The Bioscience Scholars Program (formerly known as SPUR LABS) provides a rigorous eight or ten-week research training experience for undergraduates with interests in a broad range of bioscience disciplines– —from molecules to organisms and from basic to translational science. Exceptional research training, integrated with professional development activities, will prepare students to succeed in leading Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs. The program aims to contribute to diversity, inclusion, and the elimination of barriers to participation in bioscience research careers and is designed for students participating in honors research programs that foster transition to doctoral programs (e.g., Minority Access to Research Careers, MARC). Participants receive a stipend & food allowance of $4,000 for 8 weeks or $5,000 for 10 weeks. Participants will be matched with an appropriate faculty member based on research interests. There are over 400 faculty mentors in ten bioscience research areas.

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A complete application includes the submission of the online application form as well as all supplementary materials, including two letters of recommendation and a personal statement that describes your bioscience research interests and any research experience, including how these interests and experiences have shaped your personal and professional goals, and how Bioscience Scholars Program would help you meet these goals. See Bioscience Scholars Program website for full details of supplementary application materials.

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Selection criteria: academic preparation and achievement; leadership potential; relevance of research interests and experience; potential for the program to help the applicant achieve his/her career goals; and potential to contribute to the diversity and excellence of the bioscience research enterprise.

The program aims to contribute to diversity, inclusion, and the elimination of barriers to participation in bioscience research careers and is designed for students in honors research programs that foster transition to doctoral programs (such as Maximizing Access to Research Careers–MARC, Initiative for Maximizing Student Development – IMSD, and Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation – LSAMP).

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Requirements:

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• U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, AB540
• Must be available to participate in all 8 or 10 weeks of the program.
• Undergraduates enrolled in four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., Puerto Rico and other U.S. Territories.
• Prior to beginning the program, completion of at least two years of undergraduate study
• Students with 3 quarters or 2 semesters of research experience by the beginning of the program. (Juniors and Seniors must NOT currently be applying to graduate school.)
• Participants may NOT be UCLA students; UCLA students should consider other summer research opportunities such as CARE SEM or Amgen Scholars
• Minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0
• Intention to pursue a Ph.D. or a joint M.D./Ph.D. in a bioscience field and not admitted to or enrolled in a graduate program (M.S. or Ph.D.) at the time the program begins