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Research Training

Virtual Student Summer Opportunities to Advance Research (V-SOAR)

This program is available to:

An internship opportunity for undergraduate students who are not able to come to one of the NIH campuses nor take advantage of another in-person research opportunity.

On this page

About this program

This program is for undergraduate students interested in spending a summer immersed in science, exploring elements of the basic and bioinformatics-based research, but do not have the opportunity to avail themselves of an in-person summer internship.

V-SOAR is a virtual-only cohort program within the broader NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP). In addition to having access to virtual resources offered to all summer interns, V-SOAR interns will take part in an on-line curriculum focused on the development of research, professional, and well-being skills.

Diversity and inclusion

Diversity strengthens our community. We encourage applications from students who meet the specific V-SOAR eligibility requirements and who come from diverse backgrounds, including:

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

Eligibility criteria

This program is designed for undergraduate students who do not have the opportunity to avail themselves of an in-person summer internship.

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

  • Be enrolled for Fall 2025 in an undergraduate program in the U.S.
  • Provide justification for participating in a virtual-only research opportunity.
  • Have access to a working laptop or computer with reliable internet connection within typical working hours.
  • Have access to a workspace conducive to participating in online video calls within typical working hours.

V-SOAR interns are required to begin their internship as a cohort on June 9, 2025 and end on August 1, 2025. Interns are expected to devote a minimum 30 hours per week to their projects and training for the entire duration of the internship.

Applicants with a family member working at NIH should be aware of the strict nepotism policy, which may limit your ability to work in certain NIH institutes, centers, or research groups.

Stipend and other compensation

Stipends for summer interns are adjusted annually and are based on educational level.

Before you apply

The decision to come to the NIH as a V-SOAR intern is an important one. These are 30 hour per week positions, and there is limited time to take summer classes or tend to other responsibilities during work hours. Also, understand that if you apply for V-SOAR you are not eligible to apply for any of the other NIH summer internship programs.

How to apply

Opening and closing dates

The V-SOAR application is now open.

The V-SOAR application will close January 8, 2025, at noon ET.
V-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 'Virtual Student Summer Opportunities to Advance Research' in the ‘Open Programs’ list. Complete the Eligibility Screener.
  4. Ensure that you are eligible for this program before clicking 'Start 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. Please also include a statement explaining why you are interested in participating in a virtual internship program.
  • 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.
  • Training Locations - This section is required. Describe your anticipated internet connection (home internet, business internet, free WiFi) and workspace conducive to participating in online video calls within typical working hours (~10:00am - 5:00pm ET).

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

V-SOAR applicants should not contact NIH intramural scientists. Individuals who are selected to participate will be assigned a research group by the V-SOAR selection committee.

Start your application

Selection process

The V-SOAR selection committee reviews applications and will notify applicants of final decisions by late January 2025.

Have questions?

Check out our extensive frequently asked questions list to support you in the application process.

Contact

Reach out to Dr. Gisela Storz (storzg@mail.nih.gov) with questions.