The Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences offers jointly with the Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines and the Department of Biology, a 10-week summer research-intensive training program in all fields of neuroscience to non-MIT undergraduates (Sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors) majoring in all STEM fields. This summer internship program is funded in part by the MIT's School of Science, the National Science Foundation, and the Simons Center for the Social Brain. Next year’s program will run from May 26 through August 3, 2024.

The summer program is primarily designed to encourage students from underrepresented minorities, first-generation college students, and students from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds to attend graduate school and pursue a career in basic research by providing them the opportunity to conduct supervised research in a top-notch research institution, in a supportive learning environment with plenty of interaction with graduate students and faculty. This summer program provides a unique opportunity for students who do not have access to top-notch research facilities at their own institution to conduct supervised research in state-of-the-art research facilities. Preference will be given to applicants from non-research-intensive colleges and universities. 

Program eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be full-time undergraduate students at a college or university in the U.S.
• Be current sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors who have successfully completed introductory courses in the sciences
• Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA in science courses
• Have prior research experience
• Have demonstrated an interest in basic research and in a career in the sciences
• Be available to begin on the first date of the program, no exceptions
• International students may apply if enrolled full time in a minority-serving institution (MSI) in the United States (to check the status of your college or university, refer to this list of MSIs)

The following are not eligible for this program:

• MIT undergraduates (if you are an MIT undergrad, see the UROP website)
• Students studying abroad
• Graduate students
• Foreign students unless enrolled full-time at a minority-serving institution in the US. 

Students interested in disciplines that are not related to biology, neuroscience or artificial intelligence should apply to the general MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) offered through the Office of Graduate Education. 

Applying

The dates of the 2025 program will be posted in November. Applications will open on November 15, 2024.

A complete application consists of:

• The completed online application
• Three letters of reference from science faculty. At least one letter must be from a research mentor or lab supervisor. Please note that applicants must submit a letter of reference from their most recent research experience.
• Most recent unofficial college transcripts which should contain spring semester course list. Official transcripts will be required once applicants are admitted into the program.
• A one-page personal statement of interest and career goals

Program description

Note that aspects of this experience may change due to Covid-19 guidelines and precautions.

Students accepted into the program receive their 10-week training in one of over 60 research laboratories affiliated with the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (BCS), the Center for Brains, Minds and Machines (CBMM), or the Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience graduate program (MCN). Students conduct supervised research and receive practical training in areas such as molecular and cellular neurosciences, neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive sciences, computational neuroscience, psychophysics, linguistics, artificial intelligence, and vision neuroscience. In addition, students receive training in reading and discussing primary scientific research papers, are exposed to scientific writing, practice giving oral presentations about their summer research, have many opportunities to meet with various faculty to learn about their research, and learn about various career paths.

Students accepted into the program receive:

• Campus housing
• A weekly stipend
• Travel allowance to and from MIT (domestic travel only)
• An MIT email account
• Subsidized pass to the athletic facilities
• Wireless internet access
• Faculty and peer mentorship

Students are expected to work full-time in the laboratory, to participate in weekly meetings with faculty, and to attend weekly academic seminars.

The weekly seminars cover such topics as applying to graduate school, giving an oral presentation, writing a research abstract, and learning about various career options available to PhD graduates. They are designed to help students improve their presentation skills and to be more competitive applicants. During the summer, students have several opportunities to give oral presentations on their research. At the end of the program students are required to give a poster presentation on their research and to submit a 5-page research summary and a one-page personal statement about their summer experience at MIT.

Students also are invited to participate in weekend social activities, visit a local Biotech, and visit Boston and its vicinity. Students can also participate in a guided tour of Boston and the Freedom Trail and a one-day trip to Martha's Vineyard.  All of the students in the MIT summer research program live together on campus in shared suites with kitchens. This housing arrangement promotes social interactions and provides a wonderful opportunity to forge long-lasting friendships with peers in the program.

For more information, please email msrpbio@mit.edu.