Summer Program in Cancer Research

• The laboratory environment at MD Anderson provides a broad range of challenging, basic science-based, research projects. Students learn both lab safety practices and techniques for gathering, analyzing and presenting scientific data.
• Emphasis is placed on the importance of basic principles that form the foundation for scientific investigation. Students learn a broad range of subjects related to the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer.
• MD Anderson faculty mentors design projects that reflect the ongoing research efforts of the institution's laboratories. Students actively participate in the technical aspects of their projects and the interpretation of experimental data.
• At the conclusion of the program, participants present their summer research project at a public forum. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have one of the following designations for the spring semester of the program year:
  • Undergraduate freshman
  • Undergraduate sophomore
  • Undergraduate junior
• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at a degree-granting institution within the United States, during the spring and fall semesters of the application year.
• Must commit to the full 10-week program and not be involved in other summer employment, programs or course work; must not plan to return to school prior to the end of the summer program; and must not plan to take any personal vacation or make other commitments during the summer program.
• Summer program awardees are strictly prohibited from partial, early or late program participation.  Please consult with your school, academic advisor, or P.I. to ensure that there is no conflict in schedule before you apply to this program.

The following applicants are NOT eligible:

• Undergraduate seniors (graduating in spring of the Program year).
• High school students. 
• Students who are taking a year off from school or who are in a gap year. 

Students who have interest in a specific scientific research project should include this information in the Personal Statement area of the application. Although we make every attempt to match students with mentors in accordance with the students' declared interests, matches are based on faculty availability and matches may not be feasible in all circumstances.

If accepted by their home institution, students may make arrangements to obtain academic credit for participation in the SPCR. Letters confirming participation will be provided after successful completion of the program.

MD Anderson is located in Houston, in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. There is no on-site summer student housing. Housing options include extended-stay hotels, short term rentals like AirBnB, and other private and commercial rentals. Many public transportation options are available for those without vehicles.

Although staff can assist in finding housing, arranging and paying for housing and transportation are the responsibility of the applicant.