Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Undergraduate Research Program (URP)
The Undergraduate Research Program (URP) at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) offers undergraduate students from around the world the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research across various biological disciplines. Participants gain hands-on experience, learn technical methods and theoretical principles, and communicate their discoveries within a vibrant scientific community.
This 10-week summer program immerses students in ongoing research projects within CSHL's expert laboratories. Research areas include Molecular Biology & Cancer, Genetics & Genomics, Neuroscience, Plant Biology, and Quantitative Biology. Beyond laboratory work, participants attend workshops, seminars, and collegial events focusing on skill development, responsible conduct of research, and career advancement. The program culminates in a symposium where students present their research to the CSHL community.
Eligibility Requirements
- Students of any nationality are eligible for the program.
- Students should have a strong academic background in a science. Although the Program emphasizes the biological sciences, students with engineering, chemistry, computer science, math, or physics backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.
- Students must be returning to an undergraduate degree program following their URP summer research experience; current sophomores and juniors, or the equivalent, are eligible. Only in exceptional cases will first-year undergraduate students, with prior independent research experience, be considered.
- Previous laboratory research experience will help your application but is not required.
- If your academic semester conflicts with the dates of the URP program, you are still eligible to apply. If you are accepted into the Program, we will discuss how your academic schedule can be accommodated. For instance, in past years, some students have arranged with their professors at their home university to take one or more final exam at CSHL. But please note that all URP researchers are expected to participate in the program as a single group and must therefore plan to be at CSHL during the dates of the program.
For thorough eligibility and selection information, visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.