15 Bioinformatics Research Programs for High School Students

Key Takeaways

• These 15 programs span major research institutions like Stanford, the Broad Institute, St. Jude, and UCSF, covering bioinformatics applications from cancer genomics to space biology and neurodegenerative disease research, alongside Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, which offers a virtual research track across subjects like data science and machine learning.
• Many programs are free to attend and also provide a stipend, including the Broad Summer Scholars Program, the Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy, and St. Jude’s Research Immersion Program, while others, like Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Program and Penn’s Biomedical Research Academy, charge tuition running into the thousands.
• Several programs are restricted to specific counties or regions, such as the Max Planck Florida Institute’s internship and SURE-CAN’s Western New York requirement, so eligibility is worth checking closely before applying.
• Nearly all of these programs pair you with a research mentor and conclude with a poster session, symposium, or formal presentation where you share your findings.
• Program length varies from short four-week intensives to longer eight- to twelve-week commitments like GeneLab for High Schools and the Cell-Science Summer Internship Program, so time commitment is worth weighing alongside program fit.

Participating in a bioinformatics research program is an excellent option if you’re a high school student interested in the intersection of biology, computer science, and data analysis. These programs introduce you to how computational tools are used to study biological questions, from analyzing DNA sequences to understanding diseases and developing new treatments. Depending on the program, you may work with coding languages such as Python or R, biological databases, genome analysis software, and data visualization tools while learning the fundamentals of computational biology. Many programs also provide opportunities to conduct independent or mentor-guided research, helping you gain practical experience with university-level research methods and scientific problem-solving.

What do students do in a bioinformatics research program?

Bioinformatics research programs typically combine biology, programming, mathematics, and data science. You may learn how to analyze genomic and protein sequence data, use computational tools to investigate biological problems, interpret large datasets, and apply statistical methods to research questions. Many programs also include coding exercises, research projects, scientific presentations, and mentorship from university researchers, giving students a practical introduction to modern biological research. They also provide exposure to university faculty, researchers, and research laboratories while strengthening analytical thinking and scientific communication. 

To help you identify the strongest opportunities, we’ve curated a list of 15 bioinformatics research programs for high school students, selected for their academic rigor, research mentorship, hands-on learning, and overall educational value.

You can also check out these guides on biology programs, biotechnology programs, or computational biology summer programs for high school students! 

1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $50 application fee (fee waivers offered); Limited need-based stipends offered
Cohort size: 50 students
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (16+) currently living in the U.S.; More info here 

The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) offers you the opportunity to explore bioinformatics through hands-on biomedical research at Stanford University. If placed in the Bioinformatics research area, you’ll work alongside Stanford faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers to analyze biological data using computational methods. You’ll learn how researchers use programming, databases, statistical analysis, and computational tools to study large biological datasets, identify patterns, and answer questions related to genetics, disease, and human health. Throughout the eight-week program, you’ll contribute to an active research project while gaining insight into how data-driven approaches support modern biomedical discovery. 

2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subjects such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback you can use to improve future projects. Apply here!

3. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience High School Internship  – Scientific Programming Track

Location: Max Planck Florida Institute, Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $14/hour stipend
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: 6 weeks in summer, typically in June – July
Application Deadline: Typically closes in March
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+) from Palm Beach or Martin County

The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience High School Internship is a six-week research internship that introduces you to neuroscience through hands-on laboratory and computational research. If you’re interested in the Scientific Programming track, you’ll work with MPFI scientists to develop software and analytical tools for processing the large, complex datasets generated by modern brain imaging technologies. Projects often involve programming in languages such as Python, C/C++, MATLAB, or Java, along with applying concepts from mathematics, physics, and computer science to analyze neuroscience data. Throughout the internship, you’ll contribute to an active research project, gain experience in scientific computing and data analysis, prepare a written scientific abstract, and present your work during a final research presentation.

4. University of Pennsylvania: Biomedical Research Academy 

Location: University of Pennsylvania – Penn Arts & Science, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $10,050 (scholarships available); Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: 9th-11th graders who have completed at least one year of high school biology; International students welcome

The Biomedical Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania is a three-week residential program that introduces you to biomedical research through university-level lectures, faculty talks, and laboratory experiments. You’ll investigate how cellular, molecular, and genetic biology are used to understand and treat diseases while gaining hands-on experience with techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, and ELISA. The program also includes journal clubs, where you’ll learn to read, analyze, and present scientific research papers. In the computational lab, you’ll explore bioinformatics by using Python to analyze real biological datasets and understand how computational tools support modern medicine.

5. Mayo Clinic’s Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)

Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive
Dates: June 2 – December 3
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in Duval or St. Johns counties in Florida with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA

The Mayo Clinic Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK) is a summer biomedical research program that gives you the opportunity to work one-on-one with Mayo Clinic researchers on active scientific projects. Depending on your placement, you may conduct research in areas such as biochemistry and molecular biology, cancer biology, neuroscience, immunology, drug development, epidemiology, regenerative sciences, or artificial intelligence. Throughout the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience with laboratory techniques, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication while working in Mayo Clinic’s research facilities. Weekly educational sessions introduce you to biomedical research careers and demonstrate how laboratory discoveries translate into advances in clinical medicine. The program concludes with a research poster presentation, where you’ll communicate your findings and might get the opportunity to present your work at regional and state science fairs.

6. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)

Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $3,600 stipend
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending schools in Massachusetts within commuting distance of the Broad Institute; Must have earned a B or better in science and math classes

The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) is a six-week biomedical research program that allows you to work alongside scientists at the Broad Institute on original research projects. Depending on your placement, you may contribute to research in areas such as computational biology, genomics, cancer biology, infectious disease, chemical biology, or psychiatric disease. Working under the guidance of experienced mentors, you’ll gain hands-on experience with laboratory methods or computational research, including coding, high-throughput data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication. Beyond research, the program features scientific workshops, career exploration sessions, talks from leading researchers, a college fair, and networking opportunities with fellow students. The experience concludes with a scientific poster session, where you’ll present your research to members of the Broad Institute community.

7. GeneLab for High Schools

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort size: 1,000 students
Dates: June 1 – August 28
Application Deadline: February 15 – March 15 (or until 1,000 applications are received)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens entering grades 11-12, or college with a minimum GPA of 3.0; Must have taken at least one high school biology course

The GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) is a 12-week virtual summer program that introduces you to space biology, bioinformatics, and computational biology through authentic NASA research. Using real datasets from spaceflight experiments, including studies conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS), you’ll investigate how spaceflight affects living organisms by analyzing genomic and other omics data. Throughout the program, you’ll learn core concepts in genetics, bioinformatics, coding, computational biology, and biological data analysis while developing the skills needed to process and interpret large-scale scientific datasets. Guided online modules and research activities provide practical experience with the tools and methods used in modern biological research. You can also complete an optional team capstone project and present your findings.

8. Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy

Location: City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $4,500 stipend
Cohort size: Approximately 70 students
Dates: June 1 – August 6
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students (16+) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Must have completed high school courses in chemistry and biology

The Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope is a 10-week paid biomedical research internship that places you in research laboratories based on your scientific interests. Working full-time alongside physicians and scientists, you’ll contribute to ongoing research in areas such as cancer biology, immunology, genetics, and translational medicine while learning laboratory techniques including cell culture, PCR, DNA and RNA isolation, microscopy, flow cytometry, protein analysis, and molecular biology methods. You’ll also participate in seminars, workshops on scientific posters, college preparation, grant writing, and weekly research presentations that help strengthen your scientific communication skills. Guided by experienced mentors, you’ll gain practical research experience while building professional relationships within the biomedical research community.

9. Carnegie Mellon University: Pre-College Program in Computational Biology

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $10,750; Commuter: $8,041 (scholarships offered); Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 20 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 1 (early); March 1 (final)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors (16+) with an academic average of B (3.0/4.0) or better

The Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Program in Computational Biology introduces you to how biology, computer science, and data science work together in modern scientific research. Through a combination of laboratory experiments and programming, you’ll generate biological data and then analyze it using computational methods and your own code. Research-inspired projects may involve topics such as microbial ecology, DNA sequencing, and infectious diseases like COVID-19, helping you understand how large biological datasets are collected, processed, and interpreted. Working in teams, you’ll also gain experience with automated laboratory technologies, including robotic liquid-handling systems, while exploring the growing role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in biological research. 

10. High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN) Program

Location: Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Dates: June 26 – August 7
Application Deadline: Typically in January
Eligibility: High school juniors (15+) who are local residents of Western New York

SURE-CAN is a six-week research internship that introduces you to cancer science through a combination of laboratory research, lectures, and professional development. As an intern, you’ll participate in either wet-lab or computational (“dry-lab”) research while exploring topics such as cancer biology, genomics, medical imaging, artificial intelligence, and emerging cancer technologies. The program also covers research ethics, basic statistics, and the principles of rigorous scientific research, while demonstrating how biology, mathematics, physics, engineering, and computing come together to advance cancer treatment. Alongside your research experience, you’ll attend seminars, career exploration sessions, and scientific communication workshops before presenting your project as a formal scientific poster at the program’s concluding research symposium.

11. High School Research Immersion Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Location: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $4,800 stipend
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: June 1 – July 25
Application Deadline: Typically in January
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (16+) in the Memphis-Shelby County area and immediate surrounding counties in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas; Must have a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.0

The High School Research Immersion Program is an eight-week, full-time paid research internship that allows you to work on authentic scientific research under the guidance of experienced mentors. Working in pairs, you’ll contribute to an active research project in fields such as laboratory science, psychology, epidemiology, or data science, gaining firsthand experience with research methods, data collection, analysis, and scientific problem-solving. You’ll also participate in workshops that explore scientific thinking, the research process, and college preparation, including guidance on writing a personal statement. The internship concludes with a community research exhibition, where you’ll present your work through a scientific poster.

12. RNA Institute High School Bioinformatics Summer Camp

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,450, early applicants: $1,250 (financial aid may be offered); Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive
Dates: July 6 – August 1
Application Deadline: Early: February 1; Regular: March 31
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA above 3.0 and at least one year of high school biology credit

The RNA Institute High School Bioinformatics Summer Camp introduces you to bioinformatics through project-based research in RNA sequencing and neurodegenerative diseases. Guided by University at Albany-affiliated mentors, you’ll learn essential computational skills including R programming, command-line high-performance computing, RNA sequencing data analysis, and biological data visualization. You’ll apply these techniques to analyze real datasets related to conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, gaining experience in interpreting genomic data and drawing scientific conclusions. The camp concludes with an independent bioinformatics research project. You might also get invited to present your findings as a research poster at the RNA Institute RNA Day symposium.

13. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace

Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Spring: February 25 – May 21; Summer: July 6 – August 14
Application Deadline: November 1 – January 5
Eligibility: New York City public and charter high school students (16+)

The Biorocket Research Internship Program gives you hands-on experience in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics. Working alongside scientist mentors, you’ll help design and carry out research projects while learning laboratory techniques such as DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, molecular biology methods, and bioinformatics analysis. Past projects have investigated topics including microbiome analysis, algal systems for water purification, and environmental genetics, allowing students to apply biotechnology to real-world scientific questions. Beyond research, the program includes science communication training, laboratory tours, biotech company visits, career guidance, and opportunities to present your work to both scientific and public audiences.

14. Cell-Science Summer Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $300 (tentative); Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Dates: June 17 – August 9
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students who have completed their junior year of high school

The Cell-Science Summer Internship Program+ is an eight-week biotechnology internship that introduces you to bioinformatics, rational drug design, and pharmaceutical research through project-based learning. You’ll explore the complete drug discovery and development process while studying topics such as cancer biology, cell signaling pathways, immunotherapy, stem cell therapies, and nanomedicine. Throughout the internship, you’ll apply a variety of bioinformatics tools to research-focused projects, gaining experience in experimental design, biological data analysis, and therapeutic target identification. The program also features guest lectures from pharmaceutical and biotechnology professionals, career development workshops, and visits to local biotech companies. By the end of the internship, you’ll present your research through an oral presentation and submit a detailed project report.

15. UCSF Summer Student Research Program

Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: None; $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: 10th-12th graders (16+) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; See more info here

The UCSF Summer Student Research Program offers an immersive introduction to bioinformatics research through mentored projects. If placed in a bioinformatics-focused lab, you’ll work alongside researchers and healthcare professionals to analyze biological and clinical datasets using computational methods. Under the guidance of a dedicated mentor, you’ll learn how bioinformatics supports biomedical research by interpreting genomic data, identifying biological patterns, and answering research questions related to human health and disease. In addition to your research project, you’ll participate in weekly seminars, journal clubs, workshops, mentoring sessions, and enrichment activities that provide insight into biomedical research, clinical practice, and STEM careers. The program concludes with a formal Research Symposium, where you’ll present your work through both a scientific poster and an oral presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of bioinformatics programs are available to high school students?

You’ll find a mix of formats, including hands-on research placements like Stanford’s SIMR and the Broad Summer Scholars Program, virtual programs like GeneLab for High Schools and the RNA Institute’s Bioinformatics Summer Camp, and specialized cancer-focused research like SURE-CAN and the Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy. Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a different kind of option, letting you conduct independent, mentored research remotely across subjects like data science and machine learning rather than joining a fixed in-person lab.

Do you need prior coding or biology experience to apply?

It depends on the program. Some, like the RNA Institute’s Bioinformatics Summer Camp, require at least one year of high school biology and a GPA above 3.0, while others, like GeneLab for High Schools, similarly expect a completed biology course. Programs like Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Program in Computational Biology combine wet lab work with coding, so a general comfort with both biology and basic programming will help even if formal prerequisites aren’t strictly required.

Are there free options available?

Yes, several programs on this list don’t charge a fee. The Broad Summer Scholars Program, GeneLab for High Schools, the Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy, and UCSF’s Summer Student Research Program are all free to participate in, and many of these also provide a stipend on top of being free.

Which programs offer the highest stipends?

St. Jude’s High School Research Immersion Program offers a $4,800 stipend, and the Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy provides $4,500. The Broad Summer Scholars Program and UCSF’s Summer Student Research Program also offer meaningful stipends at $3,600 and $3,000 respectively, so it’s worth factoring in compensation alongside program fit.

Which programs are restricted to specific regions or counties?

Several of these programs have geographic eligibility requirements. The Max Planck Florida Institute’s internship is limited to Palm Beach or Martin County residents, SURE-CAN is limited to Western New York residents, and St. Jude’s program is limited to the Memphis-Shelby County area and nearby counties in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Others, like Stanford’s SIMR and the RNA Institute’s virtual camp, are open more broadly to students across the U.S.

Is there a way to pursue independent bioinformatics-adjacent research beyond a structured program?

Yes. If you want a mentored research experience without needing to secure a spot in a specific lab, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar to develop a 20-page research paper you can submit for academic publication, across subjects including data science and machine learning. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback, and covers over 600 research specializations. You can find the application here.

When should you apply?

Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the year, so it helps to plan ahead. The Biorocket Research Internship Program has one of the earliest deadlines, running from November 1 to January 5, while several others cluster in January, including SURE-CAN and St. Jude’s Research Immersion Program. February brings a wave of deadlines, including the Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy (February 1), Stanford’s SIMR (February 21), and Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Program (February 1 early, March 1 final). Horizon, by contrast, has multiple deadlines throughout the year across its Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts, giving you more flexibility if you miss an earlier cutoff.

Image source: Broad Institute