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WE INSPIRE DISCOVERY where science is shared. Programs at The Institute will unite research, cultivate curiosity, pursue professional growth, and engage everyone. Grab a cup of coffee and join us.

Look for Institute events at SURF

IMAGINE A FUTURE where scientists, graduate students, STEM educators, and science enthusiasts from around the globe come together to explore the realm of underground science.

The Institute will serve as a hub for such activity and serve as an advocate to fund and prioritize underground science.  

Welcome to the future.

 

Deeper Talks

For Researchers to discuss their work, share insights, and foster interdisciplinary connections.

Davis-Bahcall Scholars program

Supporting science-curious students with an opportunity to connect with peers and mentors in the U.S. and U.K., while exploring the modern world of STEM research.

CETUP*

CETUP* (Center for Theoretical Underground Physics and Related Areas) Workshop

To promote organized research in physics, cosmology and astrophysics, geoscience, and other fields related to underground science through individual/collaborative research in an atmosphere of intense scientific interactions.

Higher Ed Connections Workshop

The purpose of this workshop is to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and support South Dakota universities. Support student academic achievement, building the SD workforce of tomorrow, leveraging multidisciplinary research opportunities, partnerships.

QuarkNet Lead Teacher Cornerstone Workshop

The purpose of this workshop is to provide science teachers the means to develop their skills and bring real “particle physics” research experience into the high school classroom. The Institute/SURF partnered with BHSU as a designated center for this workshop, bringing in lead teachers from global destinations.

Quantum Partnership Workshop

More information coming soon.

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Creating Opportunities for Innovation

ENVISION A VIBRANT COMMUNITY that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. At the Institute, scientists from diverse backgrounds will converge to share their expertise, ignite interdisciplinary collaborations, and tackle the complex challenges of underground science. This is a place where ideas flourish and researchers from various fields push the boundaries of knowledge.

Within the walls of The Institute, imagine…

  • Lively discussions and thought-provoking symposia focusing on theoretical and experimental research.
  • Renowned underground scientists sharing their latest findings, inspiring others through groundbreaking research.
  • Graduate students and early-career researchers thriving in a nurturing environment for learning, growth, and contribution.
  • Elevated STEM training for educators that empowers them to develop personally and professionally, enhancing their ability to inspire
  • the next generation of scientists

Empowering the Next Generation

FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH brings together scientists of all ages, knowledge levels, diverse backgrounds, and scientific disciplines. The Institute will nurture the next generation of underground scientists through mentorship programs, workshops, and professional development opportunities. Together, they will embark on a journey of discovery, pushing the boundaries of underground science and shaping its future. 

At The Institute, we are dedicated to the pursuit of collaboration among scientists from diverse backgrounds, ages, and expertise. Through our science programming, The Institute provides opportunities for scientists from all levels to drive groundbreaking discoveries that advance technology and deepen our understanding of the universe. 
The Institute’s science program comprises a wide range of elements designed not only to meet the needs of underground science factions but to provide the kernel for coalescing an underground science community. The Institute will support individual and collaborative research in a dynamic atmosphere of intense, meaningful scientific interactions.

  • Interactions amongst scientific community members fall into three general categories:
  • Meetings: Conferences, workshops, topical meetings, and seminars as well as experiment–related meetings and workshops.
  • Visiting Scientist Program: Brings a range of scientists to the Institute via a scientist–in–residence program, fellowships, and education.
  • Public lectures, workshops, seminars, and colloquia.

Promoting Exploration and STEM Education

AT THE INSTITUTE, the pursuit of collaboration among scientists from diverse backgrounds, ages, and expertise will provide opportunities for educators, alongside researchers, to develop programming for K-12 students, build on existing undergraduate research opportunities, and participate in groundbreaking discoveries that advance technology and deepen our understanding of the universe. Such discoveries reinforce our commitment to STEM education tailored for K-12 students and educators.

The Institute will operate a world-leading Education and Outreach (E&O) program that fosters close collaboration and integration with the researchers and K–12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. The Institute will lead the advancement of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) in science and science education.


The existing SURF E&O program provides extensive K–12 student education opportunities. It will move under the Institute umbrella, and its programs expanded to serve a broader audience at national and international scales. The Institute will bring together science education researchers, faculty, and practitioners to positively impact how science is taught, learned, and experienced by students and the general public.

Key education programs envisioned include:

  • Expansion of the scope and scale of the K–12 direct engagement programs.
  • Provide training opportunities for educators including conferences and workshops.
  • Increase general public outreach, including teaching science communication skills.
  • Engage with K–16 students on existing and expanded programs.

It is anticipated that The Institute will host a variety of programs to engage an additional 3,000 people annually beyond the impact of the existing SURF E&O program.
 

Captivating the Public

ENVISION programs that invite the community to be part of the scientific journey. Captivating talks, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences ignite curiosity and deepen public understanding of underground science. The Institute ensures that knowledge transcends limitations, reaching far and wide through face-to-face interactions and virtual platforms.

Public talks and other formal public outreach opportunities will meet the needs of the regional
community and Institute participants alike. With a larger scientific community grounded through The Institute, expanding the number and variety of formal talks will be a fundamental component of public outreach.

  • Face–to–face and virtual synchronous options across a wide range of topics, including science, history, and culture. 
  • Science communication conferences that bring science communicators from national and international labs, universities, publications, and advocacy groups.
  • Science communication programs for researchers working at SURF.
  • Partnerships with local and regional organizations to enhance opportunities for learning. 

Taking the Lead Now

THE FUTURE OF THE INSTITUTE extends beyond a physical building. While one will exist someday, our work begins now. We're pushing ahead, connecting with the global scientific community and inviting top minds in a variety of disciplines to join us as we build our science program. 

The Institute’s science program [2] comprises a wide range of elements designed to meet the needs of underground science  and to support individual and collaborative research in a dynamic atmosphere of intense, meaningful scientific interactions. Meetings: Conferences, workshops, topical meetings, and seminars as well as experiment–related meetings and workshops.

  • The Center for Theoretical Underground Physics and Related Areas (CETUP*) provides a stimulating environment for creative thinking and open discussion. Researchers with varying experience— and from different countries and scientific backgrounds—collaborate to attract rising young scientists, discuss a broad range of topics, and collaborate. The combined expertise allows this intellectual community to address the most pressing questions in fundamental research.
  • Conference on Science at SURF: Hosted by South Dakota Mines, the conference focuses on multiple disciplines, including  physics, gelology, biology, and engineering, bringing together scientists from around the world.
  • QuarkNet is an existing teacher professional development conference funded by the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation. It offers hands-on physics experiences and connects classroom learning with real-world science, allowing teachers and students to engage in practical research and global scientific collaboration.
  • Science collaboration meetings bring scientists from around the globe to discuss current and future research in a variety of areas.
  • Deeper Talks: SURF Seminar Series is a monthly talk series that strengthens the sense of intellectual community. This series is aimed at providing a platform for researchers to discuss their work, share insights, and foster interdisciplinary connections within the science community. Learn more and register for the next talk. 
     

Be Part of the Journey

THE INSTITUTE will stand as a symbol of collaboration, innovation, and scientific advancement in the field of underground science. It is a place where ideas flourish, connections are forged, and the pursuit of knowledge knows no limits.

Join us as a partner, sponsor, donor, volunteer, or participant as we inspire discovery at The Institute for Underground Science at SURF. Together, we will shape the future of underground science. Contact Michelle Kane at the SURF Foundation to learn more.

Scientists at a collaboration meeting

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Programs at The Institute

World-class experience and world-leading science can be found at The Institute.

Get to know SURF

The Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) hosts researchers at America’s underground science laboratory.

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The Institute for Underground Science at Surf

A partner of Sanford underground research facility

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