How can I get in touch with past summer fellows to learn about their projects and labs?
The Summer Fellows website has a link to past summer fellow recipients, which lists their labs and their universities: https://armeniseharvard.org/sf-past-recipients/. Interested candidates can also get in touch with past participants via the program Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ArmeniseSummerFellowship/.
Are the dates of the program flexible?
No, the dates of the program are fixed and non-negotiable. Every year the precise dates of the program are indicated in the current call. In Summer 2027, the program will run from June 28 until August 27.
Is it mandatory to participate in the summer program for the full two months? Is it possible to participate in the program for less time (e.g. one month) or even more time?
The Summer Fellowship Program is a two-month program and a full-time commitment. Some labs may, independently from the Summer Fellowship Program, offer an extension for an additional month or two.
How important is it to have previous lab experience and does previous lab experience increase the chances of getting accepted into the program? Does participation in more than one lab count towards the portfolio?
Previous lab experience is important and strongly recommended, and it increases the likelihood of getting accepted into the program. Working in a lab for just a two-month period is a short amount of time, so it’s important to demonstrate familiarity with how a lab operates prior to starting in the program. If you have experience in more than one lab, you should certainly indicate that in your application. Please also be sure to indicate on the application form and your CV any previous experiences that you have had in Harvard or Harvard-affiliated labs. Note: applicants with previous Harvard experience must select three new labs, in which they have no prior research experience, as their preferred placements for the fellowship.
What is considered having good lab experience? How many hours of lab experience is considered good?
The number of hours spent in a lab doesn’t necessarily equate to having good lab experience. Good lab experience means you went to the lab regularly and consistently, and you followed the project from the beginning to the end, even a small experiment, but from the beginning to the end. For example, if someone says we want to ask the question, “How do neurons do something?” And you then sit down with this person, and plan the experiment, and you execute the experiment, that counts as good lab experience, not necessarily the number of hours involved. Also, we don’t want you to simply observe someone else doing an experiment, but to get involved in the research.
Good lab experience means that you are familiar with research; you know how to navigate in a lab; you know how to ask a question; and you know how to find an answer to that question, obviously at a level in line with your scientific seniority
What if an applicant does not have any lab experience at all? Is lab experience necessary for medical students?
We strongly encourage you to do whatever possible to build these basic lab skills prior to coming to Boston. You have until June to do so. If you don’t have any lab experience now, you still have six months to gain experience and build up to it. You’d need to clearly indicate this in your application and on your CV. As long as you are transparent and you elaborate truthfully what you expect to be doing in the lab internship, what you’ve done already, and what you plan to gain during the experience, this will help the committee to assess your intention, your maturity, and ultimately your fit to be in the program.
Do I have to be fully independent?
There is no expectation for you to be able to operate at a postdoc or PhD student level. However, you need to know how to manage your time, how to schedule your day, and how to physically use the tools that you need. We have found that students with a good lab background are the ones who benefit the most from the program.
Does having a published abstract with our name on it increase the likelihood of being accepted into the program?
You should certainly include that information in your application so the Selection Committee can make note of it.
Can we contact labs from the Harvard-MIT collaboration or can we only contact labs that are linked on the Armenise Summer Fellowship program website?
Yes, Harvard-MIT collaboration labs can be contacted.
Can I choose three labs from the same Harvard-affiliated hospital, e.g. Boston Children’s Hospital? Or does choosing three labs from the same hospital count as one lab?
Each lab counts as one lab choice even if it’s located within the same Harvard department or the same Harvard-affiliated institution.
Is it possible to apply to any research lab located in Boston?
Labs must be located at Harvard Medical School (HMS) or an affiliated hospital.
Is an applicant penalized for only choosing laboratories from Harvard-affiliated institutions (MGH, BCH, BWH, DFCI) that conduct basic research?
No, an applicant is not penalized for only choosing Harvard-affiliate hospitals.
I was accepted by my lab choice last year, but I wasn’t accepted into the Summer Fellowship Program. May I apply to the same lab this year?
Yes, you can apply to the same lab this year, but you must indicate three lab choices in your lab essay.
I’ve tried contacting the Principal Investigator but they haven’t responded. How do you suggest I get in touch with them?
Review their lab website to identify other lab members to contact as well, i.e. Post-docs, Lab Administrator, and Research Fellows, who may be more accessible.
Where do I find labs and the PI’s contact information?
Links to Harvard Medical School labs and affiliated hospitals are found on the Summer Fellowship Program webpage: https://armeniseharvard.org/apply-2/summer-fellowship-how-to-apply/
You must do your research and drill down from these links to learn about labs within the departments and institutes. Search for people and research to get to individual labs and to determine your lab preferences. Most lab websites contain PI and/or lab members’ contact information.
What happens if I get selected into the program but can’t secure a lab placement in one of my lab choices?
The Summer Fellowship Director will guide you and make suggestions on choosing alternative labs to which to apply. Even though we cannot guarantee a spot in a lab, we would like to share that there has never been a Summer Fellow who was accepted into the program but did not get a lab placement.
Would there be an issue if more than one applicant applies to the same lab? If yes, how is one student chosen over the other?
In the past, some labs have accepted more than one student. It is the lab’s decision and depends on the lab’s staffing needs, supervisors available, and who the lab determines would be the best fit.
Can an applicant choose a lab where the PI conducts observational studies and clinical trials?
No, the program is focused on basic science research only. In addition, Summer Fellows enter the U.S. on a J-1 Student Intern visa. J-1 Student Interns cannot participate in any clinical care positions or any other position that involves patient contact. Any work that would require a Summer Fellow to provide therapy, medication, or other clinical or medical treatment, including any patient contact, is prohibited
Is it acceptable to reach out to labs at Joslin Diabetes Center?
Yes, as long as the lab conducts basic biomedical research and there is no patient contact. Clinical research or clinical activities are not sponsored by the Summer Fellowship program.
In the event that one is not accepted into the Summer Fellowship Program but was offered a position in a lab, is it still possible to conduct one or two months of research in the lab but at one’s own expense? If so, can the Foundation assist with the required documentation, including the visa application process?
If an applicant is not accepted into the Armenise Summer Fellowship program, but the lab has offered them a position, the student would come to Boston independently of the Armenise Summer Fellowship program at their own expense, and work directly with the lab to apply for the visa and coordinate all onboarding requirements. The Foundation is unable to sponsor a visa for students who have not been accepted into the program.
Is an applicant penalized for having previously applied to the program if they reapply the following year?
No, there is no penalty to reapply. You will be evaluated on your newly submitted application materials.
Can I apply if I’m in the third year of a STEM degree (i.e., chemistry)?
You need to be in the fourth or fifth year of a Master’s level program. If you are in a five-year program, we would consider this to be the third year of a Bachelor’s, and therefore not eligible.
Are there spots reserved for students from certain universities?
No. Acceptance into the Summer Fellowship Program is merit-based only.
How much do years of attendance in college and age count in the selection process?
Age is not a determining factor in the selection process. Meeting the eligibility criteria is most important.
Does the lab essay have to be submitted at the same time as the personal essay? Or do we send the personal essay first, and then send the lab essay during the second phase of the selection process?
All application materials are required to be submitted together by the application deadline; there is not a two-phase application submission process. Failure to submit all application materials after the deadline will result in an incomplete application which will not be accepted.
Can you provide information on how to write the personal essay?
Describe your career path and research experience, if any, and how you will benefit from this program. The essay must speak to who you are, your research experience, your scientific interests, and where you see yourself in the future. Be specific and personal. Refer to this link on the Summer Fellows Program webpage for guidance on writing a cover letter:
Can I include a narrative explanation on what I learned from each of my lab experiences on my CV?
Generally, narrative explanations are not suitable for CV purposes. Professional and research experience should be captured using bullet points and short phrases. The Research Experience Summary is the document that should instead be used to elaborate on your lab experiences and the tools/techniques learned in each one. Refer to this link on the Summer Fellows Program webpage for guidance on writing a cv:
Can I submit a two-page CV?
Yes, if your experience warrants a two-page CV. Refer to this link on the Summer Fellows Program webpage for guidance on writing a cv:
Is it necessary to have a language certificate to be eligible?
A language certificate is not required but you must demonstrate a high degree of English proficiency in your application, and if selected as a semi-finalist, during the interview process. Students must possess English language skills sufficient to function on a day-to-day basis in the internship environment.
Since the transcript is in Italian, does it need to be translated or validated?
A simple translation is acceptable. If you are a first-year Master’s student, you most likely do not have a transcript at the time of the application deadline. Submitting your Bachelor’s transcript is acceptable in this case.
Must the letter of recommendation come from a professor from my own university? Can the letter of recommendation come from a professor at another university where I am an exchange student? Can the letter of recommendation come from a post-doc who is supervising me as part of an internship?
Your referee can be from another institution, university, or a post-doc who is supervising you, as long as the referee knows you well, is familiar with your work, and can address your independence, aptitude and academic performance.
Last year, the professor who submitted my reference letter did not format and name the file properly. They also ‘cc’d’ me when submitting the reference letter. Was this an issue?
Because the reference letter is submitted directly via email from your referee, you are not responsible for the formatting, or having been “cc’d”. The letter will be accepted. However, when asking a referee for a reference letter, you should remind them about the file naming convention and not to copy you when submitting the letter.
Is it sufficient to have just one referee, instead of two or three referees? Would having just one referee be a reason for not getting accepted into the program?
Application instructions on the Summer Fellows Program webpage clearly state one letter of recommendation is needed, not two or three. Only one letter of reference from the referee indicated in your Application Form will be included in your application.
Is there a dormitory available for Summer Fellows or is it necessary to look for accommodation?
There is not a designated dormitory for Summer Fellows. Summer Fellows will be responsible for finding their own accommodation.
If I have a free place to stay in Boston, would this impact the amount of the stipend?
No, having a free place to stay in Boston would not impact the amount of the stipend. Summer Fellows are provided USD 6,000 towards living, travel and visa expenses, no matter the circumstances of your living arrangement.
At one point in the application process do I submit personal documents, e.g. passport, ID, etc.?
After finalists have been accepted into the program and have a confirmed lab placement, they will then receive instructions on the visa application process and the documents required for submission.
What does permanent residence mean?
A residence permit without expiration. If you moved to Italy solely to attend university, unfortunately, you are not eligible. Because some citizenship, residency, and visa issues are nuanced, they are treated individually. Contact Claudia Gualtieri for clarification: claudia_gualtieri@hms.harvard.edu
Are EU students who are full-time students in Italy eligible to apply to the program?
An EU student who is not Italian and moved to Italy for the purposes of attending university (and was not in Italy prior to attending university), is considered an exchange student. Exchange students (i.e. students who moved to Italy to attend school) at Italian universities are not eligible.