Karolinska Institute Summer Research School

The Karolinska Institute Summer Research School for high school students is an initiative to introduce talented Swedish high school students to biomedical research during the summer. Participants engage in a hands-on research project at one of Karolinska Institutet's research departments for at least four weeks, flanked by an introductory week with lectures and study visits, and a presentation week where students deliver oral and poster presentations of their work. The program also includes popular science lectures, workshops, and social activities to provide a comprehensive view of research life. Held annually since 1985, it aims to stimulate interest in biomedicine, with many alumni pursuing university studies in medicine or PhDs. For 2026, the program runs from June 12 to August 1, with specific dates for intro (June 12-18), research project, and closing (July 27-31).

Accepted students (up to 20 out of ~100 applicants) work actively on a delimited research question within a supervisor's lab, adjusted to their proficiency level (e.g., basic experiments like PCR). Supervisors, who must be affiliated with KI (min. PhD student), provide guidance, lab access, and help with presentations. No results are required—learning through troubleshooting is valued. The program is partially in English, accommodating international supervisors. Students receive a meal allowance of 5,000 SEK and housing offers for non-Stockholm residents. Supervisors get a 20,000 SEK bench fee per student.