TL;DR
These 15 computational biology summer programs range from focused genomics and bioinformatics research to broader biomedical experiences that use computational methods alongside lab work. Some are free or provide stipends, while others charge tuition, and eligibility ranges from programs open to high schoolers more broadly to opportunities restricted by grade, location, or prior coursework. If you are still exploring your options, this list of research programs for high school students covers opportunities across a wider range of subjects. For a longer, mentored research experience, explore the Horizon Academic Research Program.
What can you actually do in a computational biology summer program?
The work varies considerably from one program to another. You might analyze genomic or transcriptomic data, use code to investigate a biological question, study disease biomarkers, work with biological datasets, or combine computational analysis with laboratory experiments.
Some programs are research internships where you work alongside scientists, while others are structured courses that introduce you to computational biology. That distinction matters if you want to produce an independent research project rather than simply take a class.
If you are deciding between formats, this breakdown of online vs. in-person research programs can help you think through the practical differences.
Which computational biology summer programs are free or offer financial aid?
Several programs on this list are free, and some also provide stipends. Others charge tuition but offer financial aid or scholarships.
| Program | Format | Cost | Main focus | Eligibility |
| Lumiere Research Scholar Program | Virtual | Varies; full financial aid available | Independent research | High school students |
| Veritas AI | Virtual | Varies by program | AI, data science, research | High school students |
| GRIPS at Stanford | Hybrid | Free; application fee | Genomics research | Eligible Bay Area students |
| Carnegie Mellon Computational Biology | In person | Tuition-based | Computational + laboratory biology | High school students |
| Rockefeller SSRP | In person | Free | Laboratory research | High school juniors and seniors |
| Biorocket at Genspace | In person | Free; stipend | Biotechnology and genetics | Eligible NYC students |
| UChicago Computational Biology | Residential | $9,300; financial aid available | Computational biology | Grades 9–11 |
| NASA GeneLab for High Schools | Virtual | Free | Bioinformatics and space biology | Eligible U.S. students |
| Broad Summer Scholars | In person | Free; stipend | Genomics and biomedical research | Eligible Massachusetts students |
| Penn Biomedical Research Academy | Residential | Tuition-based | Biomedical research | Grades 9–11 |
| miRcore Computational Biology Camp | Virtual | Paid | Genomics and computational biology | High school students |
| Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship | Virtual | Not specified | AI and medical imaging | High school students |
| Bioinspired Design at Lawrence Hall of Science | In person | Paid | Biology and engineering | Grades 10–12 |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program | In person | Free; stipend | Biomedical and computational research | Eligible high school juniors |
(Costs and deadlines can change between cycles, so check the official program page before applying)
15 Computational Biology Summer Programs for High School Students
(The list includes direct computational biology programs as well as broader biology, biomedical, and health-AI programs where computational work is a major part of the experience.)
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote ; you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records (avg. admitted GPA ≥ 3.3/4.0)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs you one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to develop an independent research project. Computational biology can be one of the areas you explore, depending on your research question and mentor match. The research experience is built around developing a substantial research paper rather than following a fixed classroom syllabus.
Who is it right for? You want to pursue a computational biology research question remotely with individual mentorship.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI offers programs in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and related areas that can overlap with computational biology. Introductory options cover AI and data science fundamentals, while more advanced research-focused programs involve individual projects and mentorship. The exact computational biology fit depends on the program and project you choose.
Who is it right for? You want to approach biological questions through AI, machine learning, or data science.
3. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free; $55 application fee, with fee waivers available
Program Dates: June 15–August 6
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by the program start date, live in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz County, have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0
GRIPS is focused specifically on genomics and computational genetics. You are placed in a genomics research laboratory, work under the supervision of a lab mentor, and participate in cohort sessions and regular mentor check-ins. Prior research or programming experience is not required, although the program expects some background in biology, chemistry, or computer programming.
Who is it right for? You want direct genomics research experience in a laboratory setting.
4. Computational Biology at Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Not specified
Program Dates: June 20–July 17
Application Deadline: March 1; February 1 for scholarship and international applicants
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by June 20 and are entering their junior or senior year in fall
This program combines laboratory research with computational biology. You collect biological samples, conduct experiments to generate biological data, and then use programming and computational methods to analyze that data. The program also includes a computational hackathon and support from teaching assistants.
Who is it right for? You want to combine wet-lab biology with programming and data analysis.
5. Columbia Pre-College: Modern Biology & Its Real World Applications
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Not specified
Program Dates: June 20–July 17
Application Deadline: March 1; February 1 for scholarship and international applicants
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by June 20 and are entering their junior or senior year in fall
This course provides a broader introduction to modern biology, covering areas such as genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, evolution, and disease. It is not a dedicated computational biology research internship, but it can give you a foundation in the biological concepts that computational research often studies. The course uses lectures, discussions, and interactive learning rather than placing you in a dedicated research laboratory.
Who is it right for? You want to strengthen your biology foundation before moving toward computational or biomedical research.
6. The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 22–August 6
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program
The Summer Science Research Program is a team-based research experience built around hands-on laboratory work. You work with scientists and mentors to develop a research question, conduct experiments, analyze results, and present your findings at an end-of-program symposium. Computational work can be part of the wider research environment, although the program is not limited to computational biology.
Who is it right for? You want intensive laboratory research and are open to computational work within a broader biological project.
7. Biorocket Research Internship at Genspace
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free; $2,000 stipend provided
Program Dates: February–August, including a summer session from July 6–August 14, 2026
Application Deadline: Applications open November 1
Eligibility: Students ages 16 and older who live or attend a NYC public or charter high school within 45 minutes of Genspace; applicants must commit to the program from February through August
Biorocket is a longer research internship focused on biotechnology and genetic engineering. You work on research projects involving areas such as DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology while receiving mentorship from practicing scientists. The program also includes field visits and science communication activities.
Who is it right for? You are eligible in New York City and want extended biotechnology research experience.
8. Mathematical and Computational Research in Biological Sciences at the University of Chicago
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $9,300; need-based financial aid is available
Program Dates: July 7–23
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–11 who have completed at least one year of high school science; some introductory programming experience is required
This program focuses directly on the intersection of biology, mathematics, and computer science. You explore biological data, use coding and data visualization tools, conduct literature reviews, and work with high-performance computing resources. The course also includes scientific communication through research posters.
Who is it right for? You have some coding experience and want a focused introduction to computational biology.
9. GeneLab for High Schools with NASA
Location: Virtual; hosted by NASA’s Ames Research Center
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 1–August 28
Application Deadline: March 15, or earlier if 1,000 applications were received
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents attending a U.S.-based high school who are entering grades 11 or 12 in fall 2026 or entering college as freshmen; applicants must have completed at least one high school biology course and have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0
GeneLab for High Schools introduces you to space biology through genomic and other biological datasets. You work with NASA’s GeneLab platform and learn how computational methods can be applied to biological questions. The program also includes coding activities, collaborative research, and exposure to researchers working in the field.
Who is it right for? You want to combine bioinformatics with an interest in space biology.
10. The Broad Summer Scholars Program
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free; $3,600 stipend provided
Program Dates: June 29–August 7
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who attend a Massachusetts high school within commuting distance of the Broad Institute; applicants must have earned a B or better in science and math classes and be available for the full six-week program
The Broad Summer Scholars Program gives you the chance to conduct original research alongside professional scientists. Research areas can include computational biology, genomics, chemical biology, and other biomedical fields. The program also includes seminars, mentorship, career exploration, and a final research presentation.
Who is it right for? You want to work alongside professional scientists on original genomic or biomedical research.
11. Biomedical Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Not specified
Program Dates: July 11–August 1
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–11 in fall
The Biomedical Research Academy introduces you to molecular, cellular, and genetic biology through lectures, journal clubs, faculty discussions, and laboratory experiments. It is broader than computational biology, but it can give you a strong foundation in the biological systems that computational researchers study.
Who is it right for? You want a broad biomedical research foundation before specializing further.
12. miRcore Computational Biology Research Camp
Location: Online
Cost: $680; $70 application fee
Program Dates: June 15–19, June 22–26, July 6–10
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current high school students and incoming ninth graders interested in computers, math, science, and medicine
This program directly introduces you to computational biology through genomics and transcriptomics. You work with patient RNA expression data to investigate potential biomarkers associated with disease. You also work in small teams to explore biological questions using computational research methods.
Who is it right for? You want an accessible introduction to computational biology using real biological datasets.
13. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Not specified
Program Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers a virtual research experience at the intersection of AI and healthcare. You explore medical imaging and health-related applications through faculty-led sessions, mentorship, and collaborative research projects. It is more focused on medical AI than traditional computational biology, but the computational methods overlap with modern biological research.
Who is it right for? You are interested in the computational side of medicine, medical imaging, and health data.
14. Bioinspired Design at the Lawrence Hall of Science
Location: UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $1,550; optional residential add-on costs $1,350
Program Dates: June 22–26, July 20–24, or July 27–31
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12 in fall
This program explores the intersection of biology and engineering through bioinspired design. You work in small teams on projects involving ideas such as prosthetic hands, wildlife-inspired robotics, and biomimetic materials. It is not a computational biology research program, but it can be useful if your interests sit between biology, engineering, and technology.
Who is it right for? You want to explore how biological systems can inspire engineering solutions.
15. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Summer Student Program
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Cost: Free; $1,200 stipend provided
Program Dates: June 29–August 21
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school juniors who live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut within 25 miles of Memorial Sloan Kettering’s main campus; applicants must be at least 14 years old, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program is an eight-week biomedical research internship. Computational biology and genomics are among the available research areas, alongside cancer biology, computer science, engineering, imaging, and molecular biology. You work with a mentor on a self-directed research project and participate in laboratory meetings and professional development activities.
Who is it right for? You meet the local eligibility requirements and want biomedical research with computational options.
How do these computational biology programs differ?
The biggest difference is what you actually spend your time doing. Some programs are built around computational analysis and biological data, while others combine coding with wet-lab experiments or use computational methods within a broader biomedical research experience.
| Program | Mentor or research model | Format | Main research experience | Final output or focus |
| Lumiere Research Scholar Program | Individual mentor | Virtual | Independent research | Research paper |
| Veritas AI | AI mentors | Virtual | AI and data-driven projects | Project or research output varies |
| GRIPS | Laboratory mentor | Hybrid | Genomics research | Research experience |
| Carnegie Mellon Computational Biology | Teaching staff and research environment | In person | Wet lab + computational analysis | Research and computational projects |
| Rockefeller SSRP | Scientist mentors | In person | Team-based laboratory research | Research presentation |
| Biorocket | Scientist mentors | In person | Biotechnology and genetics | Research experience |
| UChicago Computational Biology | Faculty and teaching staff | Residential | Biological data + computation | Scientific poster |
| NASA GeneLab | NASA researchers and instructors | Virtual | Bioinformatics and space biology | Collaborative research project |
| Broad Summer Scholars | Professional scientist mentors | In person | Original biomedical research | Research presentation |
| Penn Biomedical Research Academy | Faculty-led | Residential | Biomedical laboratory work | Research experience |
| miRcore | Research instructors | Virtual | Genomics and transcriptomics | Team research project |
| Stanford AIMI | Faculty and researchers | Virtual | AI and medical imaging | Collaborative research |
| Bioinspired Design | Instructors and researchers | In person | Biology + engineering design | Project showcase |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering | Laboratory mentor | In person | Biomedical and computational research | Self-directed research project |
What should you look for before applying?
1. Check whether the program is actually computational
A program can mention biology, AI, coding, or data science without being a computational biology research program. Look for concrete work with genomic data, biological datasets, programming, bioinformatics, mathematical modeling, or computational research questions.
If you are still figuring out what kind of question you could actually investigate, this collection of STEM research topics for high school students can help you move from a broad interest to a workable starting point.
2. Look at the prerequisites before you apply
Some programs teach programming from the beginning, while others expect you to arrive with coding or science coursework already completed. Read the eligibility requirements carefully before spending time on an application.
3. Think about what you want to produce
A research internship, a pre-college course, and a mentored research program can all teach you about computational biology, but the final output may be very different. You might finish with a research paper, scientific poster, presentation, team project, or simply a stronger foundation in the field.
Before committing, it helps to understand the key components of a high school research paper so you know what a substantial research project actually looks like.
4. Decide whether you need a physical lab
Computational biology does not always require a laboratory. If your project mainly involves datasets, programming, modeling, or bioinformatics, a virtual program may give you everything you need. If you want to generate biological samples or run experiments yourself, you will need to prioritize an in-person laboratory opportunity.
You can compare those tradeoffs in this breakdown of online and in-person research programs.
5. Check the total cost, not just the tuition
A free program may still require you to pay for travel or housing, while a paid program may offer financial aid or include residential costs. Compare the full cost before deciding which opportunities are realistic for you.
If cost is your main concern, you can also look through free online research programs for high school students for alternatives.
6. Think about whether you want to publish your work
Not every program is designed to produce a publishable paper. If publication matters to you, check whether the program provides research mentorship, writing support, or guidance after the project is finished.
Once you have a completed paper, this guide to publishing research in high school walks through the process from choosing a journal to responding to peer review.
Questions students often ask about computational biology programs
Not always. Some programs teach the computational side as you go, while others expect prior programming or science coursework, so check the prerequisites before applying.
Yes, in several of them. The programs vary from genomic and transcriptomic data analysis to laboratory-generated datasets, so the amount of hands-on computational research depends on the specific program. If you want to understand what a substantial research project should contain, this guide to the key components of a high school research paper is a useful starting point.
It varies from short courses lasting a few weeks to research internships that run for several months. Check the time commitment carefully, especially if you need to balance the program with another summer activity.
Yes. Several options on this list are fully virtual, which can make research more accessible if you cannot travel to a university or laboratory. If you want a longer mentored research experience from home, the Horizon Academic Research Program is another option to explore.
Start with the kind of computational biology you actually want to do
Computational biology covers a wide range of work, from analyzing genomic data and building biological models to using AI in medicine. Two programs that use the term “computational biology” can still give you very different experiences.
Start by deciding whether you want coding, bioinformatics, wet-lab research, biomedical research, or a combination of these. Then compare the programs based on the research you will actually do, the mentor support you will receive, the final output, the cost, and the time commitment.
If you want to explore more opportunities beyond computational biology, you can browse this broader list of research programs for high school students.
Image source: UC Berkeley