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Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Opportunity (NURO)

The Neuroscience Graduate Department hosts the Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Opportunity (NURO). NURO is designed for students who have completed at least one year of undergraduate education and are looking to gain research experience in a neuroscience laboratory.

NURO is supported through a R25 research grant through the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS), National Institute of Health and the Neuroscience Graduate Program.

How to Apply

Apply online starting December 1, 2023. Applications are due January 15, 2024 and will include a research/academic statement, a personal statement, resume or CV and unofficial transcript(s). Click here to view the application overview.

Two letters of recommendation are required. One letter must be from someone at your current institution. One letter must be from someone who knows you academically (can be from your current institution or a previous institution). If one letter writer fits both criteria a second letter is still required. Letters must be uploaded by January 22, 2024.

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Application Deadline

Applications are due January 15, 2024. Two letters of recommendation are required and must be uploaded by January 22, 2024.

About the NURO Program

The Neuroscience Graduate Department hosts the Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Opportunity (NURO), which includes internally funded positions that allow undergraduate students to explore the field of neuroscience. This 10 week summer program provides participants with a research experience in the areas of behavioral and systems neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, computational neuroscience, developmental neurosciences, molecular and cellular neuroscience, and sensory neuroscience.

Program Dates: NURO is a 10-week program that begins Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.

Participant Support
  • More than $6,000 stipend
  • Housing provided by program
  • Travel to the program site
  • Modest food allowance along with numerous meals at workshops and social events
NURO Program Eligibility
  • In accordance with NIH guidelines, applicants must be US Citizens or Permanent Residents
  • Students majoring in biochemistry, biology, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, psychology, or related STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) discipline
  • Strong interest in pursuing a PhD in the biomedical sciences
  • Must have successfully completed at least one academic year of an undergraduate program by the start of the program and not scheduled to graduate before December 2024
  • Have personal medical/health insurance coverage (including emergency room and coverage while in Michigan) for the duration of the program
  • Participants must be available for the duration of the program from start to finish. Any vacations, summer coursework, or other summer employment would need to take place outside of this time frame.
  • University of Michigan (Ann Arbor campus) students are NOT eligible

​​Preference will be given to:

  • Students from groups that are historically underrepresented in graduate education in the STEM field, including first-generation college students, first-generation US citizens and students with disabilities
  • Students from disadvantaged backgrounds and/or that have experienced financial hardship as a result of family economic circumstances.
Program Details

The Neuroscience Graduate Program hosts two summer programs. Learn more in our program information flyer or by viewing our FAQ

  • Students will gain research experience through research projects designed and supervised by faculty and lab mentors
  • Weekly workshops will help students focus on bridging their aspirations to future research careers
  • Social events with U-M Neuroscience Graduate Program faculty and students
  • Journal clubs that will help students focus on expanding their ability to understand primary literature, examine validity, and probe with further questions
  • End of program symposium for students to present their summer project with a group of faculty, students and lab personnel

Frequently Asked Questions

View our FAQ page to learn more about the summer research opportunities offered by the Neuroscience Graduate Program.