Summer Fellowship Program

The application period is October 15-December 15, 2023

The Summer Fellowship program provides a rare opportunity for hands-on research experience at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and at its affiliated hospitals and laboratories for outstanding Italian students in their fourth or fifth (or sixth) year of study for a STEM or medical degree in Italy.  In addition to two months research experience in a Harvard lab, the program promotes student mobility and provides young scientists with a chance to explore different scientific environments.

At the time of this Call, we anticipate being able to offer the Summer Fellows Program in Boston in the summer of 2024. We will, however, continue to monitor any public health related issues and adjust the program according to safety guidelines, U.S. and/or Harvard travel bans and exemptions, and any suspension of visa issuance, as the situation evolves.

Summer Fellows receive guidance in applying to a particular lab and are assigned a lab supervisor or postdoc mentor once placed in a lab. The mentoring component is an important benefit inherent in the program; Fellows establish relationships with colleagues that often last beyond the summer they are in the lab.

In addition to research activity, the Fellows are required to attend weekly Career Development Seminars, where they will meet with scientists, faculty, and other professionals active in  academia or in the STEM-related industry, based in Boston or in Europe, to discuss education and career choices (either on line or in person). Summer Fellows are provided USD 4,000 towards living, travel and visa expenses. Information on the visa application process and accommodation in Boston will be provided after acceptance into the program.

Other partners in the program, which is under the Patronage of the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research, are:  Alira Health, Charles River Labs, Collegio Borromeo, Collegio GhislieriCollegio Nuovo,  Fondazione InvernizziUniversity of Catania, University of Pavia, Humanitas UniversitySan Raffaele and CIBIO/University of Trento.