Indiana is home to a range of research programs for high school students in fields like biomedical research, computer science, chemistry, and more. These programs allow you to work alongside professionals, tackle real-world challenges, and deepen your understanding of complex subjects.
Whether you’re investigating disease mechanisms, conducting experiments in cutting-edge labs, or mastering data analysis tools, these experiences help you build practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Here’s a list of 10 research programs in Indiana for high school students!
1. Project STEM
Subject Areas: Chemistry, Neuroscience, Psychology, and Cognitive Sciences
Location: Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in science and engineering.
Application Deadline: TBA 2025
Program Dates: Typically June–July
Cost: Free ($2700 stipend)
Project STEM is a free summer internship program for high school students passionate about science and engineering. Hosted by Indiana University, Bloomington’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, it pairs you with faculty mentors for hands-on research in areas like neuroscience and chemistry. You’ll also receive safety training, career counseling, and the chance to contribute to meaningful research.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn laboratory techniques, like conducting experiments and working with scientific equipment, while also gaining experience in data analysis and interpreting research results.
2. Project SEED
Subject Areas: Chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, materials science, and related fields
Location: Various research labs nationwide, including Indiana Biosciences Research Institute
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; must have completed at least one chemistry course, demonstrate financial need, and show interest in science.
Application Deadline: March – April (site coordinators select students during this period)
Program Dates: June – August (8-10 weeks, Monday through Friday)
Cost: No cost; students receive a $4,000 stipend
The Project SEED In-Person Research Program is a paid summer fellowship designed for high school students interested in chemistry and related scientific fields. This program allows you to engage in meaningful research within professional laboratory settings. For 8 to 10 weeks, you will work closely with scientist-mentors, allowing you to develop technical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the scientific process.
In addition to the core research experience, the program offers supplementary activities such as career panels, campus tours, and opportunities to present your work at professional conferences. These activities are designed to broaden your exposure to the scientific field and provide insights into potential career paths.
3. Molecular Medicine in Action
Subject Areas: Molecular Biology, Cytogenetics, Cancer Therapy, Immunology, Diabetes Research
Location: Indianapolis, IN (Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research)
Eligibility: Indiana high school students (grades 10–12) interested in science careers
Application Deadline: November 8, 2024 (for the 2025 program)
Program Dates: February 23–24, 2025
Cost: Free
Molecular Medicine in Action offers high school students a two-day experience focused on advanced medical research, with an emphasis on molecular biology and healthcare innovation. You’ll work alongside researchers from the IU School of Medicine to explore the cellular and genetic mechanisms behind diseases like cancer and diabetes. This program includes hands-on experiments in gene expression, cancer cell modulation, and imaging technology, allowing you to apply laboratory techniques to real-world problems.
In addition to the practical experiments, you’ll participate in group discussions on critical topics like bioethics and infectious diseases, gaining insight into the ethical and scientific challenges that shape modern healthcare.
4. Indiana CTSI K-12 STEM Program
Subject Areas: STEM fields, including Biomedical Engineering, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Medicine, Dentistry, IT, and Computer Science
Location: Various labs at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Indianapolis, Indiana Bioscience Research Institute (IBRI), and Eli Lilly
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12; exceptional 9th graders may also apply
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 3 – July 25, 2025 (8 weeks)
Cost: Free; eligible participants may receive stipends up to $4,000
High school students passionate about STEM can join the Indiana CTSI K-12 STEM Program for a summer research experience in advanced fields. You’ll work full-time in university and industry labs, learning experimental design, lab techniques, and data analysis.
With guidance from expert faculty, you’ll tackle real-world challenges in fields like biomedical engineering, chemistry, IT, and computer science. The program prioritizes upper high school students and encourages diversity, helping to create opportunities for the next generation of science and tech leaders.
5. Purdue University High School Research Intern Program
Subject Areas: STEM, Liberal Arts, Business, Education, Visual and Performing Arts, Engineering, and Computer Science
Location: Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16–17 years old) with a minimum 3.0 GPA and consistent As and Bs in coursework; preference for students with Dual Credit or Collegiate Connection experience
Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
Program Dates: Academic year, starting August 2025
Cost: $320 per semester for Indiana residents (equivalent to a 1-credit course)
The HSRI program at Purdue Fort Wayne offers high school students the chance to engage in faculty-led research across various disciplines. You’ll spend 6–8 hours weekly working on active projects, gaining hands-on experience in experimental methods, data analysis, and project management. You will also earn 1 college credit per semester and join research teams on faculty-led projects. This program emphasizes maturity, initiative, and a passion for inquiry, preparing you for future research environments.
6. Future Scientist Program at IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Cancer Research
Location: IU School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
Eligibility: High school juniors attending Marion County public schools with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must demonstrate maturity, strong attendance, and an interest in scientific research.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25, 2025
Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend.
The Future Scientist Program at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center gives you the chance to engage in cancer research and gain hands-on experience. You’ll work alongside researchers, taking on a guided research project where you’ll learn lab techniques, data collection, and scientific analysis. This program helps you develop critical thinking and independence, preparing you to tackle scientific problems methodically. The program emphasizes independence and responsibility, preparing you to think critically and methodically about scientific problems.
7. Medical Physician Engineers, Scientists, and Clinicians Preparatory Program (MPESC-Prep)
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Engineering, Clinical Sciences
Location: IU School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 from public schools in the greater Indianapolis area; eligibility includes underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields
Application Deadline: January 15, 2025
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25, 2025
Cost: Free; participants receive a $4,000 stipend
If you are interested in biomedical sciences and clinical care, the MPESC-Prep program provides research training, clinical exposure, and mentorship. Over eight weeks, you will work in labs or clinics, learning techniques like experimental design, data analysis, and professional communication.
Open to high school students from the Indianapolis area, MPESC-Prep combines hands-on research with real-world clinical experiences, guiding you toward careers as physician-scientists, engineers, and researchers.
8. Educational Pathways for Cancer Research (EPCR)
Subject Areas: Cancer Research, Biomedical Sciences
Location: IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN
Eligibility: High school seniors and undergraduate students; U.S. citizens or green card holders from underrepresented populations in biomedical research.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Program Dates: May 19 – July 25, 2025 (first year of a two-year commitment)
Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend.
The EPCR program is a rigorous 10-week, mentored cancer research experience designed for high school seniors and undergraduates. You’ll work on real research projects at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, gaining hands-on skills in lab techniques, experimental design, and data analysis.
Throughout the program, you’ll also build professional development through networking and opportunities to present your findings. Open to underrepresented students in biomedical sciences, the EPCR program gives you valuable exposure to the cancer research field, preparing you for future careers in scientific research.
9. Ross Mathematics Program
Subject Areas: Mathematics, Number Theory
Location: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Eligibility: Pre-college students with a strong interest in mathematics, aged approximately 15–18. Younger or older students may be considered.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
Program Dates: June 15 – July 25, 2025
Cost: $7,000; need-based financial aid available.
The Ross Mathematics Program is a six-week experience where you’ll explore mathematical theory and problem-solving, focusing on number theory. Throughout the program, you’ll work with peers to explore abstract concepts, develop proofs, and tackle challenging problems. As you engage with instructors and counselors, you’ll sharpen your logical reasoning and critical thinking skills. Held at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, this program is perfect for students eager to deepen their understanding of mathematics and build skills useful across various fields.
10. Jim Holland Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Subject Areas: Biology, Scientific Research
Location: Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
Eligibility: Underrepresented high school students entering grades 10, 11, or 12 with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 and an interest in science. Must have taken or been enrolled in science and math courses.
Application Deadline: Applications open in January 2025; notifications begin April 21, 2025.
Program Dates: July 6 – 13, 2025
Cost: $125 non-refundable registration fee.
The Jim Holland Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) is a one-week intensive program designed for underrepresented high school students interested in science. You’ll work closely with a mentor and lab team on a small research project, gaining hands-on experience in lab techniques, scientific methodologies, and research rigor. You’ll learn how to conduct experiments, document results, and present your findings in a formal poster session. The program offers a mix of supervised and independent work, helping you develop technical skills and self-reliance.
Bonus Item:
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Spring 2025: March 3, 2025; Summer 2025: June 16, 2025! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Application Deadline: Spring 2025: February 16, 2025; Summer 2025: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Subject Areas: Data science, biology, chemistry, political theory, psychology
Eligibility: High school students with a 3.67+ GPA. Few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in data science, public health and safety, social psychology, and medicine. You can also choose between quantitative and qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to journals for publication as a high school student.
The program includes a letter of recommendation for every student, plus comprehensive feedback on projects that can assist with future work and college applications. You can apply here.
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