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IMPRS Summer Program

The IMPRS summer research program for medical students, supported in part by the Indiana CTSI, offers a variety of mentored research projects that align with the CTSI’s mission of engaging researchers and learners with the community, health care, governmental and corporate stakeholders across the state to advance translational science and health care. IMPRS offers the whole spectrum of T0-T4 research opportunities to align with the CTSI’s mission. Summer research opportunities for learners include projects in clinical research, community health with partners across the state, health outcomes and translational laboratory sciences.

Whether it is helping students find mentored research opportunities at IU School of Medicine between the first and second year of medical training or providing one-on-one advising for other mentored research opportunities and funding, IMPRS is the hub for all medical student research opportunities and support in Indiana and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summer Research Opportunities

Application Requirements

Find the application requirements, eligibility details and timeline to apply for the IMPRS Summer Program.

Program Benefits

Students can expect to gain skills that are valuable for residency applications and career development. Hands-on experience instills an appreciation for the research behind medical discoveries. Additionally, students gain a deeper critical understanding of medical literature, information and research.

Additional benefits include:

  • Hands-on research and/or clinical experiences.
  • Membership in a cohort of peers committed to research exploration.
  • Coaching, mentoring and advising support from IMPRS faculty and staff.
  • Professional development seminars that expand knowledge of research and clinical disciplines.
  • Networking opportunities.
  • Presentation and publication opportunities.

Dates and work schedule

Most programs are between eight and 12 weeks long and take place between May and July. Normal hours of operation for opportunities on IU School of Medicine campuses are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Exact work schedules may vary depending on the opportunity needs and expectations.

In addition to research work, each student must observe a series of weekly seminars and participate in the poster session at the end of the summer session. The posters will be judged and twenty projects will be selected to compete for oral presentation awards.

Stipends

Limited stipends are available through IMPRS for opportunities that take place on IU School of Medicine campuses. Students who receive funding directly from IMPRS must commit to the required full-time summer research program schedule. Students receiving funding from IMPRS cannot be simultaneously obligated to other grants or awards requiring a commitment of time during the designated IMPRS Summer Program time. Students receive the stipend in three installments; the stipend is not a salary.


External Program Stipends

Students who complete opportunities elsewhere are subject to the stipends available with those programs, but will still have access to all other IMPRS Summer Program benefits, including research advising, networking, access to publication and presentation opportunities and more.

Housing

Students are expected to secure their own housing for the duration of the program.

Timeline

November
IMPRS Summer Program application opens.

January
IMPRS Summer Program applications are due by mid-January.

February
IMPRS Summer Program applications will be reviewed and selected.

March
IMPRS Office will notify selected students with their mentor matches.

Mid-March *
Deadline for students to accept IMPRS Summer Program offers.

April *
During the month of April, students will be able to work on some online certifications and/or assignments. If you have agreed to participate in the program, plan to meet with the assigned mentor about the project and plan.

May *
IMPRS orientation to kick start the summer research and scholarly internships.

May-July
Required IMPRS Professional Development Seminars*

July
IMPRS poster and oral presentations.

Late July
Official end of summer research and scholarly internships.

*Only required for students completing opportunities on an IU School of Medicine campus. Students completing experiences externally should comply with all required deadlines for their selected program.

IMPRS Summer Program Surveys

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