Life Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Program (LSSURP) at the University of Minnesota

Opportunity Description:


Since 1989, the University of Minnesota LSSURP has offered life sciences programs for undergraduate students who have a goal of enrolling in Ph.D. and MD/PhD programs. LSSURP is supported by the University of Minnesota Medical School. The programs begin with a joint orientation weekend, followed by participation in a 10-week research project under the direction of a University of Minnesota faculty mentor and numerous special activities focused on professional development as well as social interaction. The summer research experience concludes with a poster symposium and banquet in August.

LSSURP has given students that have been underrepresented in the life sciences the experience and training that enhances their ability to pursue a career in research. This represents a long-standing commitment to increasing the impact and quality of life science research at the University of Minnesota, which is strengthened when there is diversity in our faculty and students. Students whose backgrounds encompass diversity in culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, and economic background are strongly encouraged to apply.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

Applicants must be:

  • A U.S. citizen or permanent resident 
  • An undergraduate student attending an accredited 2 or 4 year institution full time
  • Interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in the Life Sciences
  • Able to commit full time to our program. All students are required to attend every day of the program and to work for a full 8-hourday. You will not be allowed to take time off during the work week for family vacations, classes, part-time jobs, or other appointments.

Students whose backgrounds encompass diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process: 

The online application has 8 sections including demographics, academic, placement preferences, faculty recommendations, a personal statement, a biographical sketch, a diversity statement, and a place to upload an unofficial transcript. Each section must be completed before you move onto the next. You are able to select up to 3 programs to apply to and rank them in order of preference. 

Find a PDF icon PDF of the online application.

To begin the application, you must first register at this link. ONLY REGISTER ONCE. Once you register, you will receive an email with a link to the online application.

Complete the online application at this link. You will not have access to your application once submitted, if you login again, you will only see a blank application.

If you have any questions about the application please see the Frequently Asked Questions page, then email lssurp@umn.edu!

Application Deadline: 

Tuesday, February 1, 2022
For more information on this opportunity, please contact: