Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research

The program immerses students in a unique environment devoted to better-understanding the underlying causes of human genetic disease, leading to the development of novel methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of heritable and genetic disorders.

In addition to the training and mentoring that the student receives in the laboratory, students in the program attend the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Summer Seminar Series, which is intended to increase the breadth of the student's experience. In this series, world-class researchers present the latest findings in biomedical and clinical research, at a level geared towards advanced high school and college students. The National Human Genome Research Institute also conducts its own Summer Seminar Series, with an emphasis on career development and mentoring. At the end of the summer, students have the opportunity to present their work at the annual NIH Summer Research Program Poster Day. This very important component of the Summer Internship Program allows the students to get feedback regarding their summer experience, as well as to meet investigators and scientists from other NIH Institutes.

Students earn a monthly stipend, depending on their educational level. Students are responsible for travel expenses and making their own housing arrangements. Information on local housing options is provided to all students upon their admission to the Summer Internship Program.

To be eligible for the Summer Internship Program, students must be:

• Enrolled at least half-time in high school or college. Graduating high school seniors must provide a letter of admission from the college that they will be attending the following fall.
• Citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
• At least 17 years of age.

For more information, email nhgritraining@mail.nih.gov.

The application deadline for the NIH Summer Internship Program is on or about February 15th (see latest information). Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and selections are made throughout the open application period. All interested students are strongly encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline.

Please visit the NIH OITE Summer Internship Program website to learn more about this program and submit an online application. 

Questions? Email the NHGRI Intramural Training Office at nhgritraining@mail.nih.gov.