Introduction to the Summer Research Training Program

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) offers an exciting summer research opportunity for undergraduate students in the health sciences. The Summer Research Training Program provides students with the chance to engage in 10 weeks of graduate-level research, mentorship, and professional development.

Program Overview

• The program runs from the last weekend in May until the first weekend in August.
• Participants work with UCSF faculty members on research projects and take part in seminars, lectures, and social events.
• At the end of the program, students give presentations of their research and receive feedback from students, postdocs, and faculty at UCSF.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the 2026 Summer Research Program at UCSF, applicants must:

• Be a currently-enrolled undergraduate student.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Have a desire to pursue a PhD in one of the disciplines offered by the UCSF Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs.
• Have completed at least four semesters or six quarters of undergraduate study prior to the beginning of the Summer Program.
• Be able to participate for the entirety of the program.

Funding Sources

The Summer Research Training Program is supported by various funding sources, including:

• Amgen Foundation
• National Science Foundation
• UC LEADS
• UCSF Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs
• UCSF Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
• Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research
• ImmunoDiverse
• UCSF Cancer Center
• UCSF Cardiovascular Research Institute
• Medical Scientist Training Program/UCSF Medical School
• Bioengineering Graduate Program
• Biomedical Informatics Graduate Program
• Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
• Chemistry and Chemical Biology Graduate Program
• Integrative Program in Quantitative Biology Graduate Program
• Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program
• Neuroscience Graduate Program
• Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program

Program Features and Benefits

Program Features

• Research: Engage in 10 weeks of graduate-level research
• Mentorship: Receive guidance from faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows
• Seminars: Participate in weekly professional development workshops
• Symposium: Present oral and poster presentations
• Cohort: Experience a community of highly motivated students from across the U.S.
• Community: Social events on campus and around San Francisco

Participant Benefits

Students receive a total package worth over $15,000, including:

• Stipend: Competitive summer and public transportation stipend
• Travel: Roundtrip travel to and from San Francisco
• Housing: Housing in San Francisco near shops, restaurants, and transit
• Health Insurance: Health insurance for the duration of the program

Application Process

• Applications open on Saturday, November 1, 2025 (12:01 a.m. PST).
• Application closes on February 2, 2026 (11:59 p.m. PST).
• Students will be notified of admissions decisions the first week of March.
• A completed application must include:
  • Application and personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Copy of college transcript(s)

Disciplines

The Summer Research Training Program offers research opportunities in the following disciplines:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Bioengineering
• Biological and Biomedical Informatics
• Biomedical Sciences
• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Chemistry and Chemical Biology
• Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
• Epidemiology and Translational Research
• Genetics
• Neuroscience
• Oral and Craniofacial Sciences
• Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics

Program Staff

The program staff includes:

• D'Anne Duncan, PhD
• Yvonne Garcia, MS
• Jennifer Thompson
• Naika McDonald
• Annabelle De La Rosa

Graduate Student Advisers

The graduate student advisers for 2025 are:

• Molly Bassette
• Yaen Chen
• Ricardo Espinosa Lima
• Meri Okorie
• Cindy Pino
• Charlotte Wang

Program Statistics

The program statistics, including demographics and degree outcomes, are available for review.

University of California San Francisco

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Overview:

University of California San Francisco (UCSF) is a renowned public research university located in San Francisco, California. It is a leading institution in the fields of health sciences, biomedical research, and patient care. UCSF is known for its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and its dedication to improving human health.

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Services Offered:

UCSF offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Calendar:

Provides information on academic schedules and important dates.

Career Center:

Assists students with career exploration, job searching, and professional development.

Financial Aid:

Offers financial assistance to eligible students through scholarships, grants, and loans.

General Catalog:

Contains detailed information about academic programs, policies, and resources.

Library:

Provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.

Registrar:

Handles student records, registration, and graduation.

Student Success Guide:

Offers resources and support services to help students succeed academically and personally.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-Class Faculty:

UCSF boasts a faculty of renowned researchers, clinicians, and educators who are leaders in their fields.

Cutting-Edge Research:

The university is at the forefront of biomedical research, with groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various areas of health sciences.

Exceptional Patient Care:

UCSF is home to a world-class medical center that provides comprehensive and compassionate care to patients.

Vibrant Campus Community:

UCSF offers a diverse and supportive campus community with a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

Location in San Francisco:

The university's location in San Francisco provides students with access to a vibrant city with numerous cultural, entertainment, and career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

UCSF offers a wide range of academic programs across its various schools, including:

School of Dentistry:

Offers programs in dentistry, oral health, and dental research.

School of Medicine:

Provides education and training in medicine, biomedical research, and public health.

School of Pharmacy:

Offers programs in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and drug discovery.

School of Nursing:

Provides education and training in nursing, nursing research, and healthcare leadership.

Graduate Division:

Offers graduate programs in various disciplines, including biomedical sciences, public health, and bioengineering.

Global Health Sciences:

Focuses on global health issues and provides training and research opportunities in this field.

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Other: