California Institute of Technology

Caltech is a world leader in research and education, and involving undergraduates in the research enterprise has long been an integral part of the undergraduate experience. The Caltech Amgen Scholars Program provides students the opportunity to conduct research in biology, chemistry, and biotechnology related areas under the mentorship of faculty who work at the frontier of their fields.

Through the Amgen Scholars Program, students are welcomed into the community of researchers and scholars and are able to experience the life of a scientist. Students take intellectual ownership of a project as they explore the secrets of nature, learn to ask questions, persist in the challenges of research, and experience the joy of discovery.

The application is modeled on the grant-seeking process. Taking on the role of grant applicants, students collaborate with potential mentors to define and develop a project. A faculty committee reviews all applications. Awards are made on the basis of reviewer recommendations. Amgen Scholars carry out the research over a 10-week period in the summer, and at the conclusion they submit a technical paper and give an oral presentation at Seminar Day, a symposium modeled on a professional technical meeting. Participants receive a generous stipend along with housing, board, and travel subsidies.

Caltech seeks to ensure that the experience is not only intellectually challenging and interesting, but enjoyable as well. Along with participating in research-related seminars and professional development workshops, students can enjoy a variety of social and cultural activities available in Southern California.

June 15 - August 21, 2026

February 1, 2026

 Columbia University

Through the generous support of the Amgen Foundation, Columbia University offer a summer research program to a select group of motivated undergraduate students who will benefit from the opportunity of hands-on 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.

This fellowship aims to teach the next generation of scientists the tricks of the trade to performing cutting-edge research. This involves key elements of the research itself, including hands-on experience in premier labs, weekly meetings within the laboratories, informal discussion with accomplished scientists at all levels of training and exposure to diverse areas of research through attendance at the ASP Symposium, research lectures and peer oral presentations. In addition, numerous activities, such as peer research introductions, journal club and elevator pitches foster development of the tools to explain the research undertaken to individuals outside the laboratory, culminating in an oral presentation to peers and an original research article based on the students’ work. Efforts to teach young scientists to fully understand the work they are doing and to be able to explain their work to others in different sub-fields is frequently neglected but this needs to be taught explicitly to improve the understanding of science among students and the general public.

May 26 - July 31, 2026

February 1, 2026

 Duke University

The Amgen Scholars Program (ASP) at Duke University is an intensive 10-week research experience for undergraduates interested in biotechnology and drug discovery. Scholars select a faculty mentor from 15+ departments including Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, who conduct world-class drug discovery research. Scholars will conduct independent research related to the lab’s ongoing projects, mentored by a team of faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students. Outside the lab, Scholars will form interdisciplinary teams to develop hypothetical research projects in drug discovery, and present their ideas to participating faculty and mentors. The program culminates with a school-wide symposium where Scholars share their research with fellows from other summer research programs at Duke. Each of these activities will help Scholars strengthen their communication skills and establish their professional identities in science.

Scholars will participate in complimentary activities that support the Duke ASP biotechnology/drug discovery focus, including visits to local biotechnology and Pharma companies in Research Triangle Park, home to 250+ companies, and meetings with scientists and graduate students currently interning in industry as part of their PhD programs. Scholars will also interact with several Duke faculty who have advanced their basic research to the next level — a startup biotech/Pharma company focused on drug development.

In addition to seminars, journal clubs, poster presentations, and programming that supports graduate school preparedness, Duke Amgen Scholars will participate in social and cultural activities that build community and showcase the vibrant, creative, and innovative city of Durham, NC.

May 18 - July 25, 2026

February 1, 2026

 Harvard University

Harvard University Amgen Scholars will conduct biotechnology-focused research with world-leading scientific scholars over the course of a 10-week residential summer research program. While participating in the program, Amgen Scholars will live on Harvard University’s historic campus among the residents of the Harvard University Summer Undergraduate Research Village community.

In addition to working with world-renowned faculty in the laboratory, students have the opportunity to interact closely with faculty, graduate students, and other members of Harvard’s academic community through scholarly and pre-professional development activities, including faculty and graduate student research talks, and panels on careers in and beyond the academy. Amgen Scholars at Harvard University will cultivate skills for effective science communication and proposal writing and receive guidance on preparing for graduate school. Additionally, Harvard University Amgen Scholars will explore the Boston and Cambridge area through a variety of social activities and outings.

The Amgen Scholars Program at Harvard University will culminate with a symposium of final presentations attended by faculty, staff, and luminaries from across the university, celebrating the research of the Harvard University Amgen Scholars.

June 3 - August 9, 2026

February 1, 2026

 Howard University

Howard is one of the world’s most prestigious destinations for persons interested in health, science, and engineering. Nestled in the heart of government agencies like the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Naval Research Laboratory, Goddard Space Center, NASA, NOAA, DOE, DOD and USDA, Howard has a thriving research enterprise.

Amgen Scholars at Howard University will have the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop as they move along their pursuit to become scientists/researchers. The 10-week summer experience (June 8, 2024 – August 17, 2024) will expose participants to cutting-edge research being conducted by Howard faculty at both the university and the College of Medicine. Howard has created a learning community that is both welcoming and supportive.   Interns will be supported as they learn research techniques, receive mentorship from researchers in the laboratory, learn to think like a scientist, further develop their communication/presentation skills, and engage with staff and other students in weekly lab meetings. Also, those interested in graduate school will have a presentation on preparing for it and the application process. Finally, students will have the opportunity to attend the Amgen Scholars Program symposium where they will have the chance to present their research.

While academic development will be very important for our Amgen Scholars, efforts will be made to offer activities for social development as well.  Activities will vary but the focus will be on getting to learn about the vibrant environment that is the nation’s capital and to engage in a diverse community of scholars who are all aspirational and career oriented.

May 16 - July 19, 2026

February 1, 2026

 Johns Hopkins University

Daniel Coit Gilman, Johns Hopkins University’s first president, stated that the aim of the university was “the encouragement of research, and the advancement of individual scholars, who by their excellence will advance the sciences they pursue, and the society where they dwell.” For JHU, founded in 1876 as the nation’s first research university, the creation of new knowledge remains at its core. Today, we continue to support young investigators by including undergraduates in groundbreaking research in nationally ranked schools across the university — Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, and Public Health. Our Amgen Scholars Program will perpetuate this distinctively Hopkins tradition.

Amgen Scholars at JHU will fully engage in research for 10 weeks with mentors known for the exceptional quality of their research and commitment to training scientists. Faculty will come from the university’s highly regarded science, medicine, and engineering departments. Scholars will be welcomed into their labs, working at the bench and participating in lab meetings and other activities. Scholars will also develop skills in communication, learning design principles for creating visually arresting and effective presentations, delivering research talks, and presenting posters at the program’s capstone event. Taking advantage of nearby Washington DC, we will invite experts to discuss the role of scientists in advocacy, policy design, and public education. Scholars will build an invaluable network, forging friendships with Hopkins faculty and researchers, other Amgen Scholars, and students from across the country.

Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents completing their sophomore or junior years, or be non-graduating seniors at any four-year college or university in the US and its territories. Previous research experience is not required. Students pursuing any major may apply. Amgen Scholars will receive a stipend, housing, and round-trip travel to Baltimore.

May 31 - August 8, 2026

February 1, 2026

 Stanford University

The Amgen Scholars Program at Stanford University is the centerpiece of the Stanford Summer Research Program (SSRP). The SSRP-Amgen Scholars Program is a research-intensive residential program that takes place on Stanford’s campus for an eight-week period from late June through late August. Participants are matched with a PI and lab mentor for the duration of the program. Together they craft and/or work on a research project that is both challenging and feasible for the eight-week period. Scholars are expected to fully participate in all lab activities, including attending lab meetings, professional development workshops, journal clubs, etc. The culmination of the program is a research symposium, where scholars present individual talks and posters on their summer projects to peers, faculty, lab mentors, the Stanford community, and the general public.

In addition to research, our program also contains a strong mentorship component. Each participant joins a mentoring group led by a Stanford doctoral student. Weekly group sessions expand scholars’ knowledge of scientific fields and guide them in the process of applying to graduate school. The mentors also coach the scholars on how to present their data, help them polish their presentation skills, and train them to critically review and revise their own materials.

Additionally, scholars participate in weekly workshops, journal clubs, faculty lectures, as well as social outings. Weekend destinations include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, San Francisco, and UCLA for the Amgen Symposium.

June 20 - August 15, 2026

February 1, 2026

 University of California, Berkeley

Amgen Scholars at the University of California, Berkeley, participate in ten weeks of intensive scientific investigation. Each Scholar works directly with an in-lab mentor, a postdoctoral scholar or graduate student while actively engaged in a research endeavor within the laboratory of a Berkeley faculty member. In addition to working full-time in the laboratory, Scholars also participate in lab activities, such as weekly lab meetings, subgroup meetings, and journal clubs. In general, the program at Berkeley provides undergraduates with the opportunity to engage in pioneering research and gain knowledge from eminent scientists in the fields of biological sciences, bioengineering, biophysics, chemical and biomolecular engineering, chemistry, chemical biology, computational biology/data science, and other STEM disciplines.

Mandatory weekly faculty seminars cover a vast multitude of scientific disciplines. Scientific career opportunities, scientific writing and presentation preparation, and graduate admissions workshops are among the professional development topics presented. The benefits provided to Amgen Scholars encompass a stipend, round-trip air travel (if necessary) or mileage reimbursement to and from Berkeley, coverage of summer session fees, access to various student benefits, accommodations in campus apartments, a meal allowance, and the opportunity to participate in the Amgen Scholars North America Symposium in July.

The Graduate Student Program Assistants/Mentors (GAs) work outside of the and provide support to Scholars in all facets of the program, prioritizing both academic and social elements. Each GA engages in regular weekly meetings with their scholars, either in a group or individual setting, in order to assess their progress and offer a diverse range of support. At the end of the summer program, GAs assist Scholars in preparing their posters and oral presentations to their peers, in-lab and faculty mentors, lab members, and program staff.

Alumni of the UC Berkeley Amgen Scholars Program have demonstrated a high level of success in gaining admission to UC Berkeley as well as other  prestigious graduate programs throughout the United States, and subsequently earning their advanced degrees.

June 8 - August 14, 2026

February 1, 2026

 University of California, Los Angeles

The UCLA Amgen Scholars Program offers an intensive research experience working in the labs of distinguished UCLA faculty members. Students are matched with faculty mentors of their choice and work full time within their mentor’s laboratory for 10 weeks. All Amgen Scholars live together on the beautiful UCLA campus for the duration of the program.

In addition to laboratory research, students attend weekly seminars where they learn about the research of invited faculty speakers. Other seminars discuss graduate school applications and interviews, how to prepare research presentations, and discuss the different career opportunities in the basic sciences. The UCLA program includes GRE test preparation and writing assistance from a scientific writing instructor. In addition to these research and career oriented activities, the Amgen Scholars participate in program-sponsored social events that explore the greater Los Angeles area. At the conclusion of the program students submit a research paper and present a poster summarizing their summer research project.

Upon completion of the UCLA Amgen Scholars Program, students are better prepared and motivated to attend graduate school and pursue research careers.

June 22 - August 27, 2026

February 1, 2026

 University of California, San Francisco

The UCSF Amgen Scholars Program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to conduct research in the basic sciences with an emphasis on health-related research including Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Biological and Medical Informatics, Biomedical Sciences, Biophysics, Cell Biology, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics.

As a graduate-only university that is home to one of the most vibrant biomedical communities in the nation, UCSF offers a unique environment for Amgen Scholars. Amgen Scholars will work collegially alongside graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and faculty, receiving mentorship from some of the most preeminent scientists in their field.

The goal of this ten-week summer experience is to prepare students for graduate study and a research career in the health sciences. Students complete an original project under the guidance of a faculty mentor whose work is closely aligned with the student’s research interests and experience. During the last week of the program, Amgen Scholars present their findings in a written abstract, and give oral and poster presentations at a Research Symposium attended by faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students. Participants also attend a mid-summer Symposium with Amgen Scholars from all host institutions.

In addition to daily work in the lab, the program also includes weekly seminars and workshops that include faculty research presentations, journal talks, information about the graduate school admissions process, life as a grad student, research ethics, and technical communication workshops. A variety of social and community-building events are planned throughout the summer.

Financial support for UCSF Amgen Scholars includes a stipend, travel funds, off-campus dormitory-style housing, and a public transportation pass.

May 31 - August 7, 2026

February 1, 2026

 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a world leader in research whose mission is to serve as a center for research, scholarship, and creativity and to teach a diverse community of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to become the next generation of leaders. The Amgen Scholars Program at UNC-Chapel Hill provides opportunities for students to join the research community at UNC-Chapel Hill and engage in research focused on bioscience and discovery, development, and refinement of biotechnology.

Students in the Amgen Scholars Program will be paired with a faculty mentor and will engage in 9-10 weeks of hands-on research aimed at addressing society’s most critical challenges. World-class faculty from a diverse array of disciplines including medicine, pharmacology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, genetics, biology, and other STEM-related fields will provide mentored research opportunities for participants. Scholars will also participate in a variety professional development and social activities with other Amgen Scholars and students in other summer undergraduate research programs as part of an immersive learning environment.

The goal of the Amgen Scholars Program at UNC-Chapel Hill is to recruit students from diverse backgrounds and provide them with skills and knowledge that will make them highly competitive applicants for graduate studies and careers in bioscience and biotechnology. Undergraduates who are US citizens or permanent residents and have at least one remaining year of undergraduate studies (i.e. not graduating seniors) are encouraged to apply. Prior research experience is not required. Selected participants will receive a $4,200 stipend, a food allowance, and housing on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus.

May 26 - July 24, 2026

February 1, 2026

 UT Southwestern Medical Center

UT Southwestern Amgen Scholars will conduct biomedical research at one of the top-ranked U.S. medical schools and the home of groundbreaking scientific achievements, recognized by six Nobel Prizes since 1985. Scholars will take part in a ten-week, full-time, faculty-mentored, intensive summer research program on an exceptional campus that includes 25 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 17 members of the National Academy of Medicine, and 13 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators. Whether over dinners with renowned scientists or as part of a journal club focused on critical thinking, Scholars will regularly interact with the internationally recognized faculty. UT Southwestern Amgen Scholars will use state-of-the-art equipment in advanced labs to help to solve complex health challenges. Conducting projects similar to those encountered during graduate research training, students will gain invaluable insights on the planning, discipline, and teamwork involved in innovative biomedical research. UT Southwestern Amgen Scholars will become active, contributing members of our collaborative, cross-disciplinary scientific community.

In addition to providing high-quality, hands-on research opportunities, UT Southwestern faculty members realize that the most successful researchers have more than just excellent lab techniques. The UT Southwestern Amgen Scholars Program will bolster the Scholars’ future success with activities designed to: 1) promote scholarly advancement; 2) support professional growth; and 3) develop a “sense of community” to encourage the cohort learning model. Inclusivity is built into the structure of the program, and UT Southwestern will prioritize the success of its Amgen Scholars in an environment that builds confidence and community.

Amgen Scholar’s benefits will include a stipend, round-trip air travel to Dallas, housing, meal allowance, and paid expenses to attend the North American Amgen Scholars Program Symposium in July. No research experience is necessary to apply. Our passion is to provide outstanding training to undergraduates planning to purse a PhD or MD/PhD degree. Join us for a summer of world class science!

June 1 - August 7, 2026

February 1, 2026

 Washington University in St. Louis

The Amgen Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis is a 10-week intensive summer laboratory experience in biomedical research for undergraduate students. Scholars work with a mentoring team made up of world-renowned faculty, staff, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Scholars take lead on an intriguing research project in a faculty member’s laboratory and work directly with an in-lab mentor, a postdoctoral scholar, and/or a graduate student. This creates an environment for scholars to become fully immersed in the research culture of the biosciences and the process of scientific discovery. The Amgen Scholars Program is administered by the Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences (DBBS), which also oversees PhD education and training in the biological sciences.

The program prepares scholars for applying to top-tier graduate and professional schools and fosters an understanding of the excitement and trajectory of a career in research. The program’s offerings include: scientific seminars and workshops, preparation materials for the GRE or MCAT, career and graduate pathway exploration, and coursework covering the science and business of biotechnology as well as interdisciplinary competencies for bioscience trainees. Scholars will also have the opportunity to attend various elective social outings that allow for exploration and engagement with the greater St. Louis area and community. The program concludes with a poster symposium where scholars present on their summer projects.

Undergraduate students from across the United States who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are encouraged to apply. Prior research experience is not necessary. The selection process focuses on each applicant’s demonstrated curiosity and aptitude in math and science, strong recommendation letters, and interest in either PhD or MD/PhD training in preparation for a career in research in the biosciences. Participants receive generous stipends, on-campus housing, public transportation passes, and travel to/from St. Louis. Scholars also attend the Amgen Scholars North America Symposium in July with accommodations, meals, and transportation included. The Amgen Scholars Program at Washington University in Saint Louis is committed to empowering and developing the next generation of leaders in the biosciences.

May 18 - July 24, 2026

February 1, 2026

 Yale University

The Yale Biomed Amgen Scholars Program is a research-intensive summer training program in biomedical research for undergraduate students who plan to obtain a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in the biomedical sciences. We particularly encourage students who are members of groups underrepresented in the sciences, who are the first in their families to college, who are from inner city or rural communities, or who have grown up with financial or other disadvantage to apply.

The aims of Yale BioMed Amgen Scholars Program are: to identify applicants interested in biomedical research careers; to provide them with an intensive research and didactic experience in biomedicine during a 9-week residency at Yale University School of Medicine; and to provide faculty and peer mentoring resources that extend throughout and beyond the program.

The long-term goals of this program are to recruit students from diverse backgrounds and experiences to careers in biomedical research and to provide them with knowledge, skills and resources to help them succeed as scientists or physician-scientists.  We expect participants of this program to successfully apply to and complete graduate training programs (PhD or MD-PhD) in biomedical sciences, and to pursue careers in research and/or teaching after graduation. We anticipate that Yale Biomed Amgen Scholars Program students will become highly competitive applicants to graduate training programs at Yale University and other premier institutions.

May 26 - July 31, 2026

February 1, 2026

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Strong Academic Record

A solid academic performance (high GPA/grades) is regularly highlighted by host institutions as a core part of competitive applications — even if there’s no fixed minimum. It signals readiness to handle research.

Why this matters:
Selection committees use transcripts to assess a student’s mastery of fundamentals and potential to contribute to research projects.

2. Letters of Recommendation That Highlight Research Potential

Strong recommendation letters greatly influence decision-making. Effective letters comment on analytical skills, intellectual curiosity, persistence, and ability to complete a research project — all critical for summer research success.

Tip: Ask mentors who know you well and who can speak specifically about your research promise — not just good grades.

3. Compelling Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose

This is where you explain your motivation for research and how the program fits your goals. Applicants who articulate clear interests in science/biotech and research fit tend to stand out.

What helps:

A personal story of research curiosity

Clear connection between your background and your proposed research interests

Demonstration of long-term research/graduate career aspirations

4. Research Experience or Demonstrated Potential

Prior research experience helps but is not required — programs explicitly state they welcome both experienced students and those new to research.

What you can highlight if you lack experience:

Relevant coursework with lab components

Class projects that involved experimental work or data analysis

Independent study or volunteer lab work

This shows initiative and helps compensate for formal research history.

5. Clear Interest in Science & Long-Term Goals

Many host institutions value applicants who are clearly committed not just to a short-term summer opportunity, but to further scientific training (e.g., graduate study) and a research career.

6. Effective Communication Skills

Success in science involves communicating research — both verbally and in writing. Strong writing in your application and good interview presentation (if required) are strong predictors of positive outcomes.

Relevant signals of communication strength:

Well-structured personal statement

Clear explanations of research interest

Good letters highlighting written/oral abilities

🎯 What Predicts Success Within the Program

Once selected, several factors are commonly associated with positive outcomes — such as producing publishable work, strong symposium presentations, or securing further opportunities:

⭐ Engaged Mentorship

Programs pair scholars with faculty mentors; those who connect well with mentors often have a more productive experience.

⭐ Initiative and Curiosity

Scholars who proactively seek understanding, ask questions, and explore beyond minimum requirements tend to learn and produce more.

⭐ Collaboration & Networking

Engaging in seminars, events, and discussions with peers and scientists often expands skills and opens doors to future research opportunities.

📌 Summary: Proven Success Drivers

(Based on program requirements and advice from multiple Amgen Scholars host sites.)

🧠 Final Tips to Improve Your Success Odds

Start early: Begin building research experience and relationships with potential recommenders well before the application season.

Tailor your statement: Make it specific to the host institution’s focus areas.

Get feedback: Have mentors or research advisors review your application materials.

Prepare for interviews (if any): Practice explaining your interests and past work clearly.