Research Year at External Sites
The Research Year at External Sites is for BU medical students interested in taking a leave of absence from the curriculum for one year to pursue full-time research with a mentor who is not affiliated with BU. Policies and procedures for this program are below.
There are many outstanding external programs at other institutions, and some of these programs include stipends. Many of these are found at Current Grants & Opportunities or Directory of Student Opportunities.
Before deciding to take a research year it is recommended that students discuss their plans with their academic advisors. Students can also reach out to Matthew Layne, PhD, Assistant Dean of Research, to discuss research plans and for assistance in external applications.
Requirements & Program Application
Steps to Participate in a Research Year at an External Site:
- Complete and submit a petition to the Student Evaluation & Promotions Committee (SEPC).
- Meet with a Student Affairs dean to review your plans, your petition to the SEPC.
- Meet with the Liza Bates, Assistant Dean and Registrar, regarding any change of registration status.
- If you have loans or scholarships and you plan to change your registration status, your must meet with a staff member in Student Financial Services to review how any change in your registration status may affect your loans and scholarships. You also may be eligible to request consideration for tuition reimbursement.
- It is recommended that you meet with Matthew Layne, PhD, Assistant Dean of Research, to discuss your plans.
- Please submit an application at Medical Student Research Opportunities (MSRO). Applications will be automatically approved. Submitting an application will enable the research program to help you if any issues arise while you are way; the info you provide will also help other students who can learn about your research year experiences.
2024 Due Dates for Applications for the Research Year at External Site:
- Applications for current M2 students (class of 2026) are due March 15, 2024.
- Applications for current M3 students (class of 2025) are due March 22, 2024.
- All mentor statements are due by March 29, 2024.
Requirements for the Application:
Student applicants will provide:
- Name
- BU email address
- ORCID# (all students must have an ORCID# that is registered with BU – information here)
- Research project details including mentor name, department, type of research, project title, purpose, hypothesis/research question, methods/data collection/analysis, anticipated results
- We will also ask for mentor information including grant support, other individuals that will participate in your training, and a statement committing to mentoring you.
Mentors will provide:
- Statement of support and additional project information
- Names of co-mentors
- Research project support
- Confirmation of approvals as appropriate (IRB, IACUC, IBC)
Once the student submits the application, it is automatically routed to the mentor. Students are highly encouraged to submit their applications early to allow their mentors time to complete their portion of the application. Applications are not considered complete until both student and mentor components are received.
Completed applications are reviewed by faculty members of the Medical Student Research Steering Committee and will be automatically approved.