Yale Summer Enrichment Research Experience

The Yale Summer Enrichment Research Experience (YSERE) is a 6-week summer program for undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in an accredited degree-granting institution other than Yale and considering a future career in biomedical research.

The program aims to:

• Expand opportunities for students from all backgrounds and experiences to enter the biomedical research community.
• Prepare students to successfully apply to biomedical graduate programs.
• Introduce students to PhDs and MD/PhDs and the myriad of research goals in biomedical

Students will participate in an intensive research program designed to expose them to the process of scientific discovery and the path to a PhD or MD/PhD degree. Each student will be matched with a research laboratory at Yale and work on a primary research project within their assigned laboratory for 6 weeks. In addition to conducting a primary research project, students will participate in weekly seminars, career discussions, and related social activities. The program aims to develop students’ skills in critical thinking, analysis of scientific literature, and effective scientific communication.

This program is made possible by the generous support from Yale Center for Clinical Investigation (YCCI), and Yale Cooperative Center for Excellence in Hematology (YCCEH). YSERE 2026 is co-organized by YCCI, YCCEH, Yale Department of Genetics and Yale Stem Cell Center.

Each YSERE participant will receive a weekly stipend based on their level of education.

Housing, travel expenses, and meals are not covered by the program. Participants are responsible for securing their own housing for the duration of the 6-week program and covering any associated costs.

Students eligible to apply to the YSERE program:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Undergraduate student enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited four-year college or university
• Required to make a full-time commitment, Monday-Friday for the 6-week duration. Students with scheduling conflicts or other commitments that prevent them from participating full-time will not be considered for the program.

You will need:

• College transcript
• Resume or curriculum vitae (including extra-curricular activities)
• FAFSA report of Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) - OPTIONAL
• Personal statement (2-page max): Please describe your future goals and how this program may help you achieve such goals. The YSERE program is interested in identifying candidates who thrive when presented with challenges. Please (1) describe a situation or experience that required you to adapt to a major change and/or persevere through difficulties and (2) explain the strategies you used to face and overcome these challenges. Please feel free to include additional information that you wish to share with us (e.g. your interest, prior research experience etc.).
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty (one from a STEM faculty member).