If you’re a high school student passionate about physics, doing research in the field can be a game-changer. If you’re looking for a way to do research in physics, consider a research program.
These programs not only strengthen your understanding of complex concepts, such as quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and particle physics, but also provide you with first-hand exposure to how scientific inquiry works in practice. Online research programs in particular make it possible to collaborate with university faculty and mentors from anywhere in the world, opening doors to experiences that were once limited to campus settings.
Through these opportunities, you can work on independent or mentored research projects, develop skills in data analysis and scientific writing, and even prepare to publish or present your findings. More importantly, participating in an online physics research program signals to colleges that you have the curiosity, initiative, and dedication to pursue science beyond the classroom.
In this list, we’ve rounded up 15 online physics research programs for high school students, covering options that range from structured courses with guided mentorship to flexible, project-based experiences. Each program offers a unique way to explore the universe through the lens of physics, all from the comfort of your home.
15 Online Physics Research Programs for High School Students
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by program
Program Dates: 12 weeks to a year, depending on the chosen format
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on the cohort. The upcoming Winter Cohort deadline is November 16. You can apply here
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program connects you with PhD mentors from top universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Yale. You’ll work one-on-one to design and conduct independent research projects, with options to pursue physics, astrophysics, or other STEM fields. Program formats vary, from the Individual Research Program (12 weeks) to the Premium Research & Publication Program (16-20 weeks), the longer-term Research Fellowship (6-12 months), and the Professor Premium Publication Program (16-20 weeks), which pairs students directly with a faculty member.
You’ll develop research skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and academic writing, culminating in a paper or publication-ready project. This program is ideal for students looking to explore physics through original research while receiving personalized mentorship.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Online
Cost: $6,450
Program Dates: Year-long, multiple cohorts
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. The upcoming deadline for the Winter cohort is Nov 23
Eligibility: High school students
The Horizon Academic Research Program is a highly selective online research experience designed for high school students who wish to engage in college-level research. You’ll work closely with professors and PhD scholars from universities like Harvard, MIT, Yale, and Dartmouth, gaining hands-on experience in independent or guided research projects. The program emphasizes the development of practical research skills, including designing experiments, analyzing data, and applying theoretical concepts to explore complex physics problems.
Over the course of the program, you will be guided through the process of producing a full-length research manuscript, allowing you to explore original topics or work on pre-approved research questions under expert mentorship.
By the end of the program, you’ll leave with a completed research project, enhanced analytical skills, and a strong foundation for future STEM pursuits.
3. University of Notre Dame’s QuarkNet Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Not mentioned
Program Dates: June 11 – July 25
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in particle physics research
The QuarkNet Research Experience for High School Students (REHS) is part of the nationwide QuarkNet program, funded by the NSF and DOE, which connects students and teachers with professional physicists. The REHS program enables you to explore cutting-edge particle physics research while engaging with international experiments, such as CERN, Fermilab, and SLAC. You’ll learn physics concepts ranging from energy and momentum to the structure of matter, work with live online data, and collaborate with physicists, teachers, and peers worldwide.
4. Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA)
Location: Hybrid; Yale’s Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, New Haven, CT
Cost: $8,000
Program Dates: June 23 – August 3, 2025 | Two weeks online + Four weeks residential
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA) is a six-week enrichment and research program hosted at the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium at Yale. The program begins with a two-week online directed self-study, followed by a four-week residential session on campus. You’ll live in dormitories, attend classes, and engage in hands-on research using Yale’s telescopes and computer labs.
You’ll work on a research project, analyze real astrophysical data, and present your findings in both a written scientific paper and a final conference presentation.
Beyond research training, YSPA emphasizes personal and academic growth by combining the rigor of advanced coursework with the collaboration of a lab experience and the community of a summer camp. You’ll not only gain practical skills in programming, data analysis, and research writing but also connect with like-minded peers from around the world.
5. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program
Location: Virtual or in-person at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 2025
Eligibility: High school students
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is a nationally recognized research initiative that offers high school students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge STEM projects. While some tracks require in-person participation, you can also apply for remote research internships in physics, computer modeling, nanoscience, astronomy, data mining, and related fields.
You’ll be paired with faculty mentors, contribute to ongoing research, and gain hands-on experience using advanced tools and simulations. The program emphasizes not only technical training but also scientific communication, creative problem-solving, and exposure to career pathways in STEM. You’ll frequently see your work published in scientific journals or presented at professional conferences, making ASSIP a strong launchpad for future research careers.
6. Joint Science Education Program (Virtual track)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Not mentioned
Program Dates: 1 week
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: U.S. high school students
Dartmouth College has offered a remote Joint Science Education Project (JSEP), providing high school students with the chance to explore polar science and engineering through interactive modules and collaborative research projects. You’ll work under the mentorship of Dartmouth faculty and graduate students while engaging in hands-on activities that cover topics such as snow and ice physics, cold engineering, Arctic ecology, and the human dimensions of climate change.
The program emphasizes global collaboration by connecting students with leading polar scientists, allowing them to visit Arctic research stations virtually, and facilitating cross-cultural exchanges with other JSEP participants. The program ends with a final project symposium, where you’ll present your research.
7. NASA Data Science Analysis and Scholarly Research Paper Writing
Location: Virtual, with optional in-person sessions at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, available
Cost: Not mentioned; Need-based scholarships available
Program Dates: June 14 – August 30
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: High school students
The Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts NASA Data Science Analysis and Scholarly Research Paper Writing in collaboration with the College of Science and Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. You’ll be introduced to astronomy research, data analysis, and scientific writing. You’ll attend virtual meetings with faculty, access recorded lectures tailored to their research progress, and engage in nighttime telescope observing sessions online.
Over the summer, you’ll work on an independent or small-group research project with faculty mentorship, supported by optional peer discussions via Discord. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings in a final symposium and submit a completed paper.
8. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: High school students in 9th–11th grade at the time of application
The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a free, three-week virtual program designed to spark interest in physics among high school students, with a strong emphasis on encouraging women in the STEM fields. Hosted by the Stanford Physics Department and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, the program offers a mix of lectures, hands-on coding in Python, and small group projects led by Stanford undergraduates.
Students explore advanced topics, including quantum physics, quantum computing, astrophysics, and cosmology, while also developing practical research and coding skills. The program includes mentorship from Stanford professors, group research projects, and workshops on college planning and STEM careers. Importantly, no prior experience in physics or coding is required, making it accessible to motivated students from all backgrounds.
9. Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students
Location: Online
Cost: Core Program: $2,500 | REACH Further: $1,500
Dates: Core Session 1: June 16 – July 3 | Core Session 2: July 7 – July 25 | REACH Further Session 1: July 7 – July 25 | REACH Further Session 2: July 28 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school students
The REACH program at Northwestern’s CIERA allows high school students to gain hands-on research experience in astronomy within a collaborative, team-based environment. The 3-week Core program serves as an introduction to astrophysics research, with intensive training in Python programming, astro-specific coding packages, and foundational research skills. You’ll also participate in extracurricular activities such as solar observing at Dearborn Observatory, career panels, and group activities.
Following the Core program, selected students can continue in REACH Further, a limited-availability extension where they work one-on-one with a CIERA mentor on an independent research project. This deeper experience allows students to apply their newly acquired programming and research skills to authentic astrophysics investigations.
10. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES)
Location: Online, with optional in-person sessions at the University of Texas at Austin
Cost: Not mentioned
Program Dates: May 19 – July 22
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school students who are sophomores or juniors
The SEES program offers high school students an authentic research experience alongside NASA and University of Texas scientists. You’ll engage in online distance learning modules covering Earth and space science, as well as optional Python training for data analysis.
You’re paired with a project mentor who mentors you on research tasks, analyzing NASA satellite data, mission design, and Earth system observations.
The program also includes virtual interactions with subject matter experts, collaborative research activities, and hands-on data analysis, providing exposure to real-world scientific practices. The program concludes by presenting your work at the Virtual SEES Science Symposium, gaining experience in scientific communication, and showcasing your research.
11. MIT PRIMES
Location: Hybrid | Online and at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA Cost: Free
Program Dates: Year-long program
Application Deadline: November 18
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school students living in the Greater Boston area
MIT PRIMES is a highly selective, year-long research program where high school students work under the guidance of MIT mentors on advanced projects in mathematics, computer science, and computational biology. The program involves weekly mentor meetings and a minimum 10-hour time commitment per week. You’ll follow a structured pathway: reading advanced texts, developing research under mentor supervision, completing interim reports, and ultimately presenting your findings at the PRIMES Fall Conference. Final research papers may be submitted to national competitions or professional journals for publication. PRIMES also offers a reading group track, where pairs of students study advanced mathematical literature under the guidance of a mentor, laying the foundation for future research.
12. National High School Research Program
Location: Online
Cost: Not mentioned
Program Dates: 5 weeks
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Incoming 9th –12th graders and rising college freshmen
The National High School Research Program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct research in Quantum Computing, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence under the guidance of experts from academia, government, and industry. You’ll work with mentors from institutions such as Columbia University, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, the University of Maryland, and UC Berkeley.
You’ll gain hands-on experience with real-world datasets and technology applications, develop independent research projects, and receive guidance on research protocols, data analysis, and scientific presentation techniques. The program also includes virtual speaker panels, mentorship sessions, and tours of research labs and campuses, allowing you to explore emerging tech applications and build professional networks.By the end of the program, you would’ve completed a research project, developed a deep understanding of research practices, and gained technical and analytical skills that can be showcased in college applications.
13. Online Research Academy @NC State University
Location: Online
Cost: $1,275
Program Dates: June 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: June 5
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school; English proficiency is required for international students
The Online Research Academy at NC State University offers high school students a 4-week virtual research experience with a focus on physics and engineering. You’ll engage in hands-on research projects under the guidance of NC State faculty, learn fundamental research methodologies, and apply them to real-world problems. The program emphasizes the development of analytical and computational skills, critical thinking, and scientific presentation abilities.
You’ll work on projects such as Visualization in Engineering, where you’ll explore physics and engineering concepts and create a short documentary video demonstrating your research findings. Faculty mentors will meet you virtually twice a week to guide you in your research and help develop a polished final presentation.
By the end of the program, you’ll have produced a research deliverable, presented your findings to peers, and received both a program certificate and an evaluation letter from faculty.
For more information on online physics research programs for high school students, you can also refer to other posts on Horizon’s blog.
Image source – NC State University