Ever wondered how engineers design medical devices that save lives? Biomedical engineering is the answer. By joining a biomedical engineering research program this summer, you can explore how technology is used to improve healthcare.
These programs offer hands-on experience in areas like medical device design, bioimaging, and personalized medicine. You’ll work on real-world projects, collaborate with experts, and learn to use advanced tools like 3D printers and sensors. Whether it’s designing prosthetics or exploring tissue engineering, these experiences will deepen your understanding of biomedical engineering.
You’ll also build a strong portfolio, develop technical and teamwork skills, and enhance your college applications with this experience. To help you get started, here are 12 biomedical engineering summer research programs for high school students!!
12 Biomedical Engineering Summer Research Programs for High School Students
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Between October-November, 2024 for the winter cohort; Between January-February, 2025 for the spring cohort. Check out the detailed list of deadlines here
Program Dates: December 2, 2024 for the winter cohort, and March 3, 2025 for the spring cohort.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers a unique opportunity for high school students interested in biomedical engineering to dive deep into research through its trimester-long programs. You can choose from specialized tracks in biomedical engineering, working under the mentorship of top professors or Ph.D. scholars from renowned universities. The program blends both quantitative and qualitative research, allowing you to tailor your research experience to your interests.
In the biomedical engineering track, you will create a 20-page university-level research paper, which you can submit to top journals for potential publication. You will explore advanced topics like medical devices, tissue engineering, and biomechanics while developing your research skills.
You will also gain hands-on experience, receive detailed feedback on your work, and get a letter of recommendation to strengthen your college applications. This program offers a deeper understanding of biomedical engineering and its real-world applications. Apply here!
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: November 24, 2024 for the winter cohort
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16-20 weeks)| $8900 (6-12 months) Financial aid is available.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students a unique opportunity to engage in independent research within the biomedical engineering field. You will be paired with PhD mentors who specialize in biomedical engineering, including medical devices, tissue engineering, and biomechanics. Through one-on-one sessions, you will work on your own research project and write a college-level research paper. Writing coaches will help guide you along the way.
At the end of the program, you will present your research at a symposium and may have the chance to publish it. This is your opportunity to explore the intersection of engineering and biology while gaining valuable experience in a field shaping the future of healthcare and technology.
Subject Areas: AI, Medicine
Location: Remote
Eligibility: Grades 8-12; Experience with AI Scholars or a background in coding is required.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024 for the winter cohort
Program Dates: Sept 29-Dec 1, 2024
Cost: $2290
Veritas AI offers a cutting-edge AI + Medicine program where you will learn how artificial intelligence is transforming the healthcare and medical industries. The program covers AI’s role in diagnosing diseases, improving medical imaging, and enhancing biomedical engineering. You will explore how AI and machine learning are used to design medical devices, develop prosthetics, and personalized medicine, giving you the skills to innovate at the intersection of healthcare and technology.
Through real-world projects, you will gain hands-on experience using AI to solve biomedical engineering challenges, such as creating smarter diagnostic tools, improving prosthetic limb functionality, and refining surgical robots. Here is the program brochure and the application form.
Subject Areas: Computer programming, machine learning, and scientific computing, biology etc
Location: Johns Hopkins Homewood campus, Baltimore, MD
Eligibility: Open to current high school sophomores and juniors who are US citizens or permanent residents and between the ages of 15–18.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024. Information about applying for the 2025 program will be available in December 2024.
Dates: July 1–July 26, 2024. Dates for 2025 are yet to be announced.
Cost/Stipend: The program is fully funded, covering tuition, housing, meals, transportation, and access to campus facilities. Participants will receive a stipend of $2,400, and an application fee waiver is provided.
The ISPEED program at Johns Hopkins offers a four-week, residential summer experience for high school students interested in biomedical engineering. You will engage in hands-on labs, including Cell & Tissue Engineering and the BME Design Studio, while exploring topics like computer programming, machine learning, and scientific computing. The program includes project-based coursework, research, and seminars with STEM professionals. You will also tour Johns Hopkins labs, attend career development seminars, and gain valuable insights into the college admissions process
Subject Areas: Stem cell and regenerative medicine, bioengineering, immunology, neurobiology, genetics and genomics, bioinformatics, cardiovascular biology, and cancer biology.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: All students will receive a stipend of $500 for the duration of the summer program.
Application Deadline: February 22, 2025
Dates: June 9–July 31, 2025 (8 weeks)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, aged at least 16, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Stanford’s SIMR offers high school juniors and seniors the chance to engage in cutting-edge medical research, collaborating with Stanford faculty, students, and researchers. Throughout the program, you will work in one of eight research institutes, covering fields such as stem cell and regenerative medicine, bioengineering, immunology, neurobiology, genetics, bioinformatics, cardiovascular biology, and cancer biology.
You will be paired with a mentor to conduct research, attend lectures, and present your findings at a poster session. Approximately 50 students are accepted, making this a highly competitive opportunity.
Subject Areas: Biomedical engineering, device design, tissue engineering
Location: Brown University campus, Providence, RI
Cost: $3,406 (Residential) | $2,816 (Commuter); Scholarships available
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Dates: June 24–28, 2024 | July 8–12, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 to 12, aged 14–18
Brown University’s Pre-College Programs offer high school students a chance to explore college-level courses in various fields. In the ‘Engineering Biomedical Systems’ course, you will be introduced to biomedical engineering with a focus on device design and tissue engineering. You will explore technologies like artificial joints, prosthetics, and insulin pumps. Through hands-on activities and group projects, you will work to improve existing technologies and understand the differences between tissue-engineered organs and synthetic alternatives.
Subject Areas: Bio- and molecular engineering, chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, machine learning, anthropology, biology, aerospace engineering, artificial intelligence
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free for all accepted participants
Application Deadline: March 6, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: June 3–August 9, 2024 (10 weeks); TBA for 2025
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–11 who reside in New York
The ARISE Program at NYU offers you a chance to explore various fields of engineering, including biomedical engineering. In this hands-on program, you will participate in lab work, classroom sessions, and workshops covering topics like data collection, ethics, and lab safety. You will also receive mentorship from NYU's research faculty, giving you the opportunity to dive into cutting-edge STEM research.
For those interested in biomedical engineering, the Applied Micro-Bioengineering Lab lets you develop micro/nanoscale technologies and biosystems for medical applications. ARISE typically accepts around 76 to 80 students each year.
Subject Areas: Biomedical engineering, robotics, competitive programming, electrical engineering, sustainable engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, data science, math
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY (Housing not provided as SHAPE is a commuter program)
Cost: $5,500 (includes tuition, lab fee, materials fee, and activity fee). Need-based scholarships are available
Application Deadline: March 26, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: Multiple sessions in 2024 (TBA for 2025); Session 1: July 7–25, 2025; Session 2: July 28–August 15, 2025.
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and high school graduates
Columbia University's Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) offers college-level engineering courses taught by Columbia faculty. Over three weeks, you will engage in project-based learning, electives, and workshops.
If you are interested in biomedical engineering, the course Biomedical Engineering: Where Biology, Medicine & Design Meet provides hands-on experience in areas like biomechanics, bioinstrumentation, and medical imaging. You will explore the engineering design process, use tools like 3D printing and laser engraving, and build biomedical devices.
Subject Areas: Biomedical engineering, computer science, life sciences
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Cost:
- Early Bird Program Cost (till April 1): $2,050 for one course
- Regular Program Cost (after April 1): $2,150 for one course
- Non-refundable $50 application fee
Application Deadline: June 11, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: Multiple sessions available in 2024; TBA for 2025
- Session 1: June 23–June 29, 2024
- Session 2: June 30–July 6, 2024
- Session 3: July 7–July 13, 2024
- Session 4: July 14–July 20, 2024
- Session 5: July 21–July 27, 2024
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors with at least a 2.0 GPA and one year of high school completed by the start of the program
The Biomedical Engineering course at UConn Pre-College offers a hands-on introduction to the field’s principles and applications. You will explore medical device design, disease diagnosis and treatment, prosthetics, and tissue restoration. Topics include human motion measurement devices, electrophysiological measurement tools, ultrasonic sensors, and 3D design and printing. The course also focuses on building technical communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills while providing insight into biomedical engineering careers.
Subject Areas: Biomedical engineering
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost/Stipend: No cost to apply or attend; Participants will receive a stipend.
Application Deadline: February 11, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: June 10–July 26, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors or seniors (16+ years old). Priority is given to Durham Public School students, but applications from all eligible North Carolina high school students are accepted.
Duke University’s Research in Engineering Program (DukeREP) is a 7-week immersive experience designed for high school students passionate about science and engineering. Hosted by the Biomedical Engineering (BME) Department, the program introduces students to cutting-edge research in biomedical engineering, inspiring future careers in STEM.
During the program, students will engage in hands-on research projects in Duke's renowned BME labs. Areas of focus include bioelectric engineering, biomechanics, biomaterials, biomedical data sciences, imaging, and tissue engineering. You will be expected to be on campus full-time, typically from 9 AM to 5 PM, where you will work on projects and attend weekly seminars. The program also offers college advising and professional development opportunities.
Application Deadline: N/A. Check the official page for updates.
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 9–12 in fall 2024.
Program Dates: June 9-12, 2025
Location: Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Denver
Fee: $975, which covers all supplies and meals. Scholarships are available.
This program provides students with practical experience in bioengineering. You will engage in hands-on experiments, laboratory work, and workshops covering topics such as tissue engineering, biomaterials, and biomedical imaging. The program is led by faculty and industry professionals, focusing on developing problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. You will gain technical skills, conduct research, and explore current technologies in bioengineering.
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old at the start of the program. Those from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Program Dates: Typically held from July to August.
Application Deadline: N/A
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA.
Cost: Free, though students are responsible for their transportation.
Tufts University’s Biomedical Engineering Research (TUBERS) Program provides a six-week commuter-based opportunity for high school students interested in biomedical engineering. The program focuses on hands-on research, allowing you to explore various biomedical topics and develop new research methodologies.
You will work within a specific area of biomedical engineering, enhancing your problem-solving and research skills. At the end of the program, you are encouraged to use your research projects in science competitions. The program is highly selective and aims to foster critical thinking and academic research skills in the field of biomedical engineering.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.