Fog rolls through the surface campus of the Sanford Underground Research Facility

Deep Science

We host world-leading experiments deep underground, seeking answers to some of the most profound mysteries of the universe.

World class Underground Research at SURF

Scientists study mysterious particles like neutrinos and dark matter deep underground where a mile of rock shields experiments from cosmic radiation that constantly bombards Earth. We also host biologists, geologists, and engineers, too.

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Deep Impacts economic, education, science

SURF makes major impacts on the economy, education and in science.

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Breakthroughs in Dark Matter

Most of the mass of the universe is missing. Where is it and how do we know it exists? Scientists working deep underground at SURF believe WIMPs (weakly interacting massive particles) could be the answer.

Dark Matter Science
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Unlocking the Secrets of Neutrinos

This ghostly particle could answer a lot of questions about the universe, including how the universe was formed and why we exist.

Neutrino Science
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A legacy that inspires Wonder

  1. 370+ miles of tunnels

  2. 27+ trailblazing experiments

  3. 1oo+ global Partners

Groundbreaking News

Discover your inner researcher

SURF Visitor Center

Visit SURF

The Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center in Lead, SD is free to everyone, open daily. Learn the scientific and cultural legacy of our campus.

SURF Visitor Center
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Learn Together

Our in-person and remote programming is available to educators and students of all levels.

Learn more about our education programs
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Work With Us

Career resources, doing business with SURF, and proposal guidelines for researching at SURF.

Work with us
Science Impact
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LET'S GO FURTHER

SUPPORT OUR MISSION IN SCIENCE, EDUCATION & OUTREACH.

DONATE TO SURF FOUNDATION