Summer Research Program

Research opportunities for young students from underrepresented populations

The Summer Research Program (SRP) at IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center aims to increase the number of high school and undergraduate students from underrepresented populations pursuing biomedical and behavioral science careers by providing positive and meaningful first-hand exposure to these fields.

  • Interact with one of the cancer center research programs, shared facilities, and more than 100 world-renowned investigators
  • Gain exposure to a wide range of basic science, translational, and clinical research activities
  • Continually interact with and learn from other students, clinical and post-doctoral fellows, and faculty
  • Attend weekly workshops that deal with issues related to gaining admission to graduate and professional programs of study
  • Receive a stipend (payment)

2023 Participants

Jalan Drummond

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Hunter Quigley

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Applications for 2023 have closed. Please check back in early 2024 for next year’s dates.

Program Dates:   Monday, June 5 – Friday, July 28

The Summer Research Program (SRP) is designed to serve students from populations underrepresented in biomedical and clinical research. It is open to graduating high school seniors entering their freshman year and undergraduate university students who have not yet completed their degree program.

View NIH definitions of populations underrepresented in biomedical and clinical research

Although most past participants have resided in the metropolitan Indianapolis area, the program accepts applications from students all across the United States. 

The following students are eligible:

High school students currently in grade 12 who…

  • Have completed their senior year by the program’s start date
  • Display an aptitude for science and math
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Undergraduate students who…

  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
Medical students and residents are not eligible.

Please read all of the instructions carefully to ensure accurate completion and correct processing of this application.

Academic Transcripts: Your application will require you to upload school transcripts. Please prepare by downloading them from your school or requesting a copy from your school’s administration. 

Personal Statement: Please prepare a document in which you describe why you are interested in participating in the Summer Research Program. You will upload it to the application. 

Recommendation Letter: All applicants must provide a one (1) letter of recommendation. When you complete the General Information part of the application, you will receive a link to provide an email addresses for the individual who will be writing your letter of recommendation. This individual will then be automatically notified of your request. 

We strongly suggest that you speak with your recommender beforehand and get their approval before you provide their email on your application link. 

Start Your Application

The program will provide housing for students from the Jackson State University collaboration. For all other applicants we will provide assistance in identifying campus housing options, but housing and transportation will be the responsibility of each student.

We gladly welcome the cohort of students from Jackson State University to undertake this unique summer experience with other students from the Summer Research Program at the cancer center and other programs affiliated with IU School of Medicine.

Start Your Application

Questions?

Contact the Research Outreach Team at SimonEdu@iu.edu or Tracy Winkle at tawinkle@iu.edu.

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