The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is an intensive, nine-week internship for undergraduates entering the summer before their final year, semester, or quarter of study. It's designed to provide research experience and mentorship for students interested in biomedical research. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, interns will complete an independent research project and present their findings at a competitive poster session.
Interns are paired with a faculty mentor after selecting one of the following areas of interest:
- Basic Sciences
- Structural, genetic, molecular, cellular, developmental and evolutionary biology.
- Human Biology
- Interdisciplinary research; lab-based and computational research in basic, clinical and population sciences.
- Public Health Sciences
- Large populations serve as a "laboratory" to look for links between cancer and its possible triggers, from diet and lifestyle, to environmental and genetic factors. Conducts statistical, epidemiological and prevention studies around the world.
- Clinical Research
- Development and analysis of new treatments for cancers and other diseases.
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease
- Computational, laboratory and clinical research methods advance the understanding of microbial pathogenesis and infectious disease processes.
In addition to completing a mentored research project, interns participate in professional development workshops designed to facilitate preparation of competitive applications to graduate/medical school.
Workshops include:
- Preparing a personal statement, resume and abstract
- How to successfully apply to graduate or medical school
- Preparing and presenting a scientific poster
Interns will also attend weekly research seminars regarding a broad array of scientific topics. The program culminates with a competitive poster session.
Location(s)
- Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
Schedule
- June 16th - August 15th, 2025
Cost/Compensation
- Interns will receive $7,304 (less taxes) for participating in the program.
- The SURP provides roundtrip travel (up to $450) to and from Seattle. Travel arrangements will be coordinated by program staff unless otherwise requested. If the cost of airfare is less than $450, interns may also request reimbursement for the cost of luggage fees and/or ground transportation to and from the airport. Interns who drive to Seattle are eligible for mileage reimbursement, up to $450.
- Interns are responsible for their housing, meals, and local transportation costs. Housing will be available at the University of Washington or Seattle University for approximately $3,200* for the duration of the program. Housing applications will be available to students who are selected to participate in the program in early March. Interns are also welcome to make their own housing arrangements.
- Participants are eligible to purchase a subsidized transportation pass for $45. There is a free shuttle between Fred Hutch and the University of Washington campus, departing every 15 minutes.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- F-1 VISA holder who has received Curricular Practical Training work authorization from your F-1 sponsoring University
- Entering the summer BEFORE the final year (or semester/quarter) of undergraduate studies
- Strong background in the sciences or a related area of interest
Deadline
- January 10th, 2025
Application or Entry Requirements
- A completed online application
- A one-page Statement of Research Interests and Career Goals outlining the applicant’s scientific background, current research interests and how participation in the SURP will advance academic and career aspirations
- Transcripts
- Up to two letters of recommendation
- Identifying up to three faculty members the applicant would like to work with, and a short description of why their research is of interest
- F-1 visa holders will need to provide written confirmation of your CPT eligibility from your DSO and submit that documentation via email to SURP along with their application code
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
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Fred Hutch Cancer Center unites innovative research and compassionate care to prevent and eliminate cancer and infectious disease. Founded in 1975 in Seattle, Washington, ‘The Hutch’ is driven by the urgency of its patients, the hope of its community and a passion for discovery to pursue scientific breakthroughs and healthier lives for all people. In 1998, Fred Hutch united Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center as an independent nonprofit organization and now serves as the cancer program for University of Washington Medicine. This unique relationship allows for enhanced care coordination with one of the world's leading integrated health systems.
