Sanford Underground Research Facility Foundation

To help carry out SURF's Mission, the SURF Foundation advances philanthropy to inspire and educate through science, technology and engineering.

Two female students look inquistivly at each other over a science activity.

These two students are on the forefront of making a discovery. We love this image, because you can see the impact of our education programing in the faces of these girls.

Photo by Nick Hubbard

To advance science and education please consider a donation to the SURF Foundation.

SURF Institute

Today, SURF houses world-leading, multidisciplinary research and incorporates that research into science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. We seek to bring scientists from around the globe to explore new science initiatives, while providing a unique space in which they can learn more about our universe.

Click here to be a cornerstone of SURF’s next universal undertaking.

Click here to learn about the history of Sanford Lab as its legacy grows into the future.

Scientists of the Future

Our commitment to K-12 education encourages children to see themselves as scientists, researchers and engineers. Our internships offer students the opportunity to learn from experts and gain real world experience. Based on high science standards, Sanford Lab’s innovative curriculum modules highlight the science of Sanford Lab and are designed to inspire and challenge every student. Since 2015, we have impacted the lives of more than 50,000 students – a number that grows every day. We make a concerted effort to reach out to under-served populations, especially those in rural areas. In 2020, the Education and Outreach team’s work was recognized as a world-wide model for science education and workforce development.

Click here to give a gift to education.

Click here to learn more about SURF’s Education and Outreach programs.

Beyond the Classroom, into the Community

We invite guest speakers, scientists and others to help us tell fascinating stories behind the science taking place nearly a mile underground. Our public outreach programs have reached more than 30,000 people since 2008. This includes individuals who have attended public events like Neutrino Day, Deep Talks, Nobel Day and our many presentations that are offered to groups across the country and around the globe.

Click here to help promote the growth and accessibility of groundbreaking research and ideas.

Click here to see what events are happening soon.

United in One Space

To attract the best science in the world, we plan to update our Education and Outreach facilities and design a facility to house the SURF Institute. This physical space is critical to three key areas:

Creating a collaborative, synergistic and stimulating environment for the development of new initiatives.
Sharing and fostering growth within the science community and encouraging cooperation among countries and institutions.
Offering more opportunities for STEM educators to interface with scientists from around the world.

Click here to make a contribution toward the development of SURF’s enterprising workspaces.

Click here to learn more about current, groundbreaking science happening at SURF.