15 Medical Research Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you are a high school student interested in medicine, a research program can be a practical way to dive into a medical topic of choice and explore scientific inquiry and modern healthcare. Compared with standard medical programs, research programs tend to be more immersive, offering research experience. In the process, you will also develop lab and data analysis skills and gain a deeper understanding of the medical industry.
Medical research programs typically place you in laboratories or research-oriented environments, allowing you to learn foundational laboratory techniques, important safety protocols, and scientific documentation. These experiences not only enhance your understanding of scientific inquiry but also offer early exposure to careers in medicine and clinical research.
Why should you join a medical research program in Florida?
Florida is home to many prestigious universities and research institutes, including the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, the Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, and Florida International University, which offer solid medical research programs for high schoolers. As a participant in these programs, you will be able to explore fields like cancer research, cardiovascular research, and neuroscience. You will also have the opportunity to work under the guidance of a scientist or researcher and complete a research project that can enhance your resume and college applications.
To help you shortlist the right options, here are 15 medical research programs for high school students in Florida.
If you’re looking for STEM research programs, check out our blog here.
1. MPFI Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $14/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application deadline: February 8; applications open on December 16.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, ages 16 and up, who reside in Palm Beach or Martin County
The MPFI Summer Research Internship is a six-week hands-on laboratory experience, where you will work with MPFI researchers and explore brain structure, function, and development, as well as the advanced imaging technologies used in neuroscience. The program offers four tracks: Mechanical Engineering, Scientific Programming, Neuroscience, and Programming/Coding for Public Engagement. If you are looking for a strictly medicine-focused experience, consider the Neuroscience track, which allows you to conduct neuroscience lab research. Here, you will also gain experience in “wet lab” techniques like microscopy, genetic engineering, and microbiology preparations. By the end of the program, you will produce a written scientific abstract based on your research project and deliver a presentation discussing your summer experience and research work.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year (dates vary by cohort)
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students who have coding/AI experience or have completed the Veritas AI Scholars Program
Veritas AI focuses on providing a supportive environment for high school students passionate about AI to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Mayo Clinic’s Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 2 – December 3
Application deadline: December 31; applications open on November 1.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from Duval County or St. Johns County with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA
SPARK is a mentored research program in biomedical sciences conducted at the Mayo Clinic. As a participant, you will gain foundational knowledge in the sciences and research processes over the summer and academic year. The program offers opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers in their fields, attend lab meetings, and work closely with a research mentor. You will conduct research in areas including cancer biology, neuroscience, biochemistry and molecular biology, regenerative medicine, and related disciplines. In the process, you will develop competitive research projects that can be submitted to science fairs and qualify for awards. The experience culminates in the creation and presentation of a research poster.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Medical track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply here
Eligibility: High school students; accepted students typically have a minimum GPA of 3.3
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program designed for high school students that provides extensive one-on-one research opportunities across a wide range of subject areas. As a participant, you will be paired with a Ph.D. mentor to work closely on an independent research project, and by the end of the 12-week program, you will have developed an independent research paper. You can choose topics from various fields, including healthcare, health tech, neuroscience, biology, and psychology.
5. Wertheim UF Scripps Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships
Location: Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $4,480
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 5 – July 31
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school rising juniors and seniors, ages 16 and up, with a GPA of 3.0+ who live and attend school in Palm Beach or Martin County
The Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship is an opportunity to work alongside scientists and learn about biological and chemical research. As a participant, you will engage in basic biomedical research and gain practical exposure to the various aspects of the research process, including the scientific methodology, research planning, laboratory techniques, experimental design, data analysis, and additional related topics. Additionally, you will attend scientific seminars that cover a wide range of research topics. You will also have the opportunity to explore potential careers in research, drug discovery, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering. By the end of the program, you will produce a written scientific abstract of your research project, deliver an oral presentation, and showcase a poster.
6. FIU Summer Research Internship
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by year; ~25 – 30 students in past cohorts
Dates: June 12 – August 7
Application deadline: TBA; applications open in spring
Eligibility: South Florida high school juniors or graduated seniors, ages 16 and up, with an unweighted GPA of 3.0+ and an interest in cardiovascular-related research
The FIU Summer Research Internship program provides you with the chance to gain practical experience in biological research areas, such as cardiovascular health. As a participant, you will explore experimental design and diverse research methodologies through two main components: curriculum activities and research projects. During curriculum sessions, you will participate in journal clubs, workshops, and case study analyses. In the research laboratory, you will work on a cardiovascular-related research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. At the end, you will submit an abstract of your research and showcase your project in a PowerPoint presentation.
7. JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship
Location: University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application deadline: January 31; applications open on December 1.
Eligibility: High school juniors from the Miami and Broward areas
The JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship is an opportunity to spend approximately eight weeks at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, where you will gain valuable research experience. As an intern, you will collaborate with a John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics staff member, postdoctoral researcher, or faculty member on a research project. You can choose between two tracks: the computational track, which uses computer models and simulations to study natural systems, or the biological track, which provides hands-on experience in a traditional wet-lab setting. At the end of the program, you will deliver an oral presentation to share your findings with peers and faculty.
8. FIU-CTS High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Florida International University Center for Translational Science, Port St. Lucie, FL
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Cohort size: ~15 – 20 students/year
Dates: June 9 – July 10 (tentative)
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open in March (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from St. Lucie County
The FIU-CTS High School Summer Internship Program is an opportunity to spend about 5 weeks engaged in mentored biomedical research. As a participant, you will gain research experience in laboratories, conducting experiments, and developing lab-based problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Focus areas typically include heart and pulmonary physiology, pathology, brain injury and spinal cord injury, neuroscience, and mitochondria and metabolism. Throughout the internship, you will collaborate with scientists and gain insight into the scientific process, including hypothesis development and investigation. The program also offers insights into career paths in science. At the end of the internship, you will present your research work at the CTS High School Summer Internship Luncheon.
9. High School Internship Program in Integrated Mathematical Oncology (HIP IMO) @ Moffitt Cancer Center
Location: Moffitt Cancer Center at the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Stipend: $1,000 scholarship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 11, ages 16 and up
The HIP IMO at Moffitt is an opportunity to explore interdisciplinary career paths within cancer research. As an intern, you will work under the guidance of a scientist or staff member from the IMO department on an individual research project. Throughout the program, you will document your findings, participate in lab meetings, and engage in activities to develop research skills. At the end of the eight-week program, you will prepare a three-page scientific report summarizing your results and deliver a 15-minute presentation at the HIP IMO Research Day.
10. University of Florida Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $5,500 + $50 application fee; limited need-based scholarships available for Florida applicants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 90 students/year
Dates: June 7 – July 25
Application deadline: April 15 (FL applicants) | April 1 (out-of-state/international applicants)
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders, ages 16 and up
The University of Florida’s Student Science Training Program is a seven-week experience, where you will work closely with a faculty mentor on ongoing research within STEM fields. You will attend weekly one-on-one meetings with your mentor, analyze scientific articles, and receive guidance and feedback to complete your own research project. The program also runs a lecture series focused on current research topics and participation in a UF honors seminar course. Throughout the program, you will have opportunities to develop skills in research, leadership, professional communication, and organization. At the end of the program, you will submit a scientific research paper, present a research poster, and deliver two oral presentations sharing your summer experience.
11. University of Florida’s Research Explorations (REx) Program
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $2,500 + $35 non-refundable application fee; limited scholarships available for FL applicants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Biomedical Science Track: June 21 – July 3 or July 19 – 31 | Environmental Science and Toxicology Track: July 19 – 31
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open on January 15
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
REx is designed to provide high school students with a comprehensive introduction to research science through laboratory activities, informational sessions, and engaging activities. As a participant, you will explore the fundamentals of scientific research and develop innovative applications, therapies, and technologies. Additionally, you will gain insight into how scientists and engineers address societal challenges through their work. You can choose from two tracks: the Biomedical Science Track, which covers topics such as DNA, CRISPR, and protein science; or the Environmental Science and Toxicology Track, focusing on the impacts of pollution on human health and the environment. The program also offers the opportunity to visit active research labs, attend discussions on current research at UF, and work on ongoing experiments alongside UF research faculty and graduate students.
12. University of Miami Health System’s High School Student Research Trainee Program
Location: University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up
UHealth High School Student Research Trainee Program allows high school students to support ongoing research activities. Here, you will observe laboratory experiments and assist Principal Investigators with various tasks. Additionally, you will learn to use new and relevant software applications and participate in research meetings. The program also offers exposure to research-focused data collection and analysis. You will spend up to 20 hours a week engaging in program activities and undergoing training alongside one or more peers.
13. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual opportunities available for Florida students
Cost: $25 application fee + $1,299; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15; applications open on December 8.
Eligibility: High school students who are 15 or older
Hosted by George Mason University, ASSIP offers virtual and in-person research opportunities each summer. During the program, you will spend eight weeks gaining research experience while working alongside researchers from George Mason University and other colleges. You can choose from a range of research areas, including biochemistry, drug discovery, molecular medicine, proteomics, and neuroscience. As a participant, you will learn how to work with research technology and develop data collection and analysis skills. You will also build scientific writing and communication skills and attend discussion forums and meetings that explore the various STEM careers available to you. By the end of the program, you will have a fully developed research project, as well as three college credits from George Mason University.
14. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,400 program fee + $45 application fee; financial aid available
Cohort size: 50 students
Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26 | Session B: July 6 – 17
Application deadline: February 20; applications open on December 15.
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14 and up; experience in math, computer programming, and a healthcare project is recommended.
The AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program that allows you to explore the technical and clinical aspects of AI in healthcare. You will attend lectures on the fundamentals of AI in healthcare, where you will also learn about how AI research in medicine can be used for the public good and to promote health equity. You will also take part in mentored activities led by Stanford Student Leads and researchers, as well as hands-on group research projects. The program also offers the chance to attend "Meet the Expert" sessions, during which you will hear from experts representing academia, industry, non-profit, and the government. Once you complete the internship, you will receive a Certificate of Completion.
15. Georgetown University Pre-College Program’s Medical Research: Clinical Trials Resulting in Medical Discoveries
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple multi-length sessions in a year
Application deadline: One week before the session starts
Eligibility: Students, ages 13 and up
The Medical Research: Clinical Trials Resulting in Medical Discoveries course offers insights into how medical research leads to groundbreaking treatments. The course covers the medical research process, including how researchers develop, conduct, and evaluate evidence, and how all of that culminates in research. The course is hands-on and allows you to develop your own study using professional methods. You will learn about Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM), the process of formulating a research question, and ethical and unethical research practices through case studies. The course also focuses on how EBM contributes to cancer research and prevention. You will study medical journal articles and see how you can turn your research into a scientific article. The course culminates in a capstone project focusing on the components of cancer research.