UC Merced Students Invited to Tackle Real-World AI Challenges in 2026 Data Science Program

Applications are open for the 2026 Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Data Science Challenge, a two-week summer internship that gives students a firsthand look at national lab research through high‑impact, data‑driven problem solving.

“I want our students to see themselves in these different career pathways. When you spend time there, you learn about the culture and you learn about this type of career path,” applied mathematics Professor Suzanne Fernandes-Sindi said. “You solve some problems and you learn a lot — you learn about internships in areas that you didn't even know the national labs have.”

Past challenges have addressed diverse topics such as cancer therapeutics and computer vision. The 2026 challenge focuses on building AI-driven workflows for additive manufacturing.

Established in 2019, the DSC is open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in mathematics, computer science, engineering, science or other fields. The challenge brings about 40 participants — half from UC Merced — to the UC Livermore Collaboration Center, or UCLCC, where they work closely with LLNL mentors, interact with lab researchers and present their findings at the program’s close. 

Participants receive a stipend, meals and funding for travel and lodging.

Applications for this summer’s DSC, set for July 20-31, are open through March 6.