Research Experience for Teachers (RET)

To apply to our RET program, please click on the Apply button below! 

The MRL provides opportunities for teachers to participate in laboratory research and develop leading-edge curriculum projects. 

SUMMER 2026 NEWS

More RET Details (Flyer)

**Upcoming RET presentation** - Jan 21, 2027 "Science Community of Practice" at UCSB. Contact Frank Kinnaman (frank_kinnaman@ucsb.edu) for more info.

RET PRESENTATIONS AT FEB 2026 GCSN MEETING

In this six week summer program, local science teachers participate in laboratory research under the mentorship of MRL graduate, post-doctoral and faculty researchers. During a flexible four week second summer program, Teachers also work collaboratively to translate their research experiences into the development of inquiry-based lab projects for science classrooms. Participants receive a $10,000 total stipend distributed throughout the program, with additional travel support and potential on-campus housing for long-distance commuters.

Applications for summer 2027 are now open. PLEASE CLICK THE "APPLY" LINK BELOW! (Brief applications are fine, we will contact you with follow up questions).

For the first summer of the MRL RET program (RET1), teachers are placed as interns in UCSB research groups for 6 weeks, usually mid-June through July. (summer 2027 dates are possibly June 21 through July 30.. We can hopefully work around other Professional Development or travel that you might have).

For the second summer of participation (RET2), teachers work for 4 weeks, with remote and flexible scheduling possible, developing a science curriculum for presentation to their colleagues. Participants are encouraged to develop units in which students will collect hands-on scientific data, and strengthen their science and engineering skills, much as the our teachers do in the lab.

For more information on the RET program please see the "2027 RET Info" link below or contact frank_kinnaman@ucsb.edu with any questions. 

For more details on teacher projects and the resources for their classroom projects, please see the links below and also our "workshops" page. 

• 2027 RET Info
• Apply