Nanotechnology, an interdisciplinary field at the forefront of modern science, is pushing the boundaries of research in materials science, physics, engineering, and medicine. As the world increasingly relies on nanoscience to solve complex problems, the demand for skilled researchers continues to rise. For students eager to dive deeper into this rapidly evolving field, participating in internships at renowned research institutions and universities is an essential step. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the top nanotechnology internships globally, designed for undergraduates, graduates, and early-career researchers. These internships offer hands-on experience, exposure to cutting-edge research, and the opportunity to contribute to innovations that will shape the future of science and technology.
1. DAAD RISE Germany – Research Internships in Science and Engineering
Target Audience: Undergraduate students in nanotechnology, physics, materials science
Location: Germany (hosted by research groups at universities or institutes)
Overview: The DAAD RISE program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work in research teams across Germany, collaborating with renowned scientists and gaining practical experience in fields such as nanotechnology, materials science, and physics. This highly competitive internship provides students with the chance to contribute to ongoing projects while honing their research skills.
Website: DAAD RISE Germany
2. MIT MISTI – International Science and Technology Initiatives
Target Audience: MIT students (undergraduate and graduate)
Location: Worldwide (Japan, Germany, Israel, etc.)
Overview: The MIT MISTI program connects MIT students with global research labs, offering internships that span across various nanotechnology disciplines. The program fosters international collaboration and allows students to engage with research projects in world-leading laboratories in countries such as Japan, Germany, and Israel. Participants gain valuable cross-cultural experiences while advancing their knowledge of nanoscience.
Website: MIT MISTI
3. NNCI REU – Research Experience for Undergraduates
Target Audience: U.S. undergraduates interested in nanotechnology
Location: Multiple U.S. nanotechnology centers (Cornell, Stanford, etc.)
Overview: The NNCI REU program provides undergraduate students across the U.S. with hands-on research experience at various nanotechnology centers, including prestigious institutions like Cornell University and Stanford University. This program is designed to enhance students’ understanding of nanoscience and its applications by involving them in cutting-edge research projects.
Website: NNCI REU
4. EPFL Summer Research Program (SRP)
Target Audience: Undergraduate students in STEM fields, including nanoscience
Location: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
Overview: The SRP at EPFL offers undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in research projects across various STEM disciplines, with a particular focus on nanoscience and nanotechnology. Students will work under the guidance of leading researchers at one of Europe’s top technical universities. The program aims to foster academic growth and inspire future careers in research.
Website: EPFL Summer Research Program
5. Argonne National Laboratory – Student Research Participation
Target Audience: U.S. citizens or permanent residents in STEM fields
Location: Illinois, USA
Overview: Argonne National Laboratory, one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s premier research facilities, offers internship opportunities for undergraduate students interested in nanoscience, materials science, and other STEM disciplines. Interns work on high-impact research projects in cutting-edge laboratories, contributing to developments in nanotechnology, energy, and other advanced fields.
6. CERN Technical Student Program (Micro and Nanotechnologies)
Target Audience: Engineering and applied physics students
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Overview: The CERN Technical Student Program provides interns with the opportunity to work at the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. Students specializing in engineering and applied physics, particularly those with an interest in micro and nanotechnologies, can contribute to research aimed at understanding the fundamental forces of nature. This internship offers exposure to some of the most advanced technologies in the world.
Website: CERN Technical Student Program
7. INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Summer Internships
Target Audience: Graduate and undergraduate students in nanotechnology fields
Location: Braga, Portugal
Overview: The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in Portugal offers summer internships for students in nanotechnology, providing them with hands-on experience in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment. The program is ideal for students wishing to develop practical skills in nanotechnology while working alongside international experts in the field.
Website: INL Summer Internships
8. ETH Zurich – Student Summer Research Fellowship
Target Audience: International undergraduates in nanotechnology, physics, engineering
Location: Switzerland
Overview: ETH Zurich, one of the leading universities in Europe, offers a Student Summer Research Fellowship that allows undergraduate students to participate in cutting-edge research in nanotechnology, physics, and engineering. Students work closely with ETH faculty members, gaining exposure to interdisciplinary research and learning about the application of nanoscience in real-world scenarios.
9. National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) iREU Program
Target Audience: U.S. undergraduates to conduct nanotechnology research abroad
Location: Japan, France, Taiwan, and other global locations
Overview: The NNCI iREU program provides U.S. undergraduates with the opportunity to conduct research in nanotechnology abroad. Interns will collaborate with research institutions in countries such as Japan, France, and Taiwan, gaining international experience in one of the most rapidly advancing fields of science.
Website: NNCI iREU Program
10. Berkeley Lab – Summer Internships in Nanoscience & Materials
Target Audience: Undergraduate and graduate students
Location: Berkeley, California
Overview: The Berkeley Lab’s Summer Internship Program offers students the opportunity to conduct research in nanoscience and materials at one of the premier research laboratories in the U.S. Students will gain exposure to the lab’s cutting-edge work in nanomaterials, nanodevices, and their applications in energy and environmental science.
Website: Berkeley Lab Internships