{"id":104940,"date":"2025-08-26T16:34:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T20:34:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/?page_id=104940"},"modified":"2026-02-25T09:05:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T14:05:09","slug":"summer-training-as-research-scholars-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/summer-training-as-research-scholars-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Training as Research Scholars Program"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.40.51-AM-636x309.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"636\" height=\"309\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-99982 aligncenter\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.40.51-AM-636x309.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.40.51-AM.png 642w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Applications have closed for Summer 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Summer Training as Research Scholars Program (STaRS) is an on-site summer research program for undergraduates and first-year Boston University medical school students. STaRS offers motivated and academically talented students a valuable opportunity to confirm a strong interest in doctoral studies and a career in research.<\/p>\n<p>STaRS provides scholars with the opportunity to participate in research and to enhance the skills required for successful entrance and completion of a graduate program or an MD\/PhD program in the biomedical sciences.<\/p>\n<p>Each STaRS participant is assigned a faculty mentor and will develop <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">an independent biomedical research project <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">from a broad range of topics<\/span> \u2013 including heart, lung, and blood research. Scholars will be immersed in teams that work in cutting-edge research with a particular focus on disease-oriented projects.<\/p>\n<p>Each STaRS participant will attend academic enhancement sessions, such as: research skills seminars, article presentations, oral and written skills workshops, and seminars on applying to a PhD program or an MD\/PhD program in the biomedical sciences. Scholars can also enjoy social and cultural activities in Boston!<\/p>\n<p>The program is grant funded through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the NIH (2R25HL118693). STaRS is run by Boston University\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/\"><strong>Graduate Medical Sciences,<\/strong><\/a> a recognized leader in graduate education and biomedical research.<\/p>\n<p>Please check <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/dei\/undergraduate-summer-and-youth-programs\/stars\/frequently-asked-questions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the FAQ page<\/a><\/strong> for questions about the program.<\/p>\n<div class=\"responsive-video responsive-youtube\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"GMS Summer Training as Research Scholars (STaRS) Program\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/DYkbOaP9Yks?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>STaRS offers motivated and academically talented students a valuable opportunity to confirm a strong interest in doctoral studies and a career in research.<\/p>\n<p><span><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Program Dates<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The STaRS Program application for Summer 2026 will open on November 1, 2025.<\/p>\n<p>The STaRS \u202fapplication will close on <strong>February 1, 2026 at 11:59pm.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Final decisions will be sent by email <strong>between March 15 and early April.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>STaRS Program tentative dates: <strong>Monday, June 1, 2026 \u2013 Friday, July 31, 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Move-in date:\u00a0<strong>Sunday, May 31, 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Eligibility<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.45.20-AM-636x470.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"636\" height=\"470\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-99983 aligncenter\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.45.20-AM-636x470.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.45.20-AM.png 646w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Qualified STaRS applicants must have the following:<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Expected to graduate in 2027 and beyond.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Currently enrolled in a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">STEM*<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0degree program, part-time or full-time, leading to a Bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(on a 4.0 scale).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Have an interest in biological research<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Have some prior research experience<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true}\"> (optional)<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Three letters of recommendation<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">*STEM = science, technology, engineering and mathematics <\/span><\/b>(e.g, <span data-contrast=\"auto\">biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, earth sciences, health science, information technology, mathematic, and physics)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">BU also hosts<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/urop\/opportunities\/other-research-opportunities-at-boston-university\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> other summer research programs<\/a> for undergraduates in STEM fields<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Stipend and Travel Support<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>As part of the STaRS program, research scholars will receive:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stipend for program participation<\/li>\n<li>Round trip travel to Boston<\/li>\n<li>University housing (dormitories)<\/li>\n<li>Enrollment in 2 summer courses (1 credit each)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Research<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.50.53-AM-636x474.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"283\" height=\"211\" class=\"wp-image-99985 alignleft\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.50.53-AM-636x474.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.50.53-AM.png 702w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 283px) 100vw, 283px\" \/>During the nine-week onsite summer internship, scholars are immersed in outstanding multidisciplinary research teams that work in diverse aspects of biomedical research, from exploration at the basic science level to translating fundamental discoveries into treatments that improve human health.<\/p>\n<p>Scholars will be mentored on the research team by faculty and team members from Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS). Biomedical laboratories that participate in STaRS reside in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/dei\/undergraduate-summer-and-youth-programs\/stars\/research-opportunities\/\">various departments and programs<\/a> on campus. Mentor assignment is based on each scholar\u2019s research interests. After several weeks of gaining familiarity with the methodology and routine of the team, the research scholar will gradually be guided toward development of an independent research project.<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/gms\/files\/2023\/12\/Picture5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"327\" height=\"209\" class=\" wp-image-95882 alignright\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The research scholar will present his\/her project at the STaRS symposium and the GMS Summer Undergraduate Symposium at the close of the program, which recognize the accomplishment of each scholar of the STaRS cohort.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Enrichment<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/gms\/files\/2023\/12\/Picture6-636x476.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"334\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-95883 alignleft\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2023\/12\/Picture6-636x476.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2023\/12\/Picture6.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 334px) 100vw, 334px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>STaRS participants are trained in a number of topics, including basic research principles, responsible conduct of research, research advancements, career development, applying to a PhD or an MD\/PhD program in the biomedical sciences, and scientific communication skills, including oral communication, writing abstracts, and preparing and presenting a poster.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.52.27-AM-636x476.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"359\" height=\"269\" class=\"wp-image-99986 alignright\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.52.27-AM-636x476.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.52.27-AM-768x574.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.52.27-AM.png 959w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 359px) 100vw, 359px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Research scholars can also participate in a variety of enrichment and professional development activities offered through Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS), departments and\/or their research team. These activities include research seminars, data talks, and journal clubs.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Social Activities<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.53.53-AM-636x230.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"636\" height=\"230\" class=\"wp-image-99988 size-medium aligncenter\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.53.53-AM-636x230.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.53.53-AM-768x277.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/Screen-Shot-2024-10-04-at-9.53.53-AM.png 964w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>STaRS organizes a networking event, Game Night, where STaRS scholars meet and interact with students from other summer research programs at BU (from the Charles River and the Medical campuses). These students often meet to do activities together afterwards.<\/p>\n<p>The program also plans optional activities (e.g., tours through Boston or Cambridge), and encourages STaRS scholars to organize activities together and with other student groups.<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/gms\/files\/2025\/08\/image-10-554x636.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"257\" height=\"295\" class=\"wp-image-104934 alignright\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2025\/08\/image-10-554x636.png 554w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2025\/08\/image-10-768x882.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2025\/08\/image-10.png 864w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 257px) 100vw, 257px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>STaRS is located at the Boston University Chobanian &amp; Avedisian School of Medicine in the South End of Boston, a small, multicultural neighborhood with a lively arts community. As a major college-oriented city, Boston offers many cultural and recreational activities to engage the varied interests of a large and diverse student population. STaRS encourages research scholars to explore Boston, visit its many neighborhoods and major attractions, and meet other like-minded students while enjoying summer in the city.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2><b>COVID-19 Update<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Boston University Chobanian &amp; Avedisian School of Medicine COVID-19 Guidelines:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.<\/li>\n<li>Wear a mask in crowded, indoor spaces.<\/li>\n<li>Test if you are not feeling well.<\/li>\n<li>For more information, please visit <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/chiefhealthoffice\/bu-covid-19-policies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BU COVID-19 Policies<\/a>.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Do you have questions about the program? Please contact us at <a href=\"mailto:starsgms@bu.edu\">starsgms@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for your interest in the Summer Training as Research Scholars Program. We hope to hear from you soon!<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/gms\/files\/2018\/10\/STaRS-Logo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1092\" height=\"207\" class=\"wp-image-61398 aligncenter\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2018\/10\/STaRS-Logo.png 1276w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2018\/10\/STaRS-Logo-636x121.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2018\/10\/STaRS-Logo-768x146.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2018\/10\/STaRS-Logo-1024x194.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1092px) 100vw, 1092px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Applications have closed for Summer 2026. The Summer Training as Research Scholars Program (STaRS) is an on-site summer research program for undergraduates and first-year Boston University medical school students. STaRS offers motivated and academically talented students a valuable opportunity to confirm a strong interest in doctoral studies and a career in research. STaRS provides scholars [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20706,"featured_media":0,"parent":10,"menu_order":9,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/104940"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20706"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104940"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/104940\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":106748,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/104940\/revisions\/106748"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104940"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}