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Research Training

Medical Student Summer Opportunities to Advance Research (M-SOAR)

This program is available to:

An opportunity for medical students to perform a summer research internship in the Intramural Research Program at the NIH.

On this page

About this program

This program is an opportunity for first-year medical students who want to learn about translational research to spend a summer immersed in a culture of translational science at the NIH. These are full-time research positions within one of the NIH Institutes and Centers (IC) in the NIH Intramural Research Program. M-SOAR students will work on, or near, the main campus in Bethesda, MD.

M-SOAR is a cohort program within the broader Summer Internship Program (SIP). In addition to having access to the resources offered to all summer interns, M-SOAR interns participate in a curriculum focused on the development of academic, professional, and resilience skills as part of a cohort or learning community.

Diversity and inclusion

Diversity strengthens our community. We welcome applications from individuals who meet the M-SOAR eligibility requirements and strongly encourage applications from individuals:

  • from racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research and healthcare fields
  • with disabilities
  • who were Pell Grant-eligible as an undergraduate student
  • who are/were enrolled in Tribal Colleges and Universities, community colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
  • who identify as LGBTQ+
  • disadvantaged by life circumstances that have negatively impacted their educational opportunities.

Eligibility criteria

To be considered for M-SOAR, you must meet all the requirements for the Summer Internship Program. In addition, you must be:

  • Enrolled for fall 2025 in a MD or DO program in the U.S.
  • In good standing and have written permission from your medical school program/university to participate in the program.

M-SOAR interns must commit to completing the entire program and must be on campus full-time during the eight or nine weeks of their internship. M-SOAR students may choose to begin their internship on May 19 or May 27, 2025 and must be available to participate in the program through at least July 11, 2025. M-SOAR interns can extend an additional two weeks until July 25, 2025 if the mentor agrees.

Summer internships are full-time positions; interns are expected to devote 40 hours per week to their projects and training.

Stipend and other compensation

Stipends for summer interns are adjusted annually and are based on educational level. There is free parking on each NIH campus; summer interns are also eligible to participate in the Transhare program.

All summer interns must present proof of health insurance to participate in the program.

Before you apply

The decision to come to the NIH as a M-SOAR intern is an important one. These are full-time research positions, and it is not possible to take summer classes or tend to other responsibilities during work hours.

Research groups are located on several different NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD. Before you begin your application, we encourage you to learn more about the NIH IRP, the NIH Clinical Center, and the mission of each IC. M-SOAR interns will be placed in research groups on, or near, the main campus in Bethesda, MD. If you are interested in a placement in a research group on another campus, we encourage you to apply for the NIH SIP.

How to apply

Opening and closing dates

The M-SOAR application is now open.

The M-SOAR application will close January 8, 2025, at noon ET.
M-SOAR reference letters are due January 15, 2025, at noon ET..

Complete your application

You must use the NIH Application Center to apply for this program.

  1. Complete your NIH Application Center profile. Any information submitted to the profile will be stored for use on future applications. (Your profile is NOT the application.)
  2. Indicate that you are interested in applying to ‘Summer internships’.
  3. Find 'Medical Summer Opportunities to Advance Research’ in the ‘Open Programs’ list. Complete the Eligibility Screener.
  4. If you are eligible, use the ‘Apply’ link to begin your application.
  5. Import any relevant information from your profile. You must also submit:
  • Coursework - a list of all coursework and grades
  • CV/Resume - a list of your education, experience, and other relevant history
  • Personal Statement - a statement broadly describing your research experience, current interests, and career goals.
  • References – Enter the names and contact information of two references. Note that your references will receive a request to submit a letter of recommendation after you submit your application.

Review all of your materials carefully before you submit your application.

Start your application

Selection process

The M-SOAR selection committee reviews applications and will notify applicants of final decisions by January 31, 2025.

2025 M-SOAR applicants should follow the instructions below to use the NIH IRP webpage and search for potential mentors. You can only reach out to investigators as a potential M-SOAR candidate. You may NOT confirm placement in a research group unless you are selected as part of the 2025 M-SOAR cohort. M-SOAR will not fund placements of candidates not selected as part of the 2025 M-SOAR cohort.

Contact NIH Principal Investigators

Please read our recommendations on finding mentors in the Intramural Research Program, which provide important information on how to find research groups and factors to be aware of as you interview and consider positions.

You should reach out to NIH Principal Investigators (PIs) and direct them to your completed application.

  1. Search databases and develop a list of PIs in the Intramural Research Program whose work interests you. Note that PIs may reach out to you to see if you are interested in working in their group.
  2. Send personalized emails to PIs expressing interesting in their research group and highlighting why you are a strong candidate for their program.
  3. Interview, virtually or in-person.

Watch the How to Find an NIH Research Mentor video on the OITE YouTube channel.

Have questions?

We also encourage you to pay careful attention to our extensive frequently asked questions list to support you in the application process.

Contact us

Reach out to us with questions at MSOAR@nih.gov.