Columbia Math Undergraduate Summer Research (CMUSR)
The Mathematics Department offers a ten week summer research program for undergraduate students with a strong interest in pure mathematics. The program is designed primarily for rising juniors and seniors majoring in mathematics or closely related fields.
Participants work in small groups and collaborate closely with faculty members and graduate student mentors on focused research projects. The goal of the program is to give students first hand experience with mathematical research, including reading advanced material, exploring open problems, and communicating mathematical ideas clearly.
The department also offers a separate summer research program focused on mathematical modeling. For information about that program, please visit the Columbia Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences in Mathematical Modeling (CSUREMM) page. Applications for the 2026 CSUREMM program are now open.
Eligibility
CMUSR is open to continuing undergraduate students at Columbia University and Barnard College, regardless of U.S. residency.
The program is not open to:
- graduating seniors
- graduate students
- students who have already earned or will earn a bachelor’s degree by August 31, 2026
- students not enrolled full time at Columbia or Barnard
Barnard students must also submit a separate application through the Barnard Summer Research Institute (SRI). The SRI application deadline is March 4, 2026.
Program Dates
May 26 – July 31, 2026
CMUSR is a full time, in person summer program. Participants are expected to be on campus for the full duration of the program and available for all scheduled activities. Final student presentations will take place during the last week of the program.
Stipend and Housing
Participants receive:
- a stipend of $3,500
- residential housing for the duration of the program (05/26 – 07/31/2026)
Because of the intensity of the program, participants should plan to devote their full attention to CMUSR and should not have other academic or work commitments during this period.
Research Projects
The number of projects offered this summer is contingent on available funding. All applicants will be notified promptly of any updates.
At this time, applications are open for one confirmed CSUMR project. Applicants may apply only to this project in the current application cycle.
Project 1: Mathematics of gravitational waves and black holes
Project PI: Sven Hirsch
Graduate Mentor: Raphael Tsiamis
Application link: https://forms.gle/L7KtZM5tLaSfHjRz8
Project 2: Duality Interfaces in 3d Mirror Symmetry
Project PI: Tommaso Botta
Graduate Mentor: Igor Chaban
Application link: https://forms.gle/TZ8uQjfWQM8mGBZy8
Application Materials
Applicants will be asked to submit:
- a one page CV or résumé
- a one page statement describing research interests and motivation for participating
- an up to date unofficial university transcript
- one faculty reference letter
Barnard students must also submit an application through the Barnard SRI Program.
Application Timeline
Applications for CMUSR will open on February 1, 2026.
The application deadline is March 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM (EST).
Contact
For questions about the program, please contact George Dragomir.
Follow us on Twitter @ColumbiaMath
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply?
CMUSR is designed for Columbia and Barnard undergraduates who are interested in pure mathematics. Students should have completed at least one proof-based course and should feel comfortable reading and writing rigorous proofs. The program is best suited for students who are ready to spend several weeks engaging deeply with a specific area of mathematics.
Are there prerequisites for the program?
Yes. Each project lists specific prerequisites, and we encourage you to read those carefully before applying. Summer research is not a course. The projects assume that you already have the relevant background and are ready to begin working actively on mathematical questions from the start. Because the program moves quickly, there is not time to learn the core material from scratch during the summer.
Should first-year students apply?
CMUSR projects typically require a level of mathematical background that students develop after completing several proof-based and upper-level courses. If you are in your first year, we encourage you to look closely at the listed prerequisites and think carefully about your preparation. For many students, waiting a year and building a stronger foundation leads to a more productive and rewarding research experience.
What kind of work does CMUSR involve?
CMUSR focuses on pure mathematics. Projects vary from year to year but are typically centered around a mathematical theme or problem. Students read advanced material, explore examples and try ideas that may work or not, and write proofs, meeting regularly with a faculty lead and a graduate mentor. The goal is to gain firsthand experience with how mathematicians approach and communicate their research work.
Do I need prior research experience?
No. Prior research experience is not required. Research does feel different from coursework, however. It requires independence, patience, and persistence. You may spend several days thinking about a problem before things become clear. Being comfortable with that process is important.
What is the expected outcome?
Students write a final report and present their work at a symposium at the end of the program. More broadly, the goal is growth: learning how to read mathematics carefully, think deeply about a problem, and communicate ideas clearly.
What makes a strong application?
Strong applicants show clear preparation for the specific project they select. We look for students who are comfortable with proof-based reasoning and who have taken the listed prerequisite courses. We also value curiosity, sustained engagement with mathematics, and the ability to work independently while participating thoughtfully in a collaborative environment.
What should I include in the statement of interest?
Your statement should explain why you are interested in the project(s) you list, what background prepares you for that topic, and what you hope to gain from the experience. It does not need to be highly technical or overly formal. We are trying to understand your preparation, your motivation, and how you think about mathematics. Being clear and specific is more helpful than trying to sound impressive.
Who should write my reference letter?
The reference letter should come from a faculty member who can speak to your mathematical preparation and your readiness for research. Ideally, this is someone who has taught you in a proof-based or advanced mathematics course. Letters from high school teachers are generally not appropriate. The letter should address your performance in university-level mathematics (or a closely related quantitative field) and your potential for independent mathematical work.
Is CMUSR full-time?
Yes. CMUSR is a full-time summer commitment. Participants are expected to treat it as their primary academic activity during the program. Because research requires sustained focus, significant outside commitments are strongly discouraged.
Is funding provided?
Yes. Participants receive a summer stipend or may be supported through an approved external scholarship or fellowship. Because CMUSR is a full-time program, students may not hold overlapping summer research awards or paid positions during the same period.
Have similar programs been offered in the past?
Yes. Information about past years’ programs is available here.
The 2026 CMUSR program is made possible with support from the Mathematics Department.
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