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Discover RAI

The Research & Analysis Institute (RAI) is a global initiative to empower underprivileged students worldwide to engage in research and education. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 for Quality Education and SDG 10 for Reduced Inequality). RAI focuses on breaking barriers like lack of facilities, technical support, and mentorship, making research accessible and transformative for students.

RAI was my first real exposure to Research fields beyond my own at-home and online media.

RAI is a blessing for me. I have always felt enthusiastic about research. I have always tried to innovate, but I did not have sufficient resources. RAI is helping me fulfill my dream of becoming a researcher. Here, I am being equipped to conduct research through the teaching of computational research..”

Afrid Hossain
RAI ’24, Dhaka

Why choose RAI?

Discover new areas of science far beyond a typical school curriculum—and deepen your passions
Connect and collaborate with students who share your interest in STEM —and inspire each other
Learn from expert instructors—and become part of the MIT community
Bond with mentors whose backgrounds and experiences are like yours—and become part of a supportive network of students, staff, and alumni that stands the test of time
Achieve more than you ever thought possible—our coursework is rigorous and allows you to explore different fields
Dive into unique projects tailored to your interests—from computer games to urban design and robotics, you’ll apply new skills to real-life engineering challenges
Prepare for college and your career—our alumni matriculate to top colleges across the country and go on to successful careers in their chosen fields

Which program is right for you?

RAI offers students three inspiring, rigorous programs—all free of cost to students—where you can deepen your knowledge, expand your abilities, build confidence, bond with peers who share your passions, make lifelong friends, and start building a foundation to reach your personal, academic, and professional goals. Explore them below!

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Eligibility requirements

RAI Transformative Talk and RAI Scientific Poster are open to students. All students must be:

Enrolled beyond 12th grade in any College setting, including public, private, and international University or Institution

Science71 is open to local middle and high school students who at the time of application:

Attend School or College
Are enrolled in 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade

Join our team!

Help make STEM more diverse and equitable.

Explore RAI programs

Transformative Talk by Researchers

Features leading experts sharing groundbreaking research, insights, and experiences to inspire students.

RAI’s Scientific Poster: Design, Develop, Deliver

Empowers students to create impactful scientific posters and excel in presentations.

RAI Next Generation Researchers Initiative (RAI-NGRI)

Empowering Emerging Scholars | Advancing Knowledge | Driving Innovation

RAI strongly encourages applications from students:

With backgrounds underrepresented in science and engineering, identifying as African American/Black; Hispanic/Latinx; Native American or Alaska Native; and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
Who are underserved, defined as coming from low socioeconomic means, which may be indicated by qualification for free/reduced lunch
Who are the first member of their families to attend college
From families with an absence of science and engineering degrees
From high schools with low admittance rates to top-tier colleges, especially rural or predominantly minority high schools