2026 Davis-Bahcall Scholars Program applications open at America’s Underground Lab
Davis-Bahcall Scholars travel the world for four weeks each summer touring cutting-edge research facilities and meeting scientists who are leading their fields.
The Davis-Bahcall Scholars Program is now accepting applications for the summer of 2026. The annual program takes students into the depths of the Sanford Underground Research Facility and then around the world on an all-expense-paid STEM learning opportunity. The program is designed for students focused on physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering.
Students will visit top-tier research institutions and meet leading scientists working on groundbreaking projects. Along the way, they will learn about research on dark matter, neutrinos, and other STEM-related fields. See photos and updates from past cohorts on the Davis-Bahcall Scholars Program Facebook page.
For Wyatt Schell, a mechanical engineering student from South Dakota Mines, the program was life-changing.
“Seeing how science and engineering are used in the real world is really valuable. If you love STEM, but you didn't get much exposure to science in high school, this trip is perfect for that,” Schell said.
Clark Egland, a biochemistry sophomore at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD echoes Schell.
“The biggest thing that struck me is the variety of careers there are out there in science,” Egland said. “It's not something you really get to see without going on a trip like this. There is so much more variety, in industry, in research, and the national labs. There are so many things you can do with physics; you can make such a career out of it.”
Another 2025 scholar, Katelyn Jarzobski, is a physics major at Black Hills State University. When asked what advice she would have for those considering applying—she was quick to respond.
“This program is amazing. If you're considering applying, do it. It's absolutely worth it,” Jarzobski said.
The Davis Bahcall Scholars program will run from Sunday, June 14 through Sunday, July 12, 2026. (Final itinerary is subject to change.) Interested students can now apply here. The application deadline is Friday, January 16, 2026.
The Institute for Underground Science at SURF hosts the Davis Bahcall Scholars program through a collaboration between Sanford Underground Research Facility, and Black Hills State University. The program is named after Nobel laureate Dr. Raymond Davis Jr. and renowned astrophysicist Dr. John Bahcall. The program celebrates their historic collaboration that led to groundbreaking discoveries in solar neutrino research in the Black Hills.
Since 2008, more than 100 students have participated in the Davis-Bahcall Scholars Program. The program has built a solid track-record of inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. Read past scholar interviews here.
Significant financial and in-kind support are provided by South Dakota Science and Technology Authority, Black Hills State University, First PREMIER Bank, and South Dakota Space Grant Consortium.
