Print This Post
January is the perfect time for students who want to gain real-world research skills to plan ahead and apply to attend the NIA Summer Training in Aging Research (STAR) Program.
STAR, part of the wider NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research, offers students eight-to-10-week paid internships with the NIA Intramural Research Program (IRP) in Baltimore or Bethesda, Maryland, or the NIH Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias in Bethesda. STAR is open to high school seniors and college, medical or dental school, and graduate students. This year’s application deadline for all students is Feb. 19.
Gain valuable research skills
Lab and scientific skills taught by NIA and CARD researchers through STAR are relevant to various biomedical and behavioral sciences related to aging. Over the program’s 30-year history, our scientists have mentored more than 1,400 summer interns, many of whom have gone on to accomplished aging research careers.
The STAR curriculum also features research poster presentation skills, scientific seminars, and mentorship from NIA staff, including help with preparing applications for medical, dental, and graduate school. Some participants may have an opportunity to coauthor a peer-reviewed journal article.
Positive feedback from past participants
STAR testimonials for the valuable career experiences come directly from our 2024 participants:
“This was a great first research experience to have and taught me many skills both related to wet lab/analytic techniques as well as how to properly present research!” — Northwestern University student.
“This has been the best internship that I have had so far. The NIA IRP is really like a family and there was always constant support from my lab along with the STAR program leaders. I would do it again and again!” — University of Maryland, College Park student.
Eligibility criteria, how to apply
To participate in STAR, students must be high school seniors, or enrolled at least half-time in an accredited community college, four-year college or university, and must be 18 years old or older by June 1 of the internship year. To apply, first check out our application tips. Next, apply online through the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education website, then email me to ensure you’re included in the NIA applicant pool. Applications are due Feb. 19.
