• A researcher works with equipment

        • About Us

          URA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) academic consortium composed of over 94 premier research universities across the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan headquartered in Washington, D.C. supporting government lab management and operation in the national interest.

        • A grassy area is located next to a column-lined outdoor walkway at a college campus

        • Member Universities

          URA fosters valuable university research partnerships through membership. URA presents members with research opportunities at national engineering and physics labs, engagement with laboratory leadership and management, and recognition of academic achievements.

        • Lab Management

          Since 1965 URA has been an integral part of the management of Fermilab, overseeing the management and operations of the lab and bringing the expertise of our 94 member universities to bear on the challenges facing the Fermilab.  URA supports scholars and interns doing research at Fermilab and recognizes outstanding contributions.  In 2007 URA became part of the organization that manages and operates Sandia National Laboratories and since then has worked to support the scientific and technical demands of Sandia by supporting external calibration of science, technology and engineering (ST&E) programs; aid in ST&E programs’ strategic planning; and assist in development of university partnerships and diverse workforce talent.

        • Science & Research Policy

          URA strives to engender an awareness of the current national science policy issues among its members and early career scientists. This is achieved through a variety of platforms at URA, including science policy and communication training, connecting scientists and policymakers, and policy town halls and workshops. URA’s goal is to facilitate effective science communication to promote the public’s understanding of scientific discoveries, foster trust in scientific institutions, and facilitate informed decision-making by policymakers and the public.

        • Two researchers in hard hats examine computer equipment

        • High Energy Physics User Community

          URA has been a supporter, convener, and integral part of the high energy physics User Community since Fermilab’s creation. Currently approximately seventy-five percent of the university-based users at Fermilab come from URA members. URA members represent the best scientific expertise the nation has to offer. Through our leadership, oversight, and programs URA is committed to ensuring that the full range of expertise from around the Nation and the world contributes to Fermilab’s scientific challenges and the user and affiliate community remains the vital part of the lab’s research base that it has always been.

  • Events
  • News
  • Contact Us

STEM Initiatives & Workforce Development

Home | STEM Initiatives & Workforce Development

URA Visiting Scholars Program

The Visiting Scholars Program supports faculty and students from URA member institutions to work at Fermilab for up to one year.  Scholars visit to conduct research, attend conferences, and participate in summer programs at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. VSP is supported by contributions from over 94 URA-member universities located in the United States, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Two students look at a computer monitor
A roomful of students look at computer monitors in a lab

URA Sandia Summer Graduate Fellowship

Summer Fellows will work in close collaboration with Sandia’s scientists and engineers to engage in challenging R&D projects. Sandia’s mission is “To render exceptional service in the national interest” as one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Laboratories. As a DOE National Nuclear Security Administration laboratory, Sandia has a core mission in national security that is synergistically served by STEM.

URA Undergraduate Women in STEM

The URA-Fermilab Undergraduate Women in STEM internship engages women science and engineering undergraduate students from under-represented groups (American Indian/Alaska Native, African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander) to conduct research at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in fulfillment of its mission.

Two researchers work on a section of equipment at Fermilab
U.S. Capitol building

SPARC: Science Policy & Advocacy for Research Competition

SPARC is a Science Policy & Advocacy for Research Competition for Graduate Students pursuing STEM research who are interested in developing skills in science communication, advocacy, and legislative research. SPARC’s goal is to spark student portfolios in science policy and engagement for the benefit of society. The 10-week virtual program culminates in active science advocacy and a competition. Three winning graduates students will visit Washington D.C. to speak with congresspersons on Capitol Hill and other federal policymakers.