Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP)

The MSSRP at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine provides mentored research experiences for first-year B.U. medical students under the direction of a BUMC faculty member during the summer between the student’s first and second year of medical school. The program enhances medical students’ understanding of biomedical science and clinical research principles; it provides a strong foundation the responsible conduct of research. Students work full-time on their projects for 7 weeks on campus in a variety of Boston University Medical Center (BUMC) departments. Scholarships are $4000. Students in the LEADS research track also participate in the MSSRP as a condition of the LEADS program. Students must be in good academic standing and eligible for promotion to the second year to receive scholarships.

Each student in the MSSRP 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 MSSRP 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; and
3. Participate in summer MSSRP workshops and activities including Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training, present their research at the end of the summer, complete a written  progress report, and participate in the Medical Student Research Symposium.

Students may apply to the MSSRP here: Medical Student Research Opportunities (MSRO).

• Applications will open in early 2025.

Student application components:

• Name
• BU email address
• ORCID# (all students must have an ORCID# that is registered with BU – information here)
• Research project details: mentor name,  department, type of research, project title, purpose, hypothesis/research question.
  Methods/data collection/analysis: include sufficient details of the project to ensure that the project is feasible (approximately 250-300 words)
  Anticipated results: Describe the findings of this work and any alternative approaches or plans (approximately 150 words)

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

Mentor application components:

• Describe your commitment to mentor the student on the project. Please include frequency of meetings with the student, training opportunities, research training plan, and expected outcomes (minimum 5-6 sentences).
• Names of co-mentors
• Research project support
• Confirmation of approvals as appropriate (IRB, IACUC, IBC)

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.

Evaluation criteria of student application (updated 8/2024):

• 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 MSSRP?
  

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

• Are literature review projects appropriate for the MSSRP?
  

  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 MSSRP but have other plans for the summer. Can I participate in the MSSRP remotely?
  

  No, participating in the MSSRP is an in person activity. It is expected that all MSSRP participates will participate in full time research

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

  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). Students can also engage in research with Boston VA faculty.

• Can a postdoc or resident be my research mentor instead of faculty?

  Your primary mentor must have a BU or VA faculty appointment. Of course other members of the research team including postdocs, students, and residents may contribute to your research training.

• 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 MSSRP?
  

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

• Am I required to stick with the exact project that I propose in my MSSRP 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 MSSRP. Is it OK to apply with a pending IRB?
  

  In order to apply for the MSSRP your project must have appropriate approvals  (IRB, IACUC, or others). A project without approvals may indicate that it is not feasible. 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, especially if you are waiting on an amendment.

• When will I learn if I am accepted into the MSSRP?
  

  Acceptances to the MSSRP for the summer 2025 will be sent in the Spring.

• Students searching for a research mentor are encouraged to start here: Finding a Mentor.
• Current research projects are listed here.

Students who are awarded a scholarship must meet the requirements listed here in order to participate in the program: Requirements & Eligibility Criteria.

Summer break for Class of 2028 medical students is tentatively May 17 – July 13, 2025. Students must schedule their 7 weeks of research within this timeframe and also attend the MSSRP summer sessions that are scheduled May-June, 2025. Topics for the MSSRP summers sessions include responsible conduct of research (RCR), understanding the IRB process, and presentation skills; there is also a clinician scientist panel of BUMC physicians. Each student in the program will give an oral presentation on their work as well. The final schedule for the MSSRP summer sessions will appear on this webpage in early 2025.

All students in the MSSRP must submit a progress report at the end of their research experience using this form.