REU & RET Nominations | NSF EEC Grantees Conference

REU & RET Site Participant Nominations

Overview

As a PI for an REU and/or RET site, we invite you to nominate a site participant to participate in the 2026 NSF EEC Grantees Conference. A total of 10 REU and 10 RET site participants will be selected. Selected participants will receive a travel stipend to attend the conference free of charge and have the opportunity to present a poster showcasing their work and accomplishments related to their REU/RET project. Each PI may nominate one REU and one RET individual.

PI Responsibilities

If your nominee is selected to participate in the conference, you will be asked to serve as an ambassador PI at the event, helping them navigate the conference and enhancing their overall experience. This ambassador role may include (but is not limited to) the following activities:

Offering a brief on-campus meeting prior to the conference to discuss expectations
Working on a poster with the nominee to present at the conference
On-site networking facilitation
Post-event debriefing

Nomination Submission Process

Submit your nomination materials via SurveyMonkey Friday, May 22, 2026 at 5:00pm, ET.

Your nomination package should include:

PI and Nominee Contact Information
PI Letter of Recommendation: Your letter should be no more than 500 words and include the following information:
1. Details of site participation (e.g., duration, responsibilities)
2. Demonstrated commitment to REU/RET (e.g. skills or qualities displayed during work, work ethic, specific ways nominee has contributed to your research)
3. How your nominee will benefit from participating in this conference
4. Anything else you feel worth noting (e.g. distinguishing characteristics).
Nominee Personal Statement: This statement should be no more than 500 words and include the following information:
1. How REU/RET participation has impacted their career goals
2. How they will benefit from attending this conference
3. Relevant information illustrating their commitment to REU/RET
4. Characteristics that may distinguish them from other nominees

Submit A Nomination

Additional Details

Travel Stipend

The following conference-related expenses will be covered or reimbursed for the 20 selected site participants:

Travel fees (airfare will be covered in advance)
Hotel accommodations (covered in advance)
Conference registration fee (waived)
Additional allowable travel-related expenses (reimbursed post-conference)

Pre- and Onsite Conference Activities

The selected REU/RET site participants will be introduced via email so they may get acquainted prior to the conference. At the conference, all 20 selected site participants will have the opportunity to present a poster on their experience at their project site. PIs should plan to cover poster printing costs.

Nomination Timeline

Submission Period: March 23 - May 22, 2026
Review Period: May 23 - June 26, 2026
Notification Period: June 29 - July 3, 2026