Research Year Program at BUMC
The Research Year Program at Boston University is for BU medical students interested in taking a year off from the medical curriculum to pursue full-time research with a BU faculty member. Students accepted into this program will remain registered and enroll in MED MS900 for fall and spring semesters. Students will receive a scholarship to pay for tuition costs. Students interested in this program should use the MSRO application to apply. This program does not cover any fees or provide a stipend.
Learning Objectives for the Research Year Program at BUMC
Learning objectives for the program are to:
- 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
- Apply the rules and procedures for performing research with biological systems (human beings or animals, biological samples or biomedical information), education and teaching concepts, or other categories adding to the body of scientific knowledge
- Demonstrate the ability to gather, organize, and protect biomedical information
- Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory and/or data processing skills geared toward generating original scientific results
- Develop scientific writing skills to generate internal reports and ideally peer-reviewed publications
- Develop scientific data presentation skills
Expectations
Each student in the Research Year Program at BU is expected to:
- Work with a mentor to design and conduct research
- Follow institutional policies for the safe and proper conduct of research (IRB, IACUC, ROHP) as applicable to the project; and
- Participate in full-time, in-person research for the duration of the academic year.
- If students have not previously completed the online Responsible Conduct of Research Training, they should do so before the research elective starts. Complete the Step 1 RCR only and do not register for step 2: https://www.bu.edu/research/ethics-compliance/responsible-conduct-of-research/training-programs/rcr-for-doctoral-or-postdoctoral-researchers/
Program Application & Requirements
Due Dates for Applications for the 2026 Research Year Program at BUMC:
- Anticipated date for current M2 & M3 students is February 27, 2026
- Mentor statements of support are due March 6, 2026
If you would like apply to the Research Year Program, you must follow these steps:
- Meet with a Student Affairs dean to review your research year plans and your petition to the SEPC.
- You must submit a petition to the Student Evaluation & Promotions Committee (SEPC).
- If you have loans or scholarships and you plan to change your registration status, you 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.
- If you are considering participating in any clinical activities including shadowing during the research year or half-year you must contact your SAO dean to discuss.
- You must apply through the Medical Student Research Opportunities (MSRO).
- It is recommend that you contact Matthew Layne, Assistant Dean of Research, to discuss plans and program requirements.
Eligibility:
- For the full year program, students can participate in research between M2-M3 or M3-M4.
- For the half-year program, Students must be M3 or M4 (and have passed step 1). You cannot participate in research for credit while studying for Step.
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.
Evaluation Criteria of Application
Completed applications are reviewed by faculty members of the Medical Student Research Steering Committee. Evaluation criteria include:
- Student: There is evidence that the student has established a connection with the mentor (and research team) indicating a commitment to the project
- Research proposal: The research questions are logically presented, experiments/data collection methods are appropriate, the project is feasible
- Mentor: The mentor is committed and available to the student. Mentor has resources (grants) and approvals (IRB, IACUC) are in place. Mentor ensures the expertise of other researchers is available to student to be properly trained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any research areas that are preferred for the Research Year Program?
No, there are no preferred research areas. All areas of research (clinical, translational, basic science, public health, and more). What matters most is identifying and working with BU faculty mentors who have active research programs.
I am interested in the Research Year Program but I have other interests. Can I participate in the Research Year Program part-time?
No, the Research Year Program is for full-time research only.
I have identified a research mentor who is not a BU faculty member. Can I work with this person?
Your mentor must have a BU faculty appointment for you to qualify for The Research Year Program. 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. If your mentor is not a BU faculty, please consider the Research Year at External Site.
Can a postdoc or resident be my research mentor (instead of a faculty member)?
Your primary mentor must have a BU or VA faculty appointment. Other members of the research team – including postdocs, students, and residents – may contribute to your research training.
My research project will not have final IRB approval when I apply for the program. Is it OK to apply with a pending IRB?
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.
Are there scholarships or stipends available for the Research Year Program?
The program provides a scholarship for tuition costs (Fall and Spring). We do not cover health insurance costs or provide stipends. Please discuss with your mentor if they have resources for stipends.
Research Year Progress Report & Mentor Evaluation Submission
Research progress reports and mentor evaluations are due no later than April 1, 2024.
- Students: Submit using the following form: Research Year Progress Report
- Mentors: Submit your evaluation using this form: Research Year Mentor Evaluation
Program Contacts
- Matthew Layne, PhD, Assistant Dean of Research
- Ana Gregory, EdM, Administrative Director