LEADS Research Track

The LEADS research track is part of the Learn, Experience, Advocate, Discover, and Serve (LEADS) curriculum. Students are competitively selected for this track in the fall of the first year of medical school. Research track students work with BU faculty mentors on research projects that span the first two years of medical school. Students engage in research during the designated LEADS weeks and outside of LEADS weeks (~10 hours/week); they also participate in the Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP).

Each student in the LEADS research track will:

1. Develop a research plan (under the direction of a mentor) that includes study aims, research objectives and research approach, and if applicable, a testable hypothesis
2. Apply the rules and procedures for performing research with biological systems (human beings or animals or biological samples or biomedical information), education and teaching concepts, or other categories adding to the body of scientific knowledge
3. Demonstrate the ability to gather, organize, and protect biomedical information
4. Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory and/or data processing skills geared toward generating original scientific results
5. Develop scientific writing skills to generate internal reports and ideally peer-reviewed publications
6. Develop scientific data presentation skills

Each student in the LEADS research track is expected to:

1. Work with a mentor to design and conduct research
2. Follow institutional policies for the safe and proper conduct of research (IRB, IACUC, ROHP) as applicable to the project
3. Complete common LEADS requirements, LEADS research activities, and participate in the MSSRP.

Students in the 1st year of the LEADS research track will:

• Identify a mentor and write a research application that will be reviewed by a committee
• Once accepted in December, students are expected to participate in research with their mentor approximately 10 h/week
• Participate in April 2025 LEADS week
• Participate in LEADS research track overview and Introduction to Experimental Design lecture
• Participate in the MSSRP
  • Engage in full-time in-person research for 7 weeks
  • Participate in Responsible Conduct of Research RCR workshops
  • Participate in workshops on the IRB and presentation skills; attend a clinical scientist career panel
  • Present a short research talk
  • Write a research progress report at the end of the summer

Students in the 2nd year of the LEADS research track will:

• Continue in research during non-LEADS and LEADS weeks
• Participate in workshop on scientific writing and manuscript preparation
• Assemble a research advisory committee of three faculty members and present research
• Write abstract and present poster at Medical Student Research Symposium
• Write final research progress report

Applications for the 2025 LEADS Research Track are closed.
Applications for 2026 will be here: Medical Student Research Opportunities (MSRO).

Student application components:

• 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

Once the student submits the application, it is automatically routed to the mentor.

Mentor application components:

• Statement of support and additional project information
• Names of co-mentors
• Research project support
• Confirmation of approvals as appropriate (IRB, IACUC, IBC)
• Description of the research resources including space

Applications are not considered complete until both student and mentor components are received.

Completed applications are reviewed by faculty members who are part of the Medical Student Research Steering Committee.

Application Evaluation Criteria:

• Student: Evidence that the student has established a connection with the mentor (and research team) indicating a commitment to the project. The research questions are logically presented, experiments/data collection methods are appropriate. The project is feasible
• Mentor:  Mentor is committed and available to the student. Details of training/mentoring plan. Mentor ensures other research team members are available to train student. Mentor’s track record with trainees, especially medical students
• Resources & Environment: Research team has grant funding (as applicable) to support the project. Designated research space is appropriate for the project
• Other requirements: Application is on time and complete. Mentor approvals in place (IRB, IACUC, IBC). Student will be full-time and in person for summer program.

• Are there any research areas that are preferred for the LEADS research track?
  

  No, there are no preferred research areas. All areas of research (clinical, translational, basic science, public health, and more) are appropriate for the LEADS research track. What matters most is identifying and working with BU mentors who have active research programs.

• Are literature review projects appropriate for the LEADS research track?
  

  While all research projects include reading and capturing the existing literature surrounding the research area, the LEADS research track is designed for generating new research information and projects will not be approved for literature reviews.

• I am interested in the LEADS research track but I have other plans for next summer. Can I skip the MSSRP component?
  

  No, participating in the MSSRP is a requirement of the LEADS research track.

• I have identified a research mentor who is not a BU faculty member. Can I work with this person for the LEADs research track?
  

  No, your mentor must have a BU faculty appointment. Mentors may be located on the medical campus, Boston Medical Center, or BU Charles River Campus. Some BU faculty are located at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center (SEMC) and the Boston VA.

• Can I participate in the LEADS research track (including the MSSRP) remotely?
  

  No, all research must be conducted in-person on the medical campus.

• Am I able to switch LEADS tracks if the research track does not work out?
  

  All LEADS tracks include a commitment to the end of second year. If you have problems in your research please contact Matthew Layne, PhD to discuss.

• I am interested in the LEADS research track but I have not yet identified I mentor. Can I apply now and identify a mentor later?

  No, you must secure a mentor before you apply to the LEADS research track. Your mentor will provide a statement of support in connection to your application.

• I have an idea for a research project but have not identified a mentor to work with me on this project. Can I work on this project for the LEADS research track?
  

  Generally students join a research group and contribute to that group’s research. It is not recommended for students to create projects anew on their own.

• Am I required to stick with the exact project that I propose in my LEADS research application?
  

  Research plans often change and you are not required to stick with the same project. The direction of the project and research goals are defined by discussions with your mentor.

• My research project will not have final IRB approval when I apply for the LEADS research track. Is it OK to apply with a pending IRB?
  

  In order to apply for the LEADS research track your project must have appropriate approvals  (IRB, IACUC, or others). A project without approvals may indicate that it is is currently unfeasible. If this is the case, discuss with your mentor other approved projects that you may work on until the IRB is approved and include those details in your application. Small amendments may be appropriate if the mentor describes contingencies in their support statement.

• When will I learn if I am accepted into the LEADS research track?
  

  Acceptances to the LEADS research track will be sent to students in December 2024.