Undergraduate Summer Research Programme
Our eight-week studentship programme for ambitious undergraduates.
Our eight-week Undergraduate Summer Research Programme aims to inspire bright and ambitious undergraduates to start their careers in cancer research.
This opportunity is offered to students who are interested in pursuing PhD study after completing their current degree.
Each student will be embedded in one of our multidisciplinary research groups to work on their own project, with access to our state-of-the-art Core Facilities.
We offer a variety of projects each year, which can range from basic experimental and computational cancer biology through translational cancer research to clinical application.
Students work under the supervision of a postdoctoral or PhD researcher and participate in lab meetings. You will have the opportunity to network with Group Leaders at weekly lunchtime seminars and at the end of your study period, you will have the opportunity to write a brief scientific report on your research project and present your findings at the Summer School Symposium.
Available projects
Projects for the 2025 Undergraduate Summer Research Programme will be advertised in early 2025.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must be a registered student at a recognised Higher Education institute, studying on a degree course.
- For the majority of available projects, you should be engaged in a continuous period of study at the time of the Summer School (July-August 2025); for example, in year two of a three-year undergraduate course, year three of a four-year undergraduate course, or year three of an integrated Master’s course (excluding pre-Master’s), or the equivalent for international students.
- For students applying through the Uganda Cancer Institute partnership, Master’s students are also eligible to apply.
This programme is particularly suitable for students who are interested in progressing to a PhD in a related subject. We welcome applications from students intending to apply for PhD study commencing in the academic year 2026-27.
Partnerships
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Uganda Cancer Institute
In partnership with Cambridge Africa, we’ve teamed up with the Uganda Cancer Institute to support them in their mission to provide state-of-the-art cancer care and prevention. Each year, two places on our Undergraduate Summer Research Programme are reserved for students from the UCI and the eastern Africa region.
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Black in Cancer
We have partnered with Black in Cancer to offer two summer research places to UK undergraduate students on the Black in Cancer mentorship scheme. Mentees are matched with a mentor from academia or industry currently contributing to the fight against cancer, for career mentoring.
Student reflections
Our 2023 cohort shared their thoughts about some of their favourite moments from their time at the Institute.
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“I now possess superior research abilities in immunology and a worldwide perspective on cancer research because of my time at the Institute. I’m eager to impart this knowledge to my fellow Ugandan classmates and my colleagues in the department of immunology and molecular biology at Makerere University and the Uganda Cancer Institute when I return home.”
Gideon Nsubuga, Makerere University, Uganda
Read more about Gideon’s experience in his blog post for Cambridge Africa.
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“My favourite parts of the programme have been the incredibly welcoming team and the inspiring individuals around me. Being in such a supportive environment has made me feel valued, and I’ve learned something unique from each team member.”
Shukri Muse, University of East Anglia
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“The aspect that has truly exceeded my expectations is the level of independence I’ve been granted in shaping and executing my research project. This has not only boosted my confidence but has also solidified my dream of pursuing a career as a cancer researcher.”
Szymon Lipiec, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
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“I have enjoyed being welcomed into my research group and meeting so many like-minded individuals. I didn’t expect I would have the chance to meet and hear lectures from the top leaders at the Institute, as well as being able to take part in Institute-organised social events which happen almost weekly!”
Joanna Porter, University of Edinburgh
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“I enjoyed working with great, ambitious researchers, getting immersive hands-on experience in a lab and broadening my knowledge about cancer. I liked our lunchtime talks, [which were] an amazing opportunity to get to know about more research being conducted in the Institute.”
Angelina Vlaski, University of Novi Sad, Serbia