Boston Medical Center is proud to partner with Boston University on two programs — the Summer Training as Research Scholars (STaRS) and the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) — aimed at increasing undergraduate access to high-quality summer programming in the medical sciences.
Clinical Undergraduate Research in Addictions: Training and Experiences (CURATE)
The Clinical Undergraduate Research in Addictions: Training and Experiences (CURATE) Program at Boston Medical Center and the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is a 10-week summer program that provides mentored research experiences to undergraduate students interested in addiction research.
Students are paired with a faculty mentor who has similar interests or focus areas. The program also includes didactic sessions, workshops, clinical observations, and career development opportunities.
Through program participation, undergraduate students will:
- Develop addiction research skills from leading experts in the field
- Expand their knowledge on various substance use topics, ranging from harm reduction to social determinants of addiction
- Acquire clinical exposure to the screening, diagnosing, and treating of patients with unhealthy drug and alcohol use
- Build a peer-based community that encourages collaboration and shared learning
The CURATE Program is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) R25DA059908.
If you have any questions about the CURATE Program, please contact curate@bmc.org.
Summer Training as Research Scholars (STaRS)
The Summer Training as Research Scholars Program (STaRS) is an onsite summer research program for undergraduates and first-year Boston University medical school students. STaRS offers motivated and academically talented students a valuable opportunity to confirm a strong interest in doctoral studies and a career in research.
STaRS is run by Boston University’s Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, a recognized leader in graduate education and biomedical research.
STaRS is a dynamic and focused program that is designed specifically for the enhancement of skills required for successful entrance and completion of a graduate program or an MD/PhD program in the biomedical sciences. It offers motivated and academically talented students a valuable opportunity to confirm a strong interest in doctoral studies, particularly in the areas of heart, lung, and blood research.
If you have any questions about the STaRS program, please contact starsGMS@bu.edu.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program at Boston University (BU) is designed to promote access to research experiences for talented undergraduate students. This includes students from BU and other institutions, especially ones with lesser access to first-class research opportunities for undergraduates.
Open to non-BU students who are rising juniors or seniors wishing to conduct research in the sciences or technology, the program consists of ten weeks of full-time research in a Boston University lab, mentored by a BU faculty member.
Participants receive on-campus housing, a stipend, weekly enrichment activities, social events, and an October weekend trip to present findings at the Boston University Undergraduate Research Symposium.
SURF is supported by funds from the National Science Foundation (NSF-REU), the Department of Defense (ASSURE), and Boston University.
If you have any questions about the SURF program, please contact surf@bu.edu.