Summer students

We are looking for motivated, proactive undergraduates studying relevant subjects (e.g. biological or biomedical sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, medicine and physics) at a UK university to join the Crick Summer Student Training Programme.

Applications for the 2024 Summer Programme are currently closed.

Vials on ice in a Crick lab,

Intro

The Crick is developing an inclusive culture that nurtures diverse talent and wants to provide high potential students from under-represented or disadvantaged groups with the opportunity to gain research experience at the Crick. As part of our commitment to widening access to science careers, applicants to our Summer Student Training Programme must meet at least one of our widening participation eligibility criteria.

Our nine-week Summer Student Training Programme provides undergraduates who are performing well on their degree course, with the opportunity to get hands-on training and experience in scientific research and find out what a career in biomedical research might be like.

The programme pairs undergraduate students with postdoctoral supervisors who will train and develop the students as they participate in institute life in one of our research groups over the summer.

The students benefit from a supportive and stimulating training environment that will provide both scientific and transferable skills development over the summer.

Who is eligible?

To be considered for the 2024 Summer Student Training Programme, applicants must meet at least one of the following widening participation eligibility criteria:

  • Be of Black ethnicity

  • Be in receipt of enhanced maintenance support from the relevant UK student finance agency to help with living costs during study

  • Be studying at a university on the Crick’s Summer Student Training Programme priority institutions list.

Eligibility criteria

Further eligibility requirements

In addition to meeting at least one of the above widening participation criteria, applicants must also meet all of the following programme criteria:

  • Be registered at a UK university, and studying in the UK for an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, AND
  • Be in the correct year of study at the time of applying
    • Be in the second year of study for an undergraduate bachelor’s or integrated master’s degree in England, Northern Ireland or Wales
    • OR be in the third year of study for an undergraduate bachelor’s or integrated master’s degree in Scotland
    • OR be in the second year of study of a medical degree anywhere in the UK
  • Be achieving a majority of 2:1 grades or higher for your undergraduate assessments and be on track to achieve a 2:1 degree or higher.  

Students studying for degrees at universities outside the UK are not eligible for the programme.

What we offer

Successful applicants are provided with:

  • A place on the Crick Summer Student Training Programme. This is a full-time nine-week training programme, during which trainees may agree with their supervisor to take 5 days of leave.

  • A nine-week summer placement training agreement. This agreement will include funding that is equivalent to the London Living Wage to cover your living costs during the programme. 

  • If required, the Crick will also arrange and cover the cost of accommodation with a Student Accommodation provider in London.

  • The programme

    The programme

    The programme starts with a Welcome and Induction Day, to introduce you to the Crick’s aims, people and facilities, as well as some basic scientific skills. Importantly, there will also be plenty of time to get to know the other students on the programme. 

    During the programme, you will spend the majority of your time receiving training as you carry out research, under the guidance of your postdoc supervisor. You will also have the opportunity to participate in various academic and social student activities including attending a workshop on following a research career.

    Towards the end of the programme, you will receive presentation skills training, to help you prepare to present what you have done over the summer at the Crick Summer Student Training Programme Symposium – a programme highlight at the end of the summer.

    Application timeline

    Summer student 2024 timeline

    • Tuesday 06 February 2024

      Application deadline (12:00 noon GMT)

    • Tuesday 13 February 2024

      Reference deadline

    • By Friday 08 March 2024

      Applicants informed of outcome, either invited to interview or unsuccessful

    • Monday 18 & Tuesday 19 March 2024

      Interviews (remote via Zoom)

    • By Friday 12 April 2024

      Interviewees informed of outcome

    • Friday 05 July – Friday 06 September 2024

      Summer Student Training Programme dates. These dates are not flexible.

    Interviews

    Interviews

    The interview programme will be held virtually via Zoom on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 March 2024. During the interview programme, you will have a panel interview with some of the programme’s project supervisors, and you will have 1:1 interview(s) with the project supervisor(s) that have shortlisted you. You will also have the opportunity to find out more about the Crick and our Summer Student Training Programme, and to talk to some current Crick students.

    We will make reasonable adjustments during the interviews to ensure fair and equal accessibility for all candidates.

    Hear from past students

    The summer program at the Crick has been extraordinary and inspirational. It gave me a real insight into what world of research is like and has provided me with endless learning opportunities.

    Now I cannot wait to apply all the knowledge and practical skills acquired during these nine weeks to my future career in scientific research.

    Adriana Cusi

    Being on the Crick Summer Student Programme gave me exciting opportunities for exploration and development of my skills that I otherwise wouldn't have had access to.

    It provided me with insight into the working lives of scientific researchers, along with many other roles at the Crick, which I feel will help me make more informed decisions about my future in science.

    Xiv Hathaway

    How to apply

    Full priority institutions list