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Undergraduate Summer Research Program

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Are you interested in participating in cutting-edge research in the Department of Molecular Genetics during the summer?

Molecular Genetics Summer Research participants program will have the opportunity to investigate questions of fundamental importance in molecular, cellular and development genetics. If you would like to conduct ground-breaking research, apply to the Department of Molecular Genetics Summer Research Program!

Application deadline: February 25, 2026 at 5PM EST

Program Features

  • Primarily, you will be conducting research in the laboratory of your supervisor.

  • Participate in the end-of-summer Summer Student Symposium 

Expectations

Students are expected to engage in no fewer than 12 weeks of full-time research, beginning in May 2026.

Eligibility: 

To participate in the Molecular Genetics Undergraduate Summer Research Program, you must:

  • Be enrolled in a undergraduate life sciences program, or have completed the appropriate coursework that would prepare you for the type of research that you wish to conduct

  • Secure a supervisor

  • Complete an application form, signed by your supervisor (digital signatures are permitted)

  • Submit the application form through one of the links below

    Locating And Securing A Supervisor:

    Students must first secure a supervisor to be eligible for the Undergraduate Summer Student Program. Here are some suggestions for finding a supervisor:

  • Please read about the Molecular Genetics Faculty members on our Departmental Website and identify potential supervisors whose research interests you

  • Contact your potential supervisor with the following: 1) an up-to-date resume that includes your program and year, 2) an (unofficial) transcript, 3) a cover letter that outlines why you would like to work with them, including your understanding of their research, and 4) a description of your own research experience and career goals.

    Ready To Apply?

  • Internal Applicants (U of T students)

  • External Applicants (Non-U of T students)

Student Awards

There are a small number of competitive scholarships available for Undergraduate Summer Research Students:

UROP: Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program

Application deadline: February 25, 2026 at 5PM EST

NSERC USRA

Application deadline: February 25, 2026 at 5PM EST

University of Toronto Excellence Award (UTEA)

Application deadline: February 25, 2026 at 5PM EST

You do not need to win an award in order to participate in the Undergraduate Summer Research Program

 

FAQ

When will I know if I am successful in any of the above award competitions?

Students can expect to hear the outcome of the award competitions in April.

Will you accept an email submission for any of the summer awards applications?

There will be a MS form link which will open early January for students to fill out.

If I am not a successful award recipient, will I still be paid for my work?

Some of our Faculty members may accept summer students on the condition that they hold one of the student awards that are available for Summer 2026. If you are not a successful award recipient, and your supervisor agrees to take you on as a summer student, the details of your compensation will be at your supervisor’s discretion.

When will the Summer Research Program Poster Session be held?

The date for the poster session is TBA but it is around July 2026.

Is there a list of Faculty members who are taking students?

We do not maintain a list of participating faculty members. You should contact any of the Molecular Genetics Faculty members whose research you are interested in, to inquire as to whether they are accepting undergraduate summer students. See the full faculty list here. 

Contact

For any other inquiries, please contact studentservices.mogen@utoronto.ca.