Summer Student Research Program

Program Details:

The Summer Student Research Program has two components:

• 1. Research Placement: An opportunity to work with a BCCHR Investigator on a research project focused on improving the health of children. During your placement, you will become part of a research team, contribute to ongoing research activities, and gain hands-on experience under the guidance of your supervisor.
  
  
• 2. Education Program: An 8-week program that complements the research placement through workshops, seminars and networking events. Students develop research, academic, and professional skills while connecting with peers and researchers. The program concludes with Poster Day, where students have the opportunity to present their summer research in a moderated poster session.

Program Timeline:

1. Research Placement: Research placements vary in length and schedule. This may range from 9 weeks to 4 months and may be full-time or part-time, depending on the research team.
   
   
2. Education Program: Sessions will run from Wednesday, June 2, 2027 to Thursday, July 22, 2027. The program concludes with Poster Day on Thursday, July 29, 2027.

Program Requirements:

In addition to their research placement, students are expected to complete a minimum of 8 hours of the education program by 11:59 pm on Friday, July 23, 2027.

What does this look like?

• Eligible activities include all workshops, seminars, networking events, and other sessions listed on the program calendar.
• Each eligible activity is worth 1 hour towards the 8-hour attendance requirement.
• Program hours may be earned by attending eligible activities in-person, virtually, or by viewing session recordings at a later date (if available). Students must watch at least 80% of the recorded session in order to have it count.
• Attendance is recorded for all eligible program activities. Students can monitor their completed hours online to ensure they are on track to meet the program requirements.

Program Milestone: To encourage consistent engagement, students are expected to complete at least 4 of the required 8 hours by June 30, 2027.

Only students who have completed at least 8 hours of program activities by 11:59 pm on Friday, July 23, 2027 will be eligible to:

• Present their research at Poster Day.
• Receive a program certificate.

Research Costs:

• Education Program: There are no program fees for students or supervisors. Students may be responsible for the cost of printing their research poster for Poster Day, if applicable.
• Research Placement: Student salary options should be discussed between the student and their supervisor. Any project-related costs associated with the research placement should be covered by the supervisor.

The Summer Student Research Program is designed for undergraduate and medical students who have limited research experience and are looking to build foundational research, professional, and communication skills.

While all eligible undergraduate and medical students are welcome to apply, the Summer Student Research Program is intended to be a beginner-level research training program. Everyone’s academic journey is different, and eligibility does not necessarily mean this program is the best fit for your current level of experience.

The program requires an active commitment throughout the summer. In addition to your research placement, students are expected to attend scheduled events and meet all program requirements. This includes completing a minimum of 8 hours of education program activities by 11:59 pm on Friday, July 23, 2027.

See the questions below to determine whether this program is a good fit for you.

This program may be a good fit if you:

• Are new to research or have limited research experience.
• Are seeking your first or second research placement.
• Are interested in beginner-level opportunities in professional development, career exploration, and networking.
• Want to connect with other summer students and build your research network at BCCHR.
• Can commit to completing at least 8 hours of education program activities between June and July, in addition to your research placement.

This program may not be the best fit if you:

• Have completed multiple research placements or have extensive research experience.
• Already have an intermediate or advanced understanding of research methods and scientific communication.
• Have significant prior research or professional experience (for example: you are a first-year medical student who has already completed an undergraduate program or master’s degree with a focus on research).
• Are looking for advanced research training rather than introductory research education.
• Are only interested in conducting research and not interested in participating in the education program activities or networking with other students.
• Are unable to complete at least 8 hours of education program activities between June and July, in addition to your research placement.

What if the SSRP isn’t the right fit?

You can still complete a research placement at BCCHR even if the Summer Student Research Program is not the best match for your experience level.

Depending on your circumstances, you may wish to explore other opportunities, including:

• Supervisor-funded research positions
• External summer studentships and awards
• Co-op, directed studies, or work learn positions
• Volunteer research opportunities

Speak with your prospective supervisor to discuss which opportunities are the best fit for your experience and career goals.

There are three types of applications for the Summer Student Research Program:

• 1. Summer Studentship Application* — For students seeking a salary to support their research placement.
• 2. Rising Scholars Summer Studentship Application — For students from equity-denied communities seeking a salary and housing to support their research placement.
• 3. Education Program Application* — For students who have already secured a salary for their research placement, or will be volunteering. This could include another summer studentship or award, supervisor funding, co-op, work learn or directed studies positions, or volunteers.

Not sure which option is right for you? Learn more about the different application pathways.

Eligibility requirements vary by application type. Please review the criteria for the application you intend to submit.

*Students must independently secure an eligible research placement with a BCCHR Investigator before applying to the program.

Students submitting a Summer Studentship Application or the Education Program Application must independently secure an eligible research placement with a BCCHR Investigator before applying.

BCCHR does not maintain a centralized list of available research placements. We encourage you to reach out to multiple BCCHR Investigators whose work aligns with your interests, as opportunities vary across research teams each year.

Complete and submit your application by the respective deadline.

• Summer Studentship Application* — For students seeking a salary to support their research placement | Deadline — Friday, January 22, 2027
• Rising Scholars Summer Studentship Application — For students from equity-denied communities seeking a salary and housing to support their research placement | Deadline — Monday, November 30, 2026
• Education Program Application* — For students who have already secured a salary for their research placement, or will be volunteering | Deadline — Friday, April 30, 2027 OR until the program is full