LPI Summer Internship Program 2027

The LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science 2027 is a funded undergraduate research internship organised by the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, Texas, United States.

The programme is operated by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) and receives funding through NASA's Support for Planetary Sample Science. It has provided undergraduate students with planetary science research opportunities since 1977.

Selected participants work individually with experienced scientists from the Lunar and Planetary Institute or NASA's Johnson Space Center. They undertake research projects related to the Moon, planets, asteroids, meteorites and other aspects of planetary science.

Research topics may include planetary geology, impact cratering, astrobiology, planetary atmospheres, geochemistry, remote sensing, geophysics and machine learning.

Throughout the 10-week programme, interns conduct research, develop scientific skills, attend lectures and participate in professional development workshops. They also have opportunities to visit research facilities and interact with scientists working in the planetary sciences.

The internship includes midterm presentations and a final LPI Summer Intern Conference, where participants share their research experiences and findings.

The programme is designed primarily for students currently pursuing Bachelor's degrees who have completed at least 50 semester credit hours. Although science and engineering students are preferred, applicants from other academic disciplines may also be considered if they meet the compulsory requirements.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Academic level: Be an undergraduate student with at least 50 completed semester credit hours.

• Enrolment: Be enrolled in a Bachelor's degree programme during the semester immediately preceding the summer internship.

• Nationality: Be a US citizen or an eligible foreign national.

• Country restrictions: Must not hold citizenship of a country included on the applicable NASA Designated Countries List.

• English proficiency: Demonstrate sufficient English proficiency for reading, writing and speaking.

• Language evidence: Foreign nationals whose primary language is not English must provide accepted proof of proficiency.

• Programme availability: Be able to participate in the in-person programme from 7 June to 13 August 2027, including the mandatory orientation.

• Previous participation: Students who have previously participated in this internship cannot participate again.

Selected participants receive:

• Financial support: At least USD $13,639 for the 10-week internship.

• Internship stipend: Financial support for participation in the research programme.

• Travel allowance: Support towards eligible travel expenses.

• Accommodation: Housing arranged for interns in Houston, paid from the total financial support allocation.

• Living expenses: Financial support intended to assist with living costs during the programme.

• Research mentorship: One-on-one guidance from experienced planetary scientists.

• Laboratory experience: Opportunities to work in scientific research environments at LPI or NASA Johnson Space Center.

• Research presentations: Participation in midterm presentations and the final Summer Intern Conference.

• Professional development: Lectures, scientific seminars and career development activities.

• Networking: Opportunities to build relationships with researchers and professionals in planetary science.

Applicants must prepare the following:

• Online application: Completed official LPI application form.

• Official academic transcript: Issued directly by the applicant's institution or authorised transcript service.

• CV/Résumé: An updated CV uploaded in PDF format.

• Recommendation letters: At least two and no more than three recommendations.

• Essay responses: Answers explaining the applicant's academic goals, career plans, scientific interests and motivation.

• Academic information: Details of enrolment, academic performance, major and completed credit hours.

• Research preferences: Three preferred areas of planetary science research.

• Citizenship information: Relevant citizenship, nationality and immigration status details.

• English-language evidence: Required for applicable foreign-national applicants whose primary language is not English.

LPI evaluates applications based on:

• Academic performance: The applicant's academic record and coursework.

• Curriculum and experience: Relevant education, training, research and other experience.

• Scientific interests: Demonstrated interest in planetary science.

• Career objectives: The relevance of the internship to the applicant's academic and professional goals.

• Research alignment: The match between the applicant's interests and available research projects.

• Project requirements: The specific knowledge or skills required for individual research opportunities.

• Hands-on research: Gain practical experience conducting planetary science research.

• Scientific mentorship: Work directly with scientists at LPI or NASA Johnson Space Center.

• Research development: Strengthen analytical, technical and scientific communication skills.

• Professional networking: Build connections with established researchers and fellow interns.

• Specialised learning: Explore topics such as astrobiology, lunar science and planetary geology.

• Career exploration: Discover research pathways in planetary science, astronomy and related disciplines.

• International experience: Work in a research environment in Houston, Texas, if eligible for participation.