UCSF Summer Research Programs

Students selected for summer research at UCSF will participate in seminars, presentations, and social events throughout the summer, creating a cohesive community of student researchers. The organization and funding for the UCSF summer research programs comes from:

Summer Research Training Program (SRTP)

The SRTP provides undergraduate and master's students with the opportunity to conduct research in the biological and biomedical sciences and make them more competitive candidates for Ph.D. programs. Students are supported in this program by funds from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, NSF's Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate, Genentech, the University of California Office of the President, and the UCSF Graduate Division

Amgen Scholars Program

Supported by a grant from the Amgen Foundation, the Amgen Scholars Program provides summer research opportunities at UCSF for 25 undergraduate students in science and biotechnology. In addition to the summer research experience, participants in the Amgen Scholars Program will join other Amgen Scholars from across the country at a Symposium, at which they will share their summer research findings.

Molecular Biosciences Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

The Molecular Biosciences REU program at UCSF combines and outstanding laboratory research experience with activities designed to foster scientific communication and facilitate a transition to graduate school. Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), this program provides 12 students with research opportunities.

Biophysics Program Internship

The Graduate Group in Biophysics offers you the opportunity to sharpen your research skills and enhance your graduate applications. We invite college sophomores and juniors who are considering a career in academic research to apply to our internship program, particularly students from groups underrepresented in the sciences. In addition to laboratory research, our interns will participate fully with the Summer Research Training Program (SRTP) for a comprehensive summer experience.

Application

Summer Research Online Application 

Program Dates

Sunday, May 31 - Wednesday, August 5, 2009 for all programs. Students whose home institution is on the quarter system may still participate in our programs; they should plan to arrive immediately following the completion of their final exams. They will complete their summer research presentations on August 6 with the rest of the participants.

Faculty Mentors

Accepted students will be matched with a faculty mentor by the Faculty Review Committee. Under the guidance of his or her mentor, each participant will complete an original project, and present his or her findings at the end of the summer program with a written abstract, oral presentation, and poster presentation.

Seminars and Workshops

In addition to daily work in the laboratory, participants also attend biweekly seminars and workshops.

• Basic Science Seminars include presentations by UCSF faculty members and introduce students in the biological and biomedical sciences to the variety of research that takes place on the UCSF campus.
• General Science Seminars, for all program participants, offer panel discussions about the graduate school application process, life as a graduate student, and career options for researchers, as well as skill-building workshops abstract writing and oral presentation skills, and how to create an effective poster presentation.
• Journal Talks are conducted once a week. Each student will present a journal article relevant to their summer research project and lead a group discussion about the material.

Social Activities

Participants in summer research programs at UCSF are also able to enjoy the diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area and all it has to offer in terms of social and cultural activities. Past activities have included a city-wide scavenger hunt, baseball games, weekend street fairs, barbeques, hiking, and cultural dinners. The program concludes with a Farewell Dinner for all participants.

Financial Support

• Stipend and Subsistence: Participants receive a $4,000 stipend as well as a $1,300 subsistence allowance for food.
• Travel: For students who are not eligible for travel funds from their home institution, UCSF will provide travel funds to/from San Francisco. Students are also provided with passes the local public transportation system during their stay in San Francisco.
• Housing: Students live in dormitory-style housing near the UCSF Parnassus Campus. All program participants are expected to stay in the housing provided.