If you’re interested in biology and wish to explore it in depth before joining college, consider a research program!
Biology research opportunities for high school students provide a unique chance to delve deeply into the life sciences, allowing you to explore complex topics and develop advanced skills beyond the standard curriculum. Engaging in research will help you gain hands-on experience with laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific methodologies, all while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This immersion in a specific area of biology not only enhances your understanding of the field but also prepares you for more challenging scientific endeavors in the future, such as a research project in college.
Here are 13 biology research opportunities for high school students:
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) — Biology track
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
The Protein Biosynthesis course at Horizon offers an in-depth exploration of proteins, the key products of the genetic code, and “master chemists” of biology. This course delves into the structure and function of proteins, from their role in speeding up chemical reactions to their involvement in photosynthesis, electron transport, antibiotic resistance, and viral infections. The course also introduces essential biophysical tools and allows students to focus on research topics that interest them, guided by insights from Stanford’s leading biophysics courses.
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 prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort.
Program Dates:
- Summer seminar — June 24, 2024 — September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar — October 23, 2024 — February 19, 2025
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
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.
SIMR is a selective program offering 50 high school students a six-week research experience within Stanford labs. Participants work alongside faculty, postdocs, and researchers on medically focused projects, including bioengineering, stem cell research, genetics, neurobiology, immunology, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, and cancer biology.
The program provides essential training in laboratory safety, research techniques, and the methodologies of scientific inquiry. Under expert mentorship, students engage in hands-on learning within advanced laboratories. The program concludes with a poster presentation, where students present their research findings, reflecting their acquired skills and contributions to ongoing scientific investigations.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to attend but all applicants must pay an application fee. Participants receive a minimum stipend of $500 for the program with students receiving a minimum of $1,500. Neither meals nor housing is provided.
Application Deadline: TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: 8 weeks, typically from June to August.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged at least 16 with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency are eligible to apply!
This two-week program at the federally funded Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is tailored for high school students with a keen interest in molecular biology and bioinformatics. The program centers on the genetic study of the freshwater aquatic plant Landoltia punctata (Duckweed). Participants will gain hands-on experience in key molecular biology techniques, including plasmid DNA isolation and purification, polymerase chain reactions (PCR), restriction digests, and gel electrophoresis.
Additionally, students will utilize bioinformatics tools to analyze gene sequences, integrating their findings with established scientific methodologies. The program also includes the submission of DNA sequences to GenBank, contributing to the global scientific repository and allowing participants to make recognized contributions to ongoing research.
Location: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Discovery Center, Livermore, CA
Cost: No cost.
Application deadline: April 12, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: July 15–26, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students who are 16 years or older by the start of the workshop, with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, may apply.
BioSTAR is a community outreach program located at the engineering campus in Allston, offering high school students an introduction to bioengineering. Participants work in a research lab under the guidance of Harvard faculty and researchers, learning foundational principles and techniques in the field. The program provides a detailed overview of bioengineering’s contributions to human health, focusing on practical applications.
Students engage in hands-on activities, including designing and conducting experiments on topics such as drug delivery techniques, nanoparticle synthesis, and cell staining. They also use fluorescence microscopy for visualization, perform cell viability assays, and manage data collection and analysis. Given the program’s competitive nature, early application is advised.
Location: Science and Engineering Complex (SEC), Harvard University, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: June 8–12, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old.
5. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Biology Track
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous 12-week research initiative designed for high school students, offering personalized 1-on-1 mentorship across a broad range of academic disciplines. Participants are paired with Ph.D. mentors to conduct independent research projects, culminating in the development of a research paper.
The program covers diverse research topics, including biology, medicine, psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and others. This structure allows students to engage deeply with their chosen field, guided by expert mentorship throughout the research process. You can find more details about the application here!
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility:
- You must be currently enrolled in high school
- Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
- No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, is an 8-week paid summer internship designed to encourage interest in fisheries and aquatic sciences, particularly among underrepresented groups. The program pairs Hutton Scholars with experienced fisheries professionals in their local area, offering hands-on experience in both laboratory and field settings.
As a Hutton Scholar, you will participate in resource conservation and management projects, performing tasks such as electrofishing, specimen examination, data processing, and the establishment of aquatic vegetation and fish habitats. The program also provides exposure to various career opportunities in fisheries science and offers guidance on relevant academic courses. This internship delivers practical scientific experience, helping to inform future academic and career decisions in environmental science.
Location: Depends on where you live. Thanks to its network of mentors, Hutton can place students within a 45-minute commute of the intern’s home.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $3,000 stipend and an all-expenses paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit conducted at the University of Arkansas.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 closed on January 16, 2024. Applications for 2025 will open in November 2024.
Program Dates: June — August (8 weeks).
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 16 and live and are residents of the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico.
The High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP) at the NIH offers a unique opportunity for rising 11th and 12th graders to engage in full-time research and data analysis under the guidance of experienced mentors. Participants can delve into a wide range of fields, including biomedical, social, and behavioral sciences.
The program is divided into two cohorts: HiSTEP, designed for rising 12th graders, and HiSTEP 2.0, for current high school seniors. With a competitive acceptance rate of only 15%, being selected for HS-SIP highlights both the program’s prestige and the exceptional hands-on research experience it provides.
Subject Areas: Social sciences, Behavioral sciences, Biomedical sciences
Location: NIH campuses across the country.
Cost/Stipend: No cost, $2,300 stipend per month.
Application Deadline: TBD for 2025, typically in Feb
Program Dates: 8 weeks, typically from June to August
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors of high school who are at least 16 years old can apply.
The Geosciences Bridge Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center (LMRCSC), offers a hands-on internship experience to help students transition from high school to university, particularly those interested in marine sciences and geosciences. With a highly competitive acceptance rate of just 2–3%, the program selects 7–8 students annually from across the nation.
Participants engage in a comprehensive curriculum covering marine biology, marine biochemistry, marine geology, physical oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and geographic information systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing techniques. The program includes lectures from experienced faculty, field trips for practical learning, and hands-on activities to build essential skills. Additionally, students complete two for-credit college courses, providing early exposure to university-level academics and expectations.
Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $500 stipend per week, with free housing, meals, and transportation all provided.
Application Deadline: The exact deadline is currently unavailable, but applications are usually due in spring.
Program Dates: June-August (6 weeks)
Eligibility: High school seniors entering their first year of an undergraduate degree program in geosciences can apply (preference will be given to students entering the institutions listed here). Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a minimum 2.7 GPA.
The Jackson Laboratory’s Summer Student Program offers fellowships to outstanding high school students eager to undertake independent, mentored research projects in genetics and genomics. Annually, forty high school and undergraduate students are selected to design and execute research projects, conduct experiments, analyze data, and present their findings. Research areas include bioinformatics, cancer, genomics, immunology, and metabolic diseases, among other specialized fields.
Designed to challenge both high school and undergraduate participants, the program features a rigorous application process and provides a generous stipend. With its esteemed reputation, the SSP offers a prestigious opportunity that can significantly enhance college applications and advance students’ knowledge in genetics and related disciplines.
Location: The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine
Cost/Stipend: No cost, a $6,500 stipend is provided
Application deadline: TBD for 2025
Program Dates: 9 weeks, typically from June to August
Eligibility: Seniors who have completed 12th grade and are at least 18 years old can apply!
The JHIBS 5-week virtual research program provides a unique opportunity for talented high school students from underrepresented communities to explore the field of neurological sciences. Designed to foster inclusivity, the program allows participants to engage in guided research under the mentorship of leading experts. Students gain hands-on experience through research projects, scientific seminars, and personal development sessions. The program culminates with students presenting their research findings through oral or poster presentations, highlighting their contributions to the field and their interactions with prominent neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins University.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Virtual interns receive a stipend of $500.
Application Deadline: March 1, every year.
Program Dates: 5 weeks, July 2024 — August 2024 (virtual)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from around the country are eligible to apply to the 5-week, virtual program.
The Genspace Biorocket Research Internship Program offers a 6-month paid opportunity for students passionate about biotechnology and genetic engineering. Interns conduct advanced research in areas such as DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics using cutting-edge laboratory facilities and technologies.
The program not only provides hands-on research experience but also includes mentorship from seasoned scientists, enriching field trips, and innovative improv training to refine scientific communication skills. Previous interns have undertaken projects like analyzing microbiome differences between Red Oak species and studying algal growth for water purification.
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $2,000 stipend.
Application Deadline: January 10, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: July 1 — August 16, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Must be 16 years or older by orientation date, and live in or attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 minutes of Genspace (exceptions are possible, we recommend emailing Genspace for confirmation!)
This 3-week research program provides an intensive introduction to biological research, featuring a lab-focused curriculum and multiple awards for excellence. Participants explore advanced topics such as synthetic biology, gene therapy, and genetic engineering — key areas for tackling genetic diseases and mutations. Guided by Dr. Maria Lazebnik, an adjunct assistant professor at Bentley University, students engage in hands-on laboratory experiments to develop their lab and research skills.
In addition to this program, the institute offers a diverse range of other opportunities in various biology fields, including Biomedical and Surgical Research (online), Biotech Research (online), Marine Biology, Neuroscience Research, and several programs in medicine. The institute also provides short one-week programs in biology and medicine.
Location: Boston Leadership Institute, Wellesley, MA. The institute offers a few online program options as well.
Cost: $2,200
Application Deadline: There is no deadline, but the institute recommends students submit their applications early.
Program Dates: Session 1: June 24, 2024 — July 12, 2024 | Session 2: July 15, 2024 — August 2, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
The University of Chicago’s Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) is a 4-week pre-college summer program that immerses students in research techniques across molecular biology, microbiology, and cellular biology. Participants collaborate closely with university researchers, spending most of their time in the lab to master foundational techniques and apply cutting-edge methods in developmental biology and microbiology.
In addition to hands-on lab work and projects, the program includes lectures to provide crucial background information and introduce new concepts. The experience culminates with students presenting their independent research findings.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. This is a residential program, students will stay on campus.
Cost: $13,600. Partial need-based scholarships are available. Take a look.
Application Deadline: Mid-January (tentatively, based on previous years).
Program Dates: Tentatively, based on previous years, the program will be held from mid-June to the beginning of July.
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors are eligible. Students must have completed one year of high school biology by the start of the program.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.