Online cancer research programs give you the chance to explore key topics in cancer biology, treatment strategies, and biomedical research—without needing to be on campus for a research program or travel to a lab daily! These programs are designed to introduce you to real scientific methods, including data analysis, experimental design, and literature review.
If you’re interested in medicine, biotechnology, or lab-based research, these programs can help you develop foundational skills and better understand the field. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 online cancer research opportunities for high school students, based on criteria such as research depth, mentorship quality, accessibility, and institutional credibility.
1. Coding for Cancer
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $1,000
Application Deadline: March 30
Dates: July 28 – August 22
Eligibility: Students entering 11th or 12th grade in the fall; living in Washington state
If you’re curious about coding and cancer research, the Coding for Cancer program is a great place to start. You’ll learn R, a powerful programming language scientists use while working alongside real computational biologists.
The first half focuses on small-group sessions to build your coding and cancer biology foundation. In the second half, you’ll work on a personalized research project applying those skills. You’ll also earn a $1,000 award and a Credly badge to showcase your accomplishments.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) – Gene Editing and CRISPR Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,950 (financial aid is available)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
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.
If you’re passionate about genetics and want to explore the cutting edge of biology, the Gene Editing and CRISPR track of the Horizon Academic Research Program offers an incredible opportunity. Throughout this research-based program, you’ll dive into molecular biology, learn how CRISPR works, and explore how it’s used to treat disease, including cancer.
You’ll choose from a pre-approved list of advanced, research-driven topics and work one-on-one with an expert to develop an original research paper. From understanding gene drives to exploring next-generation sequencing and bioethics, this program prepares you for college-level inquiry. If you’re ready to tackle real scientific questions through deep, guided research, this program is for you.
3. ACS DICR Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology for High School Students
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $500
Cohort Size: up to 20 per institution
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the institution
Dates: 2 weeks in July
Eligibility: Female high school students who are part of an underrepresented minority (URM) group
The ACS SHE in Oncology Program is a two-week virtual summer experience designed for high school students who identify as female and belong to underrepresented minority groups. You’ll explore oncology through research projects, case studies, and virtual lab simulations in collaboration with the eCLOSE Institute.
The program offers hands-on experience, career development, and networking opportunities throughout the year. It’s a great way to build your professional network and discover paths in health-related sciences. The program does not offer academic credit.
4. Stanford EXPLORE
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,800
Application Deadline: Registrations open on March 1
Dates: July 7 – July 25
Eligibility: Students currently in 9th-12th grade
The Stanford EXPLORE Lecture Series offers you the chance to experience college-level science lectures from Stanford’s School of Medicine. Over four weeks, you’ll explore cutting-edge research in fields like immunology, neuroscience, stem cell biology, and bioengineering.
The lectures taught by Stanford graduate students, postdocs, and faculty introduce you to core concepts and current research breakthroughs in each field. You’ll also gain insight into pathways for graduate and medical school. While there’s no homework, the content is challenging, so having a strong foundation in biology and science is recommended.
5. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Starting at $2,990
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Eligibility:
- You must be currently enrolled in high school
- Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
- No previous knowledge is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective and intensive research experience designed specifically for high school students. Over 12 weeks, you’ll work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to complete an independent research project in a subject of your choice. The program spans a wide array of fields, including psychology, economics, computer science, physics, chemistry, data science, international relations, engineering, and more.
With personalized mentorship, you’ll learn how to conduct academic research and produce a research paper by the end of the program. Whether exploring a new interest or deepening your knowledge in a familiar field, Lumiere offers a valuable opportunity to engage in serious research as a high schooler.
6. UCSD Bioengineering Research Scholars
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,300 – $2,600
Application Deadline: You can find the deadline for each program here.
Dates: You can find the dates for each program here.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12 with a minimum GPA of 3.0; at least 14 years old by the start of the course.
The UCSD Bioengineering Research Scholars Program lets you explore cancer-related biomedical techniques through structured research experiences. In BE-BOAT, you’ll develop hands-on lab skills in mammalian cell and tissue culture, digital microscopy, and biochemical assays. You’ll see how these tools are used to investigate diseases like cancer.
As you progress to BE-ROW, you’ll join a research team, and in BE-SHIP, you’ll lead your own project — ideal for science fairs or deeper academic exploration. This program equips you with essential techniques used in cancer and regenerative medicine research.
7. UCI School of Medicine Summer Online Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290
Application Deadline: Typically closes by the end of January or early February
Dates: Session One: June 23 – July 11 | Session Two: July 14 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 – 18 with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4
The UCI Online Research Program offers you a chance to build real research skills while exploring biomedical topics like cancer. Over three weeks, you’ll work with faculty and research coaches to learn how to read medical literature, write research papers, and submit an abstract for national presentation.
The program is flexible and online, so you can complete assignments on your own schedule. You’ll also cover key topics like ethical research practices and evidence-based medicine. Additionally, you’ll receive mentorship and advice from UCI undergraduates and grad students about college and research careers.
8. Biomedical Engineering Innovation: Online
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,170
Application Deadline: May 28
Dates: Summer Session: June 23 – August 1 | Fall Sessions: August 25 – December 5
Eligibility: Current high school student or recent high school graduate. For academic prerequisites, come here.
BMEI is an online program from Johns Hopkins that gives you a hands-on introduction to biomedical engineering through practical research and design. You’ll model biological systems, build a biosensor, and explore how engineering solves medical challenges.
By the end of the program, you’ll complete an independent project based on literature review, experimental design, or prototyping, and present it in a virtual poster session. The course is mostly asynchronous, so you can work on your own time while joining optional live sessions. It’s a perfect way to grow your STEM skills and gain research experience before college.
9. Summer@Brown Online – Breakthroughs: An Exploration of Laboratory Organisms in Biomedical Research
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,218
Application Deadline: May 9
Dates: June 23 – July 3
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15, who have completed a high school biology course
If you are fascinated by how scientific breakthroughs occur, this Summer@Brown course will reveal the organisms behind the research. You’ll explore how frogs, yeast, worms, and mice are used to study cancer, stem cells, aging, and more.
Through virtual lab tours and real scientific studies, you’ll see how research is conducted long before human trials begin. You’ll also discuss ethics in animal research and develop your own final project on an organism of your choice. By the end, you’ll understand how model organisms help uncover human biology and disease.
10. Summer@Brown Online Cancer Biology: Discovering Molecular Mechanisms & Novel Therapeutic Strategies
Location: Virtual
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 will have recently graduated; have completed coursework in biology/chemistry
As part of the Summer@Brown Online program, this course gives you the unique chance to be a researcher from day one. You’ll explore cancer biology, covering topics such as cancer stem cells and metabolic pathways, before developing your own research question. Each week includes a mix of live discussions and flexible online modules that help you develop your proposal and analyze real, unpublished data.
You’ll receive personalized feedback and build your skills in critical thinking and scientific writing. The course ends with your own grant-style proposal, giving you insight into how cancer research moves from the lab bench to treatment.
11. Summer@Brown The Great Diseases: Cancer, Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Epidemics
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,314
Application Deadline: May 9
Dates: June 23 – July 18
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15, who have completed a high school biology course
This Summer@Brown course lets you dive deep into human biology and major diseases like cancer, stroke, and heart disease. You’ll learn how breakdowns in specific systems lead to illness, and how factors like genetics, environment, and social determinants shape disease outcomes. You’ll also develop a research project, improving your ability to analyze data and communicate scientific ideas.
Topics such as novel therapies and global health disparities make the class especially relevant to those interested in medical research. Optional live sessions offer a chance to connect with peers, explore STEM careers, and reflect on healthcare equity. It’s a strong foundation if you’re considering a career in science or medicine.
12. BioEngineering And Me Summer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: August 11 – August 22
Eligibility: High school students
The BEAM Summer Program is a unique opportunity for you to explore the world of biomedical engineering — completely free and entirely online. Over two weeks, you’ll meet Rowan University’s BME faculty and students, attend workshops, and get exposure to real lab work through virtual demos.
The program is designed to be interactive and engaging, featuring Kahoot! games and small group discussions to reinforce what you’ve learned. You’ll gain insight into bioengineering careers and how biology and engineering combine to create innovative healthcare solutions.
13. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) – Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Cohort Size: 25
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: Students entering 9-12 grade in Fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program
At Stanford’s AIMI Summer Research Internship, you’ll explore how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare. You’ll participate in technical lectures, hands-on group research sessions, and mentoring with Stanford students and researchers. With guidance from leaders in medicine and AI, you’ll gain insights into clinical data, algorithms, and real-world applications.
What you’ll learn is highly relevant in the field of cancer diagnostics and research. Guest speakers from various sectors will also help you understand potential career paths in AI and medicine. If you’re interested in developing tech-driven solutions to health problems, this program will give you the tools to get started.
14. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 application fee
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: 15 years or older by June 18
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) gives you the opportunity to conduct hands-on research alongside top scientists. Over eight weeks, you’ll explore cutting-edge topics like disease diagnostics, bioengineering, and molecular medicine.
You’ll develop key research skills — experimenting with advanced lab equipment, analyzing data, and communicating findings. You’ll also explore career paths and meet mentors who can guide your scientific journey. Past participants have even co-authored papers and presented at conferences.
15. NASA’s GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 800
Application Deadline: April 9
Dates: June 2 – August 29
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors entering grade 11 or 12; have taken at least one high school biology course; Minimum (unweighted) GPA of 3.0
NASA’s GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) gives you a unique look at how space research and omics biology intersect, offering tools relevant to cancer and other health research. Over 12 weeks, you’ll explore bioinformatics methods, space biology, and omics data using JupyterLab notebooks in a self-paced format.
Optional live office hours help deepen your understanding and let you ask questions. After completing the course, you can join a Capstone Project, where teams analyze real data and present a hypothesis-driven proposal. Winning teams may even travel to a national science conference.
Image source – Brown University