Summer students
We look 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 Programme will open in mid-January 2024

Intro
The Crick is developing an inclusive culture that nurtures diverse talent. To help widen access to science careers, we are introducing new widening participation eligibility criteria for our Summer Student Training Programme. We want high potential students from under-represented or disadvantaged groups to benefit from this opportunity.
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.
Get in touch
Send a message to student-recruitment@crick.ac.uk.
Who is eligible?
Applications for our 2023 Summer Student Training Programme are now closed, however you can review the eligibility criteria below:
Applicants must meet at least one of the following three 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 4.5 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 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.
Hear from past students
As a Crick summer student, I was trained in exciting scientific techniques and developed professional skills in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
I gained the confidence to pursue my career aspirations in becoming a neuroscientist.
I gained the confidence to pursue my career aspirations in becoming a neuroscientist.
Marva Chan
The summer student programme was the opportunity of a lifetime and gave me a practical insight into the world of scientific research.
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it has encouraged me to pursue a career in science.
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it has encouraged me to pursue a career in science.
Merissa Hickman
How to apply
Any questions?
Send a message to student-recruitment@crick.ac.uk.