What is the Summer Research Program?
The SMS Summer Research Program is an 8-week long summer program that allows a select number of students who have previously participated in Saturday Morning Science (or are part of the affiliate programs with undergraduate institutions) to work in the lab or on a research project with a Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) researcher. All applicants must be 18 or older by June 1, 2026. If hired, you will work directly on a project for approximately 40 hours per week for the duration of the almost 8-week period. In addition to this, you will attend weekly ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions. At these sessions, you will learn about various aspects of research and professional development. You also will be required to participate in the research meetings and any other special seminars specific to the research group you are joining.
At the culmination of the summer, you will be invited to present your research at the SMS Summer Research Symposium and to the other in-person summer interns. You may also have other opportunities to present your research within your research group, and at various research symposia during the 2026-2027 school year.
Please note that placement in the program is extremely competitive from year to year due to limited availability of labs/research experiences and a substantial number of applicants. If you are not selected for an interview or for a position, please do not be discouraged! We encourage you to apply to and participate in other SMS and BCM programming available throughout the year.
What are the dates of the Summer Research 2026 Program?
The dates for Summer Research 2026 are: June 8, 2026 - July 31, 2026
Students must be available to work each Monday-Friday through those dates to apply for the program.
What hours does a Summer Project Intern work?
As a Summer Project Intern, you will work approximately 40 hours per week, during weekdays (Monday – Friday). This is a full-time job for the duration of the 8-week period. The actual start and end time each day is determined by the researcher you are assigned to, but the total hours each week will likely add up to around 40 hours. If you plan to take a family vacation, take a volunteer trip, work another job that coincides with these dates, etc. you should NOT apply for the program.
What makes me eligible for the Summer Research Program?
You must:
- Be 18 years of age by June 1 (no exceptions, in accordance with federal law)
- Have a U.S. Social Security card or a U.S. Permanent Resident card
- Be committed to work 8 full weeks in the summer and complete all the requirements of the program
- Be committed to presenting your research as per the requirements above
How do I apply?
In order to be considered for the Summer Research Program, you must submit all of the following in one application packet no later than the deadline set for applications. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered.
Registration process:
- High school students: Have your school complete the school form on your behalf if you are currently in high school
- Write a biographical sketch in the format provided which includes each of the following (cannot be longer than four pages):
- A statement outlining your research interests and/or career goals. Can include evidence of your scientific interest and/or achievement
- A current resume of your activities, leadership experience, and current or past jobs if applicable
- Sign your biographical sketch
Provide all complete materials no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026. We will not be able to accept any late submissions.
Selected candidates will be reviewed by an internal selection committee. All applicants will be notified of acceptance, waitlist, or unable to accept by the end of April 2026.
For questions about the program or about the application process, email us at SaturdayMorningScience@bcm.edu.