The Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) is a premier scientific research institution located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Previously the site of the largest gold mine in the Western Hemisphere, SURF now hosts cutting-edge research at the deepest underground laboratory in the United States, operated by the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) in the city of Lead. Scientists from around the world come to SURF to conduct advanced experiments, particularly in geothermal energy and particle physics, including the study of dark matter and neutrinos.

Established in 2019, the SURF Foundation supports these scientific endeavors by driving public and private philanthropic investment, aiming to further develop SURF’s impact and initiatives through the forthcoming Institute for Underground Science. The Foundation plays a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of scientists through its robust education and outreach programs. Since 2015, these initiatives have impacted over 115,000 students, with a special focus on underserved rural populations.