15 Medical Research Opportunities for High School Students in 2023
Medical research is one of the most important fields in the world, as it strives to improve the lives of people through new treatments, cures, and therapies. Did you know that high school students have the opportunity to contribute to this field by getting involved in medical research? In this blog post, we are sharing 15 medical research opportunities for high school students.
What is medical research?
Medical research is the study of the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and other medical conditions. It involves a systematic and scientific investigation of various aspects of health and healthcare, such as the biology of diseases, the effectiveness of treatments, and the social and environmental factors that impact health.
Medical research is conducted by scientists and researchers from a variety of disciplines, including biology, medicine, public health, and engineering. The goal of medical research is to advance our understanding of diseases and medical conditions, develop new treatments and interventions, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of individuals and populations.
Why high school students can benefit from getting involved in medical research opportunities
There are a number of benefits to getting involved in medical research as a high school student. Above all, getting involved in medical research is a great way for high school students to learn more about the field and determine if they want to pursue medicine and healthcare as a future career path.
Career exploration: High school students who are interested in medical research can use this opportunity to explore potential career paths in healthcare, science, and research.
Personal development: Medical research can help students develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, which are valuable in any field.
Contribution to society: By participating in medical research, students have the opportunity to contribute to society by helping advance medical knowledge and improve patient outcomes.
College preparation: Medical research experience can strengthen college applications and prepare students for future research opportunities in college.
15 Medical Research Opportunities for High School Students
Getting involved in medical research is a great opportunity for high school students to explore potential career paths, develop valuable skills, contribute to scientific knowledge, and make a difference in people's lives. These 15 medical research opportunities for high school students provide a wide range of experiences, from summer internships to year-long programs, and cover a variety of areas within the medical field, such as cancer research, public health, and biotechnology.
By participating in these programs, high school students can gain hands-on research experience, work with leading scientists and researchers, learn about the latest developments in medical research, and explore different career paths within the medical field.
Let’s take a look at the list of 15 medical research opportunities for high school students.
Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP)
The Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP) is a summer research internship program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research. The program is based at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, one of the world's leading biomedical research institutions. Over the course of the program, students will work on cutting-edge research projects in areas such as cancer biology, genomics, and computational biology, under the guidance of experienced scientists and researchers. Students will also participate in seminars, workshops, and social events to learn about different research areas, career paths, and professional development opportunities. The program is designed to provide students with hands-on research experience and prepare them for careers in biomedical research.
https://www.broadinstitute.org/bsrp/broad-summer-research-program-bsrp
Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program is a summer research internship program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research. The program is based at the Jackson Laboratory, a leading research institution that focuses on genetics, genomics, and precision medicine. Students will work on research projects in areas such as cancer biology, neuroscience, and developmental biology, under the guidance of experienced scientists and researchers. Students will also participate in seminars, workshops, and social events to learn about different research areas, career paths, and professional development opportunities.
Mayo Clinic SPARK Research Mentorship Program
The Mayo Clinic High School Research Scholars Program is a summer research internship program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research. The program is based at the Mayo Clinic, one of the world's leading medical institutions, and provides students with the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers in fields such as oncology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular medicine. Over the course of the program, students will participate in research projects, attend seminars and workshops, and engage in professional development activities.
https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/spark-research-mentorship-program/overview
Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is a highly competitive summer research program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in medicine and biomedical research. The program is based at the Stanford University School of Medicine, one of the top medical schools in the United States. Over the course of the program, students will work on research projects in areas such as cancer biology, neuroscience, and bioengineering, under the guidance of experienced faculty members and researchers. Students will also attend seminars, workshops, and professional development sessions to learn about different research areas, career paths, and graduate school opportunities.
University of Iowa Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP)
The University of Iowa Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) is a summer research program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research, engineering, and related fields. The program is based at the University of Iowa, a leading research institution that focuses on areas such as cancer biology, neuroscience, and genetics. Over the course of the 5-week program, students will work on research projects under the guidance of experienced researchers and faculty members.
University of Pennsylvania Biomedical Research Academy
The Biomedical Research Academy offers students an introduction to the experimental foundations of cellular, molecular, and genetic biology, with a focus on their relevance to diseases. Through a combination of daily lectures, faculty research talks, laboratory experiments, and small group investigations into current research topics, students gain valuable insights into the core of biomedical research.
https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/biomedical
UC Davis Young Scholars Program
The UC Davis Young Scholars Program is a summer research program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Over the course of the program, students will work on research projects in areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science, under the guidance of experienced faculty members and researchers. Students will also attend seminars, workshops, and professional development sessions to learn about different research areas, career paths, and graduate school opportunities.
Emory University Summer Science Academy
The Summer Science Academy Day Program is a thrilling and interactive hands-on opportunity that is ideal for incoming 9th and 10th grade students who are enthusiastic about sciences, including biology, healthcare, medicine, or related STEM fields. The program will be held in-person in 2023, providing participants with the chance to learn alongside their peers in a collaborative environment. During the program, students will explore a range of topics, including natural science, biotechnology, engineering, math, medical and science research, and health and science careers.
https://med.emory.edu/education/multicultural-med-student-affairs/summer-camps/index.html
Oregon Health & Science University - Ted R. Lilley CURE Program
The Ted R. Lilley Continuing Umbrella of Research Education (CURE) Program is a research internship initiative that is supported by the Knight Cancer Institute and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. The program provides valuable, hands-on research experiences to high school students from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. The primary objective of the program is to tackle the issue of health equity by promoting the involvement of underrepresented and underserved minorities in biomedical research and other health-related fields.
https://www.ohsu.edu/knight-cancer-institute/ted-r-lilley-cure-program
National Institute of Health (NIH) Summer Internship Program (SIP)
The National Institute of Health (NIH) Summer Internship Program (SIP) is a prestigious research internship for high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research. The program provides a unique opportunity for students to work on cutting-edge research projects in a range of fields, including genetics, neuroscience, epidemiology, and public health. Students will work alongside leading researchers and scientists at NIH, the world's largest biomedical research agency. In addition to their research projects, students will participate in seminars, workshops, and other educational activities designed to enhance their understanding of the scientific research process.
Baylor College of Medicine SMART Program
The Baylor College of Medicine SMART (Summer Medical and Research Training) Program is a highly competitive summer research program for high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine or biomedical research. The program provides students with the opportunity to work on research projects under the guidance of experienced mentors, who are faculty members at the Baylor College of Medicine. Students will participate in seminars, workshops, and other educational activities that will expose them to cutting-edge research in a variety of biomedical fields. The program also offers opportunities for students to attend medical grand rounds and observe clinical activities in hospital settings.
University of Michigan Future Public Health Leaders Program (FPHLP)
The University of Michigan Future Public Health Leaders Program (Michigan FPHLP) is a summer program, which is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and offered by the University of Michigan. This residential program focuses on providing students with hands-on experience through field placements, workshops, and mentorship in the field of public health. By participating in Michigan FPHLP, students can expand their knowledge, skills, and understanding of public health. The program's primary objective is to enhance diversity in the public health workforce and cultivate a dedicated community that is committed to addressing health inequalities.
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Summer High School Internship Program
The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is an eight-week internship offered to rising 12th graders who come from underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical science. The program's primary objective is to provide students with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in laboratory safety techniques and skills through two weeks of training in the Fred Hutch Training Labs. After completing the training, interns are paired with mentors and work in a Fred Hutch research group in Seattle for the remaining six weeks. The program also includes research seminars, professional development workshops focused on college and careers, and team-building social activities. The culmination of the program is marked by intern presentations to the Fred Hutch community, showcasing their accomplishments and growth.
https://www.fredhutch.org/en/about/internships/summer-high-school-internship-program.html
Massachusetts General Hospital Summer Research Trainee Program (SRTP)
The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Summer Research Trainee Program (SRTP) was established in 1992 by the Mass General Center for Diversity and Inclusion. The program is designed to support students with a keen interest in academic medicine and biomedical research, especially those from backgrounds historically underrepresented in medicine (UiM)*. SRTP pairs selected students with a Mass General faculty preceptor who provides guidance and mentorship throughout a new or ongoing research project. This program offers an invaluable opportunity for students to gain hands-on research experience and build relationships with faculty members. The program's aim is to cultivate a diverse group of future leaders in medicine and biomedical research by providing students with the resources and support necessary to reach their full potential.
https://www.massgeneral.org/cdi/programs/students/summer-research-trainee-program-srtp
National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) Medicine & Health Care Program Dates:
The National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine & Health Care offers a unique opportunity for students to experience the life of a health professional. During the program, participants engage in clinical rounds, learn medical examination and surgical techniques, and diagnose and treat a simulated fatal outbreak that is sweeping the nation. Working alongside their team, students will tackle controversial medical issues and explore current challenges facing the healthcare industry. Additionally, participants will delve into cutting-edge scientific research related to cancer and HIV/AIDS. The NSLC on Medicine & Health Care equips students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to succeed in a career in healthcare.
https://www.nslcleaders.org/youth-leadership-programs/summer-medical-programs/
Get involved in medical research opportunities for high school students in 2023
Participating in medical research programs can help high school students build important skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. These skills are not only valuable for a career in the medical field but also in many other fields. Overall, high school students should consider getting involved in medical research if they have an interest in the field and want to explore potential career paths, develop important skills, and contribute to scientific knowledge.
About Inspirit AI and AI + Healthcare Projects
At Inspirit AI, we also offer research programs for high school students interested in applying AI to different fields, including healthcare and medicine. Apply to one of our programs to learn about how artificial intelligence is transforming medicine, such as diagnosing disease and discovering new medicines. You can learn more about AI Scholars here.
