EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program

They offer international bachelor/1st year master’s Life Science students eight weeks of lab-immersion during the summer. Join one of their research groups and experience what it means to be part of the thriving science community in Switzerland. Open to students in biology, biophysics, chemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics, quantitative biology and related fields.

Program Specifications

• 20-25 participants each summer
• 8 weeks of lab experience
• Mentoring by faculty and scientific staff
• Access to scientific seminars
• Science related & personal development Friday afternoon workshops
• Closing symposium with poster session or presentations from all participants
• Rich program of social activities, including a day hike to Swiss alps with raclette, BBQs and a few possible excursions to points of interest such as CERN.

Benefits

• Join on-going research in a lab of the EPFL School of Life Sciences
• Learn new techniques while studying a research topic related to current health issues
• Improve critical thinking and experimental design
• Prepare for future independent research as a graduate student
• Experience the excitement and challenges of scientific research gaining insight into what a research career entails.

Funding Information

• Each student receives CHF 3,600 for the two-month period which covers housing and living costs.
• Housing is reserved and paid for out of the stipends beforehand.
• Students are housed together in Lausanne.
• Students have either single rooms or double rooms and share a kitchen and bathroom facilities with their fellow SRP participants. They cannot make special housing arrangements.
• The majority of travel costs to and from Switzerland is covered. The program reimburses up to CHF 1,000 for overseas flights and CHF 500 for shorter distances.

Eligibility Criteria

• Students must:
  • be currently enrolled in a university in biology, bio-physics, chemistry, bio-engineering, bio-informatics, quantitative biology, genetics courses or other life sciences related programs
  • have a minimum of GPA equivalent to a 3.75/4.0 grade or higher, top 5% of your class
  • have completed at least two years of undergraduate work up to the first year of a master’s degree before the start of the program
  • show a strong interest in pursuing a career in life sciences
  • must apply using the on-line application. No other formats are acceptable.

Selection Criteria

• The selection is based upon:
  • Application: gpa and short personal and scientific essay questions
  • University transcript or school official list of classes and grades
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Basic life sciences understanding is essential; previous lab experience is a plus
• Only applications with the full application material will be taken into consideration.

For more information, visit EPFL.