From 1-wk long discovery programmes to summer studentships, we offer a number of exciting opportunities for A-level Biology and undergraduate students to discover academic research in a world-class environment.
I have loved this experience and have felt so privileged to work amongst scientists who are dedicated to their work. A research lab is so different to university practicals.
Vacation undergraduate
I loved and enjoyed every single day, and I thought the variety of things we got to do and the different scientists that we got to meet was amazing. I thought our days were extremely well planned and well thought out, and I can truly only think of positives when it comes to feedback. This was the best work experience I could have hoped for, and I cannot say how grateful I am to you and all the scientists that took time out of their work to spend time with us.
ASTP participant 2023
Amgen Scholars Programme
The University of Cambridge Amgen Scholars Programme is open to undergraduate students enrolled in colleges or universities in a country participating in the Bologna Process and who have not entered the final year of their bachelor’s or first degree (or its equivalent).
Experience Postgrad Life Sciences
Experience Postgrad Life Sciences (EPLS) offers paid 8-week research internships, from July-September, to UK and Republic of Ireland residents who are studying at a UK or Republic of Ireland university for their undergraduate bachelor degree and are in their penultimate year of study. The scheme aims to widen participation at the University of Cambridge, by using positive action under the Equality Act 2010, where appropriate, to tackle the underrepresentation of certain groups. The programme accepts aspiring undergraduate scientists from a range of different backgrounds where they have an opportunity to learn new skills and experience life at the cutting-edge of scientific research, equipping them for application for postgraduate studies in future.
It was a pleasure working with all the kind and supportive IMS staff, I thank them all, and developing my lab skills by carrying out these techniques will undoubtedly be very beneficial to me as valuable experience for my future.
Hubert Ziebicki - our first EPLS intern at the IMS-MRL in 2022.
The EPLS programme is a great way for promising students who would not otherwise have access to a laboratory to imagine continuing their studies in science, perhaps even at Cambridge. It was a real pleasure to have Hubert Ziebicki in our lab over the summer and watch him develop skills and confidence. I’ll be delighted to host another student in future years.
Florian Merkle, Principal Investigator
Aspiring Scientists Training Programme (ASTP)
We also offer work experience for sixth form students through a collaboration with The Gurdon Institute in Cambridge. The Aspiring Scientists Training Programme (ASTP) is designed to give A-level biology students a chance to experience what a career as a biologist entails, from bespoke workshops with experts in the sector, to networking opportunities with scientists and the chance to explore life at a world-renowned research university.
ASTP 2023 and 2024 were a great success, thanks to generous funding from the Isaac Newton Trust Widening Participation and Induction Fund. This funding allowed the Gurdon Institute to collaborate with St Catharine’s College (programme lead), Pembroke College, the Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, MRC-Mitochondrial Biology Unit, and ourselves.
Self arranged funding
We also welcome applications from undergraduate students applying to different sources of funding. Before applying, please contact the group leader whose work interests you to elicit their support. You should send a cv and personal statement and details of funding schemes you intend to apply for (Amgen and/or others).
