FRI prepares you for the future
Each FRI Research Stream is comprised of a group of undergraduate students pursuing different majors and career paths such as, graduate school, medical school, law school, and the workforce.
Students practice skills desired by employers like written communication, public speaking, data analysis, teamwork, leadership, and project ownership.
CLICK on a stream icon below to learn about student experiences in many of our streams.
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Find out more about ALL of our research streams here>>
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a student in the College of Natural Sciences to be in FRI?
Yes. Only students admitted to the College of Natural Sciences can join FRI.
I am admitted to an honors program. Can I also be in FRI?
You are automatically accepted into FRI if you are in one of the following programs listed below. You do not need to fill out an FRI application, but you must fill out a Stream Sort form to get placed into a stream in October.
Students in an honors program not listed here who are interested in FRI should submit the online FRI application.
If I have been accepted in other CNS learning communities, can I still apply to FRI?
Students accepted into the learning communities below are automatically enrolled in FRI and do not need to submit the online FRI application.
- Biology Scholars Program (BSP)
- Texas Transfers Program (TxT)
- Women in Natural Sciences (WINS)
Texas Interdisciplinary Plan (TIP) Scholars will have the opportunity to join FRI during Summer Orientation.
I am interested in FRI but I am unsure if I will attend UT Austin. Should I still apply?
Yes. Space in FRI is limited so new freshmen should apply as soon as possible to be considered.
How long does an FRI course sequence last?
The FRI program is a two semester sequence (summer and/or second semester is optional).
How does FRI count towards my degree?
During the fall semester of freshman year, some FRI students are enrolled in an 'introduction to scientific research' course. Once in an FRI stream, the spring research experience offers lower division lab credit and the fall research experience offers upper-division lab credit.
What specific areas of research are covered by available research streams?
Each research stream is led by a faculty member who has designed a program of research using our educational model to pursue their fundamental research questions. Research disciplines include astronomy, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, math, and physics.
How do I get placed in an FRI Research Stream?
During the fall semester of freshman year, students can learn about all of the FRI Research Streams at several events, including a poster session and lab open houses.
All admitted FRI students are invited to fill out a Stream Sort form where you can indicate your top stream choices based on your interests. At the end of the semester, you are offered a seat in one of the streams. See the Stream Sort page for more information and timeline.
I am not interested in becoming a researcher. Why should I join FRI?
There are many advantages to joining FRI! Better academic outcomes, research in cutting-edge labs while getting full course credit, being a member of a small community with long-lasting friendships, access to professors and future letters of recommendation, excitement of scientific discovery and better opportunity in graduate and professional programs.
What happens after I complete the FRI course sequence?
The FRI experience prepares you for any number of opportunities. We are dedicated to helping our program alumni explore their interest in research. Check out the Next Steps for future activities.
I am a high school sophomore or junior; can I do summer research in an FRI stream?
Yes, you can apply for the High School Summer Research Academy.
