The Summer Intensive Research Experience in Neuroscience (SIREN) is designed for students who have completed at least one year of undergraduate education at an institution with limited, if any, opportunities to gain research experience.
SIREN is supported through a National Science Foundation Division of Biological Sciences Research Experiences for Undergraduates award.
Would you like more information about the NURO and SIREN programs? For administrative information, please contact Ms. Valerie Smith. For questions related to applications and programming for SIREN or NURO, please contact Dr. Keith Duncan. Don't forget to check the FAQ for our programs as well.
Apply online starting December 1, 2024. Applications are due January 15, 2025 and will include a research/academic statement, a personal statement, resume/CV, and unofficial transcript. Two letters of recommendation are required, one of which must be from someone at your current institution. Both should be able to comment about your motivation and potential for the research program. Letters must be uploaded by January 22, 2025.
This 10 week program provides undergraduate students with a research experience in the areas of behavioral and systems neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, molecular and cellular neuroscience, developmental neuroscience, sensory neuroscience and computational neuroscience.
Program Dates: A 10-week program that begins the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend
- 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
- 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 two semesters of an undergraduate program by the start of the summer NURO program and have at least one semester remaining after the summer program
- 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
Applications are particularly encouraged from:
- 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
- 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
