The Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences offers jointly with the Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines and the Department of Biology, a 10-week summer research-intensive training program in all fields of neuroscience to non-MIT undergraduates (Sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors) majoring in all STEM fields. This summer internship program is funded in part by the MIT's School of Science, the National Science Foundation, and the Simons Center for the Social Brain.

The program is designed to encourage outstanding students from low income families, first-generation college students, veterans and students with disabilities to attend graduate school and pursue a career in basic research by providing them the opportunity to conduct supervised research in a top research institution, in a supportive learning environment with plenty of interaction with graduate students and faculty. Over 85% of past participants have enrolled in highly ranked graduate programs within three years of completing this summer program. 

Program eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be full-time undergraduate students at a college or university in the U.S.
• Be current sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors who have successfully completed introductory courses in the sciences
• Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA in science courses
• Have prior research experience
• Have demonstrated an interest in basic research and in a career in the sciences
• Be available to begin on the first date of the program, no exceptions

The following are not eligible for this program:

• MIT undergraduates (if you are an MIT undergrad, see the UROP website)
• Students studying abroad
• Graduate students
• Students with no prior research experience
• Foreign students unless enrolled full-time in the US on a F-1 visa and attending a small college or institution with limited research opportunities

Students interested in disciplines that are not related to biology, neuroscience or artificial intelligence should apply to the general MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) offered through the Office of Graduate Education. 

If you have questions not answered on this page, please contact msrpbio@mit.edu.

Applying

The dates of the 2025 program are June 1-Aug 8. The application deadline is January 30. 

APPLY HERE.

A complete application consists of:

• The completed online application
• Three letters of reference from science faculty. At least one letter must be from a research mentor or lab supervisor. Please note that applicants must submit a letter of reference from their most recent research experience.
• Most recent unofficial college transcripts which should contain spring semester course list. Official transcripts will be required once applicants are admitted into the program.
• A one-page personal statement of interest and career goals

Program description

Note that aspects of this experience may change due to Covid-19 guidelines and precautions.

Students accepted into the program receive their 10-week training in one of over 60 research laboratories affiliated with the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (BCS), the Center for Brains, Minds and Machines (CBMM), or the Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience graduate program (MCN). Students conduct supervised research and receive practical training in areas such as molecular and cellular neurosciences, neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive sciences, computational neuroscience, psychophysics, linguistics, artificial intelligence, and vision neuroscience. In addition, students receive training in reading and discussing primary scientific research papers, are exposed to scientific writing, practice giving oral presentations about their summer research, have many opportunities to meet with various faculty to learn about their research, and learn about various career paths.

Students accepted into the program receive:

• Campus housing
• A weekly stipend
• Travel allowance to and from MIT (domestic travel only)
• An MIT email account
• Subsidized pass to the athletic facilities
• Wireless internet access
• Faculty and peer mentorship

Students are expected to work full-time in the laboratory, to participate in weekly meetings with faculty, and to attend weekly academic seminars. 

The weekly seminars cover such topics as applying to graduate school, giving an oral presentation, writing a research abstract, and learning about various career options available to PhD graduates. They are designed to help students improve their presentation skills and to be more competitive applicants. During the summer, students have several opportunities to give oral presentations on their research. At the end of the program students are required to give a poster presentation on their research and to submit a 5-page research summary and a one-page personal statement about their summer experience at MIT. 

Students also are invited to participate in weekend social activities, visit Boston and its vicinity, participate in a one-day trip to Martha's Vineyard. All of the students in the MIT summer research program live together on campus in shared suites with kitchens. This housing arrangement promotes social interactions and provides a wonderful opportunity to forge long-lasting friendships with peers in the program.