Summer Research Training Program

Students selected for summer research at UC San Francisco spend up to ten weeks working with UCSF faculty members on research projects. Participants in the program take part in seminars, lectures, and social events, creating a cohesive and supportive community. At the end of the program, students give presentations of their research and get valuable feedback from students, postdocs, and faculty at UCSF. The program runs from the last weekend in May until the first weekend in August.

In order to be eligible for the 2025 Summer Research Program at UCSF, you must:

• Be a currently-enrolled undergraduate student. (We cannot accept students who will have earned their bachelor's degree by the end of the spring 2025 quarter.)
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Have a desire to pursue a PhD in one of the disciplines offered by the UCSF Graduate Division in life/health sciences listed at right.
• Have completed at least four semesters or six quarters of undergraduate study prior to the beginning of the Summer Program.
• Be able to participate for the entirety of the program.

***Read more about what will make you a strong candidate.***

In order to be eligible for the 2025 Summer Research Program at UCSF, you must:

• Be a currently-enrolled undergraduate student. (We cannot accept students who will have earned their bachelor's degree by the end of the spring 2025 quarter.)
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Applicants with DACA or AB540 status may also be eligible and should contact [email protected] for more information. International students are not eligible. 
• Have a desire to pursue a PhD in one of the disciplines offered by the UCSF Graduate Division in life/health sciences listed at right.
• Have completed at least four semesters or six quarters of undergraduate study prior to the beginning of the Summer Program.
• Be able to participate for the entirety of the program.

The Summer Research Training Program provides research opportunities in the biomedical and biological sciences. We thank the following funding sources for their generous support:

• Amgen Foundation
• National Science Foundation
• UC LEADS
• UCSF Graduate Division
• UCSF Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
• Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research
• ImmunoDiverse
• UCSF Cancer Center
• UCSF Cardiovascular Research Institute
• Medical Scientist Training Program/UCSF Medical School
• Bioengineering Graduate Program
• Biomedical Informatics Graduate Program
• Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
• Chemistry and Chemical Biology Graduate Program
• Integrative Program in Quantitative Biology Graduate Program
• Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program
• Neuroscience Graduate Program
• Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program

Applications will open on November 1, 2024. The application deadline is February 1, 2025 (11:58 p.m. PST). Students will be notified of admissions decisions the first week of March.

A completed application must include:

• Application and personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Copy of college transcript(s)

Program Features

In addition to daily research, students also participate in:

• Seminars on scientific and professional development
• Journal talks
• Oral and poster presentations
• Small group meetings and activities
• Social and cultural events

Participant Benefits

Students receive a total package worth over $13,000 including:

• $5,000 stipend
• Up to a $500 allowance for travel to and from San Francisco (*travel arrangements are booked by the program)
• Housing in San Francisco (double-occupancy)
• Health insurance coverage
• Public transportation pass