The Student Research Institute (SRI) by Harvard's Undergraduate OpenBio Laboratory is a unique summer research opportunity for high school students globally. This entirely virtual program is aimed at democratizing access to research, increasing STEM education, and fostering a diverse community of young scientists. Participation in SRI is free for admitted students as part our commitment to broadening access to high-impact research opportunities.
SRI participants will be mentored by PhD students from leading academic institutions and research centers. These mentors will guide students through their summer research experience.
Weekly virtual programming sessions (1-2 hours) will be organized for all SRI participants. These sessions will include networking opportunities, guest speakers, and interactive workshops designed to enhance research skills and knowledge.
Throughout the summer, students will work with their research mentors to engage in original virtual research projects or literature reviews. Participation in SRI will culminate in a 5–6-page research paper. Selected papers will be published in an undergraduate research journal.
Early applications are encouraged. Following the application deadline, SRI staff will review submissions, and successful candidates will be notified by May 26. Given the high volume of applications, responses to email inquiries may be delayed. We thank all applicants for their interest and understanding.
SRI requires a commitment of 3-5 hours per week of scheduled activities, alongside 5-6 hours of independent research work. This structure is designed to accommodate student summer schedules while providing an immersive research experience.
Each student will have a weekly 1–2-hour meeting with their assigned mentor to discuss their research project and receive guidance on how to advance their work.
SRI staff will be available for weekly office hours. While questions on specific research content are best directed to mentors, these sessions will provide additional opportunities for student support.
