Summer Explore Research Fellowship
• 8 full-time contiguous weeks (including one week vacation)
• UCSF faculty mentorship
• Research poster
• Abstract
The UCSF School of Medicine also offers additional mentorship and training opportunities for students under- represented in medicine or those whose work affects UIM populations. The main components of PROF-PATH are the customized Careers-In-Progress (CIP) sessions. These workshops focus on enhancing skills in research to facilitate professional success. Most importantly, PROF-PATH Fellows join a strong learning community of faculty and student scholars offering one another support and guidance. To apply, simply complete the additional question regarding your unique life experiences on the Inquiry Funding Application. PROF-PATH information linked below.
The Inquiry Funding Office awards Summer Explore stipends once annually in April. SOM Summer Explore Fellowship is competitive and funding is not guaranteed (~ 80% acceptance rate). If awarded, grants include:
- $5,000 stipend, distributed in June.
- Participation in Summer Explore Symposium in December.
- Eligibility for Short-Term Dean's Prize.
Timeline: Below is for 2025. Please verify the hard deadlines for the cycle you wish to apply for.
Intramural Funding Sources:
SOM Summer Explore Research: All forms of medically- related research (e.g. clinical research, basic research, education research, and social science research) carried out full-time for during the summer between the first and second year of medical school.
Summer Curriculum Ambassador Program: CURAM Fellowship consists of teams of students and faculty who build and refine the Bridges curriculum, while establishing new ways of training to be a physician. Contact [email protected]
PROF-PATH Summer Research Grant: UCSF PROF-PATH is an academic and research training program for Latinx/UIM medical students interested in focusing their Summer Explore research project around health disparities. We support UCSF medical students who are underrepresented in medicine regardless of research area focus, and students interested in health disparities research regardless of background. Contact [email protected]
Please review Summer Explore Research Frequently Asked Questions for information on beginning your research term early, stipend support, IRB information and more!
What if I am not funded?
- Mentor: Check with your mentors ahead of applying! They may have discretionary or departmental funds available to support students.
- External grants: We encourage all applicants to apply for as many fellowships as possible to increase their chances of funding.
Search additional funding opportunities here.
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Must select a UCSF mentor. If the project is away from UCSF, there must be both an on-site mentor AND a UCSF mentor, including research abroad.
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Application must meet the minimum standards of the review committee and be submitted on time.
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Must be first year medical student and not in MSTP or other advanced degree programs.
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JMP Eligibility: One Summer Explore Fellowship per JMP student, either first or second summer.
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Academic projects from all Domains of Science are eligible for funding, however, must be supported by a UCSF faculty mentor.
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Project must be carried out full-time and continuously throughout length of program.
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Applications for travel to areas that carry a US State Department Travel Advisory of “Reconsider Travel” or “Do Not Travel” and/or a UC Trip Planner security rating of 5 or higher require special administrative approval prior to application for funding. Approval is reviewed on a case by case basis.
General questions: Inquiry Team
Funding/Administration/Application Questions: Avila Omokaro, Inquiry Funding Specialist
Faculty questions/advising: IFO Faculty
Begin by verifying the deadline for the cycle you wish to apply for. You can access the application here when available.
- Application opens one month prior to the deadline. All applicants are notified of decisions 30 days from the deadline.
- All applications are due at 12:00pm (noon). Late submissions are not accepted past 12:00 pm (noon).
- If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Inquiry staff team. Inquiry Funding Faculty are also available anytime for consultations and support.
Please view a sample of the Summer Explore Application HERE.
Next Steps: Below is a quick reference list to ready yourself and your application.
- REVIEW FUNDING WEBSITE– login and review all funding opportunities, application and deadline information
- MEET YOUR INQUIRY ADVISOR – Your Inquiry Advisor will help you navigate the Summer Explore and Deep Explore components of the Inquiry Curriculum. Contact Inquiry if you need assistance.
- FIND A MENTOR AND PROJECT – use our online resources and participate in Visit-a-Mentor Program in Fall.
- CHECKOUT APPLICATION SAMPLES – see past example submissions by type.
- WATCH THE PROPOSAL WRITING MODULES – prepared by a longtime grant reviewer.
- REVIEW THE RUBRICS FOR GRANTS– see how your application will be scored.
