fusion facility during the fall 2026 term. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort by the Department of Energy to ensure the United States maintains a highly skilled scientific and technical workforce capable of addressing energy, economic, and national security challenges.
The fall cohort includes 131 undergraduate students from two- and four-year colleges and universities through the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships program, along with 20 students participating through the Community College Internships program. These participants represent 112 academic institutions across 35 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.
While participating, students will work alongside National Lab scientists and engineering mentors on a variety of cutting-edge research and technology projects. Fields of study include artificial intelligence, computational sciences, accelerator physics, fusion energy, materials sciences, quantum sciences, and cybersecurity.
Darío Gil, the DOE Under Secretary for Science, indicated that connecting students and educators with National Laboratories opens doors to discovery and helps establish pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. He noted that this firsthand experience serves to inspire future innovators and build a workforce prepared to solve the nation’s most pressing energy and science challenges.
The internship programs are managed by the Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists within the DOE Office of Science. Participants are selected based on merit from a diverse range of academic backgrounds and institutions across the country.
