Are you a high schooler interested in biology research? If so, a great way to explore biology in a research setting is by applying to an online biology research program.
These offer a structured yet flexible opportunity to explore complex topics in life sciences beyond the standard high school curriculum. They also offer an accessible way to engage with specialized subjects such as genetics, biotechnology, and environmental science, enabling you to develop the research skills and analytical thinking essential for scientific inquiry.
Through virtual labs, data analysis, and interactive coursework, you will gain practical experience that mirrors real-world applications in medicine, biomedical research, and ecological studies. Doing research online also allows you to engage with high-quality instruction, without spending a ton on in-person programs!
Here is a list of 15 online biology research programs for high school students!
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Biology Track
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,990
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Dates: Summer cohort runs from June to August, Fall cohort from September to December, Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June
Eligibility:
- You must be currently enrolled in high school
- Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. Unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.
- No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project.
At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here!
2. Horizon Academic Research Program – Biology Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Full financial aid available!
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
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 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.
Horizon provides an array of specialized courses such as Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanisms, CRISPR and Gene Editing Techniques, Biotechnology and Machine Learning, Protein Structure and Function, and the Bio-Industry landscape. Once you select a particular subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or PhD 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!
3. Stanford’s Summer Research Internship | Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee, but financial aid is available
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – 27
Eligibility: High school students from grades 9-12 and must be US citizens
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program designed to introduce AI applications in healthcare. Offered by Stanford University, this program provides technical and clinical insights into medical AI through lectures, mentoring sessions, and hands-on research projects. You will learn the fundamentals of AI in healthcare, develop analytical and problem-solving skills, and work on group research projects guided by Stanford researchers.
The program also includes career discussions with experts from academia, industry, government, and non-profit sectors, offering a comprehensive understanding of AI’s role in medicine. An extended independent research internship may be available for further exploration. By participating in this program, you can strengthen your research skills, enhance your academic profile, and gain valuable experience for future college applications and careers in biomedical research and AI.
4. Biomedical Engineering: The Smart Design of Medical Implants and Devices – Brown University
Location: Online
Cost: $4,454
Application Deadline: May 9
Dates: June 23 – July 11 | July 7 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students who have completed Algebra 1 and trigonometry.
The Biomedical Engineering: The Smart Design of Medical Implants and Devices program, offered online by Brown University, provides an in-depth exploration of biomedical engineering principles. You will learn how biological and mechanical properties influence the development of medical implants, study the interactions between cells and synthetic materials, and analyze data from experiments on engineered tissues.
Through the engineering design process, you will also develop problem-solving and analytical skills, working on a research-driven challenge to design a novel coronary artery bypass material. The program also includes discussions on ethical considerations in biomedical engineering, hands-on experience in prototype development, and data interpretation.
5. Cancer Biology: Discovering Molecular Mechanisms & Novel Therapeutic Strategies – Brown University
Location: Online
Cost: $6,238
Application Deadline: May 9
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: Students 16 years of age and older who are rising juniors, seniors, or who will have recently graduated. Coursework in biology/chemistry is required.
Cancer Biology: Discovering Molecular Mechanisms & Novel Therapeutic Strategies, offered by Brown University, is an online, research-based course that provides the opportunity to design and conduct independent investigations in cancer biology. You will learn to critically analyze primary scientific literature, explore how basic research informs therapeutic strategies, and develop original research questions.
The course includes lectures on cancer metabolism, cancer stem cells, and drug resistance, alongside hands-on experience in experimental design and data analysis. Weekly live sessions facilitate discussions, hypothesis development, and feedback on research proposals.
The flexible, blended format allows you to work at your own pace while engaging with unpublished research data and collaborative problem-solving. By the end of the course, you will have completed a research proposal in the style of a scientific grant.
6. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: 5 weeks in the summer between July and August
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors interested in future research and clinical careers in behavioral sciences or brain health-related sciences (neurology, neurosurgery, or neuroscience), and must reside in North America (US or Canada)
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a 5-week virtual research program designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in neuroscience. Offered by Johns Hopkins University, this internship provides hands-on exposure to scientific research, laboratory techniques, and professional development. You will learn to analyze scientific data, conduct virtual experiments, and gain insight into neurological sciences through mentorship and educational sessions.
The program emphasizes early research experience to support those considering careers in STEM, equipping you with foundational skills for future academic and professional opportunities in neuroscience.
7. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP), GMU College of Science
Location: Remote
Cost: No cost, except the $25 application fee
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: Applicants must be 15 years or older by June 18th of the application year. Note: A few research labs may be unavailable for non-US citizens
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University offers a research-intensive virtual internship for high school students looking to engage in advanced STEM fields. You will work one-on-one with faculty researchers, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies in areas such as bioengineering, neuroscience, environmental science, cybersecurity, and mathematical modeling.
Scientific areas of focus include molecular medicine, chemistry and biochemistry, drug discovery, bioengineering, sustainable botany, environmental science and policy, forensic science, and more.
8. Topics in Biochemistry | Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,080, but financial aid is also available.
Application Deadline: March 20
Program Dates: July 7 – July 18
Eligibility: Students between grades 9 and 11 at the time of application
Biochemistry: Molecular Foundations of Life, offered by Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes as an online program, explores the fundamental macromolecules — proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids — that drive biological processes and how their dysfunction can lead to disease. You will engage in live lectures, asynchronous assignments, and collaborative small-group discussions to develop analytical and research skills essential in the biological sciences.
The course includes hands-on problem-solving activities and a final group project that synthesizes key biochemical concepts, covering topics such as CRISPR-Cas9, mRNA vaccines, and antibiotic resistance.
9. Psychopathology – University College Tufts
Location: Online
Cost: $1,300 (audit, not-for-credit); $1,097 per credit for credit-bearing enrollment
Application Deadline: Not specified; early enrollment is recommended
Program Dates: May 21 – June 27
Eligibility: High school students who are 11th or 12th grade
The online Psychopathology Course at Tufts University offers high school students an introduction to the scientific study of major psychological and behavioral syndromes. You will study topics such as psychotic, mood, anxiety, personality, and substance use disorders, with an emphasis on assessment, symptoms, prevalence, possible causes, and treatment approaches. The course is delivered asynchronously, allowing students to interact with the material at their convenience.
10. Computational Biology Camp – miRcore
Location: Online
Cost: $680 with MIRcore membership, $780 without membership
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Multiple sessions from July 16 to August 1
Eligibility: High school students; incoming 9th graders are eligible to apply
Virtual Computational Biology Research Camp, offered by miRcore, provides an in-depth exploration of genome and transcriptome analysis in disease research. You will develop skills in computational biology by analyzing patient RNA expression data to identify RNA biomarkers associated with specific diseases.
The program emphasizes hypothesis-driven research using real-world scientific tools, fostering problem-solving and data interpretation skills. Through small-group projects, you will investigate novel diagnostic or treatment options, applying bioinformatics techniques used by researchers in the field. This experience offers a foundation for advanced study in computational biology, genetics, and biomedical research while providing a pathway to leadership in miRcore’s Genes in Diseases and Symptoms (GIDAS) school clubs.
11. Medical Research Course | Pre-College Program | Georgetown University
Location: Online
Cost: $1,795
Application Deadline: 1 week before the start date
Dates: Multiple course lengths to choose from, lasting from April to July
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
The Medical Research: Clinical Trials Resulting in Medical Discoveries program, offered by Georgetown University’s Pre-College Online Programs, provides an introduction to clinical research and its role in medical advancements. You will study the process of clinical trials, navigate online research databases, and explore evidence-based medicine (EBM) by formulating research questions using the PICO method. The program covers ethical considerations in medical research through case studies and introduces key concepts in biostatistics and epidemiology.
A focus on cancer research highlights the impact of EBM on patient outcomes, prevention strategies, and diagnostic advancements. Through analyzing medical journal articles, you will learn how to interpret scientific studies and outline a research study. The course culminates in a Capstone Project, where you will synthesize research findings into a video presentation on clinical trials, demonstrating your understanding of the scientific method.
12. Biochemistry – MCELLBI X105, UC Berkeley Extension
Location: Online
Cost: $1,300
Application Deadline: Open enrollment.
Program Dates: Anytime, flexible schedule; 180 days to complete this course once enrolled.
Eligibility: Students with college-level courses in elementary chemistry and biology
The Biochemistry (MCELLBI X105) program, offered by UC Berkeley Extension, explores the chemical, physical, and biological processes essential for life. You will learn about macromolecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, enzyme catalysis, metabolism, and energy production.
The course also covers biological responses to environmental changes and their applications in areas like nutrition and metabolic disorders. Through online coursework, research assignments, and case studies, you will develop analytical skills, scientific reasoning, and a deeper understanding of biochemical processes relevant to medicine, biotechnology, and life sciences.
13. The Science of Neurological Disorders – Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth
Location: Online
Cost: $1,365
Application Deadline: August 5
Dates: September 9 – October 14
Eligibility: All applicants must be high schoolers between grades 9-12
The Science of Neurological Disorders, offered by Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY), examines the biological mechanisms behind neurological conditions such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, visual agnosia, anxiety, and depression. Through case studies, you will assess diagnostic tools, formulate diagnoses, and evaluate potential treatments.
Virtual labs and scientific article analysis will help you develop skills in evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking, providing a deeper understanding of normal and abnormal neurological functions. The course also introduces experimental methods used in neuroscience research, offering insights into how brain disorders are studied and treated. With a structured six-week format, it mirrors the analytical rigor of college-level coursework, preparing you for future studies in biomedical research, psychology, and neuroscience.
14. Cell and Molecular Biology of Medicine | Columbia University Pre-College Programs
Location: Online
Cost: $2,815 per session and application fee ($80)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Multiple sessions from July 7 to August 15
Eligibility: High school students who have completed one year of high school biology and one year of high school chemistry.
Cell and Molecular Biology of Medicine, offered by Columbia Pre-College Online Studies, explores the molecular mechanisms underlying modern medical treatments, including antibiotics, antiviral drugs, chemotherapy, and psychiatric medications. Through interactive lectures and in-class assignments, you will analyze how cellular processes contribute to diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders like lupus.
The course emphasizes critical thinking and scientific writing, requiring short essays on the cellular and molecular basis of treatments. Asynchronous coursework supports independent research, fostering analytical skills essential for future studies in medicine, biotechnology, and biomedical research.
15. Introduction to Genetics and Evolution | Duke University and Coursera
Location: Online
Cost: Free to enroll
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced; 25 hours to complete (3 weeks at 8 hours a week)
Eligibility: Beginner-level course
Introduction to Genetics and Evolution, offered by Duke University, provides a foundational understanding of key biological concepts, including genetics, heritability, population genetics, molecular evolution, sexual selection, speciation, and phylogenetics. Through a structured, college-level curriculum, you will analyze genome sequencing, genetic evidence for natural selection, and evolutionary patterns, developing skills in data interpretation and critical evaluation of genetic and evolutionary research. The course integrates theoretical learning with case studies on topics such as ancestry analysis and genetic influences on behavior, offering essential preparation for advanced studies in biology and evolutionary genetics.
Image source – Stanford University
