Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science Summer Research Program

Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science (RITMS) Summer Research Program, creating the next generation of great young scientists.

Program Description

This summer educational program is a unique opportunity for high school and college students who are contemplating a career in science/medicine and intend to pursue graduate or medical school training for advanced degrees.

For high school students making decisions about college, the RITMS Summer Research Program can provide you with invaluable insight into how science is done. This experience can help you to decide what type of college you wish to attend (small, large, research-oriented), aid in the college selection process, and strengthen your college application.

For college students contemplating careers in science, the RITMS Summer Research Program can be a very important part of your graduate school application package. Most advanced science-related degree programs require prior research experience to be considered for admission.

Upon acceptance into this program, you will have the opportunity to participate in laboratory science, be a member of a research team, participate in experiment planning and analyses sessions, perform experiments, and present your results. You will learn firsthand how top tier biomedical science is accomplished, providing you insight into a career in science.

Application Procedure

Application must be submitted by February 1st (January 1 for Foreign Nationals)

Student must be 16 years old at start date to be considered

Apply Here

Completed application must include:

  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Non-official high school or college transcripts
  • Personal statement describing the applicant’s experience, research interests, and career goals
  • Two letters of reference with at least one letter from either science or math teacher completed on the Letter of Recommendation Form in the application
  • Either the adult consent form or the parental consent form (High School Applicants)
  • Conduct Agreement
  • Volunteer Waiver Form
  • Parental Consent Form (under 18) or Adult Consent Form (over 18)
Program Highlights
  • Tuition-free research program
    • High School Student program (8 weeks) – third week of June until the second week of August
    • Undergraduate Student program (12 weeks) – third week of May until the second week of August
  • Opportunity to explore various careers in science & medicine
  • Learn and apply the process of scientific research
  • Hands on experience performing experiments
  • Communicate your science findings in presentations and written reports
  • Be mentored by professional scientists, students and faculty from Rutgers University
Qualifications

High School Applicants

  • Applicants must be 16 years of age or older at the time they begin the program
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled in high school
  • Parental consent required
  • Students must be entering sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school
  • GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or all A’s and B’s in math and science classes
  • Interest in a career in science or medicine

Undergraduate Applicants

  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Foreign nationals from affiliated institutions, submitting appropriate paperwork, will also be considered.
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled at least part-time in an accredited U.S. college or university as an undergraduate student
  • GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or all A’s and B’s in math and science
  • At least one year of coursework in biology or other sciences
  • Interest in a career in science or medicine
Selection Procedure

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis from November through April by the individual scientists. Individual scientists will select their own summer interns from the pool of applicants. In addition, applicants may be contacted to schedule an interview for this program. All applicants selected for the program will be notified of their selection by email by no later than May 1st. Successful candidates will be required to submit the following documentation and have completed the items listed below prior to beginning their training:

  • Proof of age for high school student applicants. They may submit a copy of their birth certificate or passport.
  • High school student applicants under the age of 18, will need to submit a copy of their working papers.
  • All applicants will need to submit a copy of their medical insurance.
  • All applicants will need to submit proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence status. U.S. citizens may submit a copy of their birth certificate or passport. Permanent residents will need to provide a copy of their alien registration card.
  • All applicants will be required to completed human resources paperwork.
  • Complete all online trainings including: lab safety, blood borne pathogens, & radiation safety training.

Disclaimer: The Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science (RITMS) Summer Research Program is a day program only. There is no housing available through the program and students must arrange for transportation to and from campus daily.