Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Industrial Mathematics and Statistics

The REU Program in Industrial Mathematics and Statistics started at WPI in 1998 with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). It was the first mathematics REU program in the US that exclusively involves students in real-world projects sponsored by corporate partners.

This nine week program offers outstanding undergraduate students the opportunity to work on mathematical and statistical problems in close collaboration with faculty and industrial sponsors.

REU 2024 May 28, 2024 – July 26, 2024.

Questions!  E-mail Dr. Buddika Peiris (tbpeiris -at- wpi.edu)

Registration is open at mathprogram.org


The program is designed to provide a glimpse of the ways that advanced mathematics is used in the real world to solve complex problems. The students work on problems which begin with a real-life problem generated by our industrial sponsors. They work closely with a company representative to define the problem and develop solutions of immediate value to the company. They are guided by a faculty advisor to maintain a clear focus on the mathematical issues at the core of the project.

  • What is the role of a mathematician in business and industry?
  • What is it like to work with technical experts on a problem that requires significant mathematics but also must satisfy real-world constraints?
  • What kind of mathematical and statistical tools are used to solve problems in business and industry?

The REU program at WPI provides a unique experience that answers these questions, an experience that complements standard academic training.