2027 University of Washington MINDS Program (Mentorship and Inspiration in Translational Neuroscience for StuDentS) Summer Research Internship

All applications MUST be submitted via the MINDS program website at: https://minds.uw.edu/

The UW Medicine MINDS Program (Mentorship and Inspiration in Translational Neuroscience for StuDentS) provides “Bench to Bedside” exposure to students seeking summer lab placements to explore basic and clinical neurosciences. The goal is to spark enthusiasm for research and medicine, encouraging students to pursue academic careers in these fields. The program is designed to broaden participants’ knowledge in biomedical research, including translational, clinical, and basic science, and to inspire future careers in research, medicine, or allied fields, particularly in neurosciences.

Participation includes:

• $3500 stipend
• Eight-week lab placement in one of our neuroscience research labs
• Weekly Neurological Surgery Grand Rounds lectures
• Weekly Clinical Neuroscience Course lectures
• Weekly Neurology clinical conferences
• Neuroscience Career Bootcamp
• Neurological surgery OR observations (up to 2)
• Neurology/Neurological Surgery clinical observations (up to 2)
• Neuropathology observation
• Experiential Field Trips (up to 2)
• Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research
• Research Capstone presentation

To date, 210 students aged 18 and older from 113 different schools from across the U.S. have participated in the program. 

Students Have:

• Joined 23 different laboratories and engaged with more than 26 faculty
• Attended over 127 unique Neurological Surgery Grand Rounds presentations
• Observed over 500 surgical procedures and clinical shadowing opportunities
• Followed 24 different attending neurological surgeons, 4 neurologists, 2 different neuro-hospitalists and 1 rehabilitation physician at three different UW affiliated hospitals 
• Participated in 126 weekly student group presentations by 37 different faculty members

Over 50 students from our earlier classes have now been accepted into medical school and other clinical training programs. Many students just entering college have gone on to neuroscience, pre-med studies, medical school or PhD neuroscience programs.

2027 Program Important Dates and Eligibility Information

Application period: 11/1/2026-12/15/2026

To apply, go to: https://minds.uw.edu/

Acceptance notifications: 3/1/2027-3/15/2027

Program dates (8 weeks): 6/21/2027–8/13/2027

Research capstone presentations: 8/13/2027 (friends and family are invited) 

• You must be 18 years of age or older by the first day of the program (due to minimum age requirements in our healthcare facilities).
• You must be authorized to work in the US. Visa holders are not eligible.
• You must be 2nd year (sophomore) or 3rd year (junior) undergraduate student at the time of application submission.
• You must have a minimum of a 3.2 GPA in STEM courses as well as minimum 3.2 overall GPA. No exceptions will be made.
• You must have immunizations and Tuberculosis (TB) test results current through the program end date given the work in healthcare settings as required by our hospitals.
• You must be available to work at least 40 hours every week for the duration of the entire 8-week program.
• You must demonstrate or state an interest in pursuing a career in clinical neurosciences, neuroscience research, or a closely related health or public health profession.

Note: A limited number of program-sponsored double-occupancy housing slots are available to applicants originating from outside of the area. Transportation to/from Seattle, meals, and local transportation while participating in the program are the responsibility of the applicant.