The IMPRS Summer Program provides a mechanism for medical students to gain research and scholarly experiences during the Phase 1 summer break between the first and second years of medical school. We connect students with research opportunities and mentors at all nine campuses. The program is competitive with limited number of slots available at each campus. Every year, the program has a limited budget to provide a stipend to the student. The overarching goal of the program is to provide a diverse set of research and scholarly opportunities for the medical students to be engaged, enriched and foster an environment of scholarly endeavors.
Application Requirements
Find the application requirements, eligibility details and timeline to apply for the IMPRS Summer Program.
Program Benefits
Students can expect to gain skills that are valuable for residency applications and career development. Hands-on experience instills an appreciation for the research behind medical discoveries. Additionally, students gain a deeper critical understanding of medical literature, information and research.
Additional benefits include:
- Hands-on research and/or clinical experiences.
- Membership in a cohort of peers committed to research exploration.
- Coaching, mentoring and advising support from IMPRS faculty and staff.
- Professional development seminars that expand knowledge of research and clinical disciplines.
- Networking opportunities.
- Presentation and publication opportunities.
Dates and work schedule
Most programs are between eight and 12 weeks long and take place between May and July. Normal hours of operation for opportunities on IU School of Medicine campuses are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Exact work schedules may vary depending on the opportunity needs and expectations.
In addition to research work, each student must observe a series of weekly seminars and participate in the poster session at the end of the summer session. The posters will be judged and twenty projects will be selected to compete for oral presentation awards.
Stipends
Limited stipends are available through IMPRS for opportunities that take place on IU School of Medicine campuses. Students who receive funding directly from IMPRS must commit to the required full-time summer research program schedule. Students receiving funding from IMPRS cannot be simultaneously obligated to other grants or awards requiring a commitment of time during the designated IMPRS Summer Program time. Students receive the stipend in three installments; the stipend is not a salary.
External Program Stipends
Students who complete opportunities elsewhere are subject to the stipends available with those programs, but will still have access to all other IMPRS Summer Program benefits, including research advising, networking, access to publication and presentation opportunities and more.
Housing
Students are expected to secure their own housing for the duration of the program.
Timeline
November
IMPRS Summer Program application opens.
January
IMPRS Summer Program applications are due by mid-January.
February
IMPRS Summer Program applications will be reviewed and selected.
March
IMPRS Office will notify selected students with their mentor matches.
Mid-March *
Deadline for students to accept IMPRS Summer Program offers.
April *
During the month of April, students will be able to work on some online certifications and/or assignments. If you have agreed to participate in the program, plan to meet with the assigned mentor about the project and plan.
May *
IMPRS orientation to kick start the summer research and scholarly internships.
May-July
Required IMPRS Professional Development Seminars*
July
IMPRS poster and oral presentations.
Late July
Official end of summer research and scholarly internships.
*Only required for students completing opportunities on an IU School of Medicine campus. Students completing experiences externally should comply with all required deadlines for their selected program.
IMPRS Summer Program Surveys
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