This paid summer International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program is for undergraduates interested in conducting research on ice nucleation in Austria. There has been a resurgence in ice nucleation research within the last decade, largely because of the pressing need to understand the impact of aerosols on precipitation and climate. There are several important commercial applications for ice nucleation research, including the production of artificial snow, the freezing and preservation of water-containing food products, the freeze protection of infrastructure, and the potential modulation of weather.

Students will conduct pre-departure educational activities and peer mentoring in the Schmale Lab at Virginia Tech for about one week. Then, they will conduct about six weeks of field and laboratory research  in the Grothe Lab at the Technical University of Vienna, Austria. Upon completion of the research in Austria, the students will return to Virginia Tech for post-trip activities, including analysis and presentation of data at Virginia Tech's annual Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium on July 30, 2026.

Dr. Hinrich Grothe, Professor, Technical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria will host students in his laboratory. Participating students will frame questions and conduct research concerning ice nucleation at the interfaces of water, soil, vegetation, and the atmosphere. Students will be fully integrated into the Schmale and Grothe labs, and will experience hands on research, group meetings, and close collaboration with other members of related research groups.


Application requirements

• Personal Statement (no more than one page, 12 point font, one inch margins)
• Short Video Submission (2 minutes or less, .mp4 format, 100 MB maximum). Please begin your video by stating your full name, today’s date, and your current location. Speak directly to the camera with your face and voice clearly visible throughout. A mobile phone is fine. Record in a place that feels meaningful to you, such as a lab, classroom, or an outdoor space you enjoy. In your own words, address one or more of the following prompts: describe a moment in the past year when you felt genuinely curious about science; show an object or a printed photo of yourself doing something meaningful that represents your interest in science and explain why it matters to you; and/or share what excites you most about the possibility of spending a summer in Austria.
  
• Transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
• Current Resume or CV
• At least one external reference letter submitted directly by the recommender

• Must be U.S. Citizen.
  
• Must possess a current and valid U.S. passport at the time of application.
• Must be and remain an undergraduate student in good standing.
• Must plan to complete a degree program.
• Must devote full time to research activities and must not engage in or accept additional employment.
• Ability to speak, read, and write German desired, but not required (English is widely spoken in Vienna).
• Because the program includes field activities in remote alpine environments, applicants must also be physically prepared to hike to research sites located near alpine lakes, glaciers, and high-elevation terrain at altitudes up to approximately 9,000 feet. Fieldwork may involve several miles of hiking over uneven ground, carrying personal gear, and working in rapidly changing mountain weather conditions. Applicants should be comfortable with sustained physical activity at high elevation and able to participate safely in these field components.

FAQs

FAQ1. Do I need prior experience in atmospheric science or ice nucleation?
No. Students from any STEM discipline are welcome to apply. Experience in chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, or environmental science is helpful but not required. Curiosity, motivation, and willingness to learn are the most important qualities.

FAQ2. Is this the same as an NSF REU?
It is similar, but officially funded as an NSF IRES project. The structure is comparable to an REU with a strong international component.

FAQ3. Do I qualify if I graduate in May 2026?
No. You must remain an undergraduate through the end of the program.

FAQ4. Can students from any university apply?
Yes. You do not need to be a Virginia Tech student.

FAQ5. Is German language experience required?
No. English is widely spoken in Vienna. A willingness to learn basic phrases is helpful, and a short culture and language orientation is included.

FAQ6. What is the time commitment?
This is a full time research experience. Participants may not hold outside employment during the program.

FAQ7. How competitive is the program?
We usually receive more applications than available positions. Strong applicants show genuine curiosity about science, clear motivation for the international research experience, and strong academic preparation.

FAQ8. Will I earn academic credit?
No academic credit is offered, but students receive intensive research training, professional development, and mentoring that strengthen future applications to graduate school, internships, and careers in science, engineering, environmental fields, and related industries.

FAQ9. What is the application deadline?
Applications and at least one reference letter are due before 5 PM Eastern Time on February 9, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.