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World class Underground Researchat 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.

Deep Impactseconomic, education, science

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

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

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

Groundbreaking News

Deep Science and Dark Mysteries, a project supported by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) brought a group of Lutheran pastors to SURF for dialogue on the research at America’s Underground Lab.
October 14, 2025

SURF recently completed a major upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant, ensuring many more years of clean water in local streams.
October 13, 2025

South Dakota Mines physics major Ryan Cantz has been selected to receive a Conference Experience for Undergraduates Award for the upcoming American Physical Society Division of Nuclear Physics scientific meeting.
October 07, 2025

Discover your inner researcher

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

Work With Us

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

Work with us