Through the generous support of the Amgen Foundation, Columbia University and Barnard College now offer a summer research program to a select group of motivated undergraduate students who will benefit from the opportunity of hands-on biology related laboratory research. This is a chance to experience the joys of discovering something completely new while learning to overcome the challenges inherent in scientific research. Students work at Columbia University (either at the Morningside Heights campus or at the Medical Center campus) or Barnard College.

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The Amgen Scholars Program runs for ten weeks, beginning the Tuesday after Memorial Day. During the 10 week program, students work full-time (about 40 hours/week) on independent research projects under the guidance of a research scientist. Once a week, students gather to hear a scientist describe his or her research, to hear about a peer's research, or to present their own research to the other Amgen Scholars. Amgen Scholars are required to write an original research article (due after the program ends) and present their findings orally to their peers. Additionally, all Amgen Scholars participate in the Amgen Scholars National Symposium in California. Columbia and Barnard students are required to present their work in poster format at a symposium, held the winter after the program. Participants receive a stipend of $5000, $500 in flex and housing on the Morningside campus of Columbia University.

• The Amgen Scholars Program is competitive, with awards based on grades, recommendations and career plans. You may apply if you are a US citizen or permanent resident and currently a sophomore, junior, or non-graduating senior at a four-year college or university in the United States, Puerto Rico or other US territory.
• If you are a Columbia University or Barnard College undergraduate student and wish to be considered for the Amgen Scholars program, you should apply to the SURF program and you will automatically be considered for both programs.
• No previous research experience is necessary and you do not need to be a biology major to apply.
• Students are expected to work full-time for the duration of the program, so participation is not compatible with attending summer school or working at another job.