INSTITUTE FOR PURE AND APPLIED MATHEMATICS (IPAM), UCLA
Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS)
full · bachelors, masters
- 9-week programSummer duration
- Teams of 4 studentsProject structure
- ~US$3,000+ stipend (est.)Participant stipend
- Travel, housing, mealsFully funded
- Academic + industry mentorPer team
- All nationalitiesWho can apply
At a glance
full
Funding
€5k
Max amount
Mar 2, 2027
Deadline
All nationalities
Country
Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM), UCLA
Provider
The Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS) program is a fully funded summer research experience hosted by the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM) at UCLA in Los Angeles, USA. Over 9 weeks (historically late June to late August), small teams of undergraduate students work on real, industry-sponsored research projects in mathematics, computer science and data analysis. Each team of 4 students is guided by both an academic mentor and an industry mentor, with one team member serving as project manager, and the program culminates in 'Projects Day' where teams present their results at the sponsor's facilities. IPAM, founded in 2000 and funded in part by the US National Science Foundation, provides a summer stipend plus full travel coverage (airfare or mileage reimbursement), on-campus housing in UCLA residence halls and meals - a package commonly worth several thousand US dollars across the summer. Participants also get office space, technical support, guest lectures and daily tea time, with easy access to Santa Monica, Hollywood and nearby national parks. IPAM actively encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. Because the stipend and exact dates are set fresh each year, confirm the current-cycle figures and deadline on the official IPAM RIPS page before you apply.
What's covered
- Research stipend — A competitive summer stipend for participation, commonly worth roughly US$3,000 or more (est.) across the 9-week program; confirm the current figure officially.
- Travel coverage — All travel expenses, including airfare or mileage reimbursement, are fully covered to and from Los Angeles.
- Housing — On-campus accommodation in UCLA residence halls for the duration of the program.
- Meals — Meals are provided at UCLA, ensuring a comfortable living arrangement throughout the summer.
- Facilities and support — Dedicated office space at the IPAM offices, technical support, guest lectures and social activities such as daily tea time.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the MathPrograms.org system linked from the official IPAM RIPS page, with supporting documents and a reference.
- Review the RIPS page — Read the current-cycle RIPS announcement on the official IPAM website to confirm dates, eligibility and required materials.
- Prepare your materials — Assemble an updated resume/CV and an unofficial transcript (official transcripts are not required at application stage).
- Arrange a reference — Ask a faculty member or supervisor who knows your mathematical and research ability to provide a letter of recommendation.
- Apply online — Create an account on MathPrograms.org (linked from the IPAM RIPS page) and complete the RIPS application, uploading your documents.
- Submit before the deadline — Submit the full application before the closing date (historically around 2 March) and ensure your reference is received.
Eligibility
Student statusCurrently enrolled as an undergraduate at a university in any country, or a recent graduate who finished a bachelor's degree no earlier than the preceding December.
NationalityOpen to all nationalities, including international students studying in the USA and those studying abroad.
Mathematics backgroundA strong foundation in mathematics is highly encouraged, along with an interest in applying it to real-world industrial problems.
Technical skillsExperience in computer science, data analysis or numerical computation is valuable but not required for every participant.
CommitmentAble to take part in the full 9-week program in Los Angeles, including teamwork, presentations and Projects Day.
IPAM actively seeks applications from women and underrepresented groups in mathematics and science. Slots are limited, so the selection process is highly selective.
Eligible countries
All nationalities
Deadlines
Summer 2026~2 March 2026 (est.)
Selection
Selection is highly competitive because the number of places is limited. Applications are reviewed by IPAM on the strength of the applicant's mathematical background, technical skills, transcript and reference letter, with attention to teamwork potential and to broadening participation from women and underrepresented groups.
Verified sources
- IPAM RIPS - official program pageipam.ucla.eduofficial
- MathPrograms.org - application systemmathprograms.orgofficial
About the provider
The Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM) is a US National Science Foundation mathematics institute based at UCLA, founded in 2000, which fosters collaboration between mathematicians and other scientists and runs the RIPS program connecting students with industry-sponsored research.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for RIPS?
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Undergraduate students of all nationalities enrolled at a university in any country, plus recent graduates who finished a bachelor's degree no earlier than the preceding December.
Where and when does RIPS take place?
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At IPAM, UCLA, in Los Angeles, USA, over about 9 weeks in the summer - historically from late June to late August.
Is RIPS fully funded?
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Yes. Participants receive a stipend plus full travel coverage, on-campus housing and meals.
How much is the stipend?
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A competitive summer stipend, commonly worth roughly US$3,000 or more (est.) across the program; confirm the exact figure on the official IPAM page.
What subjects does RIPS cover?
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Industry-sponsored research projects in mathematics, computer science and data analysis, applied to real-world problems.
How are the teams organised?
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Students work in small teams (typically 4 members, one acting as project manager), each supported by an academic mentor and an industry mentor.
Do I need a strong programming background?
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A strong mathematics foundation is encouraged; computer science, data analysis or numerical computation experience is valuable but not required for every participant.
Can international students studying abroad apply?
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Yes. RIPS is open to both international students studying in the USA and those studying outside the USA.
What documents are required?
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An updated resume/CV, an unofficial transcript and a letter of recommendation; official transcripts are not needed at the application stage.
When is the application deadline?
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Historically around 2 March; confirm the exact 2026 date on the official IPAM RIPS page.
How do I submit my application?
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Through the MathPrograms.org system linked from the official IPAM RIPS announcement.
Where can I confirm the latest details?
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On the official IPAM RIPS program page at UCLA, which publishes current dates, the stipend, eligibility and required materials each cycle.