Fully funded 2026 PhDs in Electrochemistry at Cardiff University and top summer research programs at Broad, Stanford, and CSHL. Apply for prestigious science internships with stipends, housing, and travel coverage for 2026.
Top Research Opportunities for 2026: PhDs and Summer Internships
Navigating the landscape of high-level scientific research requires a combination of timing, academic excellence, and finding the right niche. Whether you are a graduating senior looking for a fully funded PhD in Electrochemistry or an undergraduate seeking a summer research program at Harvard, MIT, or Stanford, the opportunities for 2026 represent some of the most prestigious pathways in STEM.
1. Cardiff University: PhD in Electrochemistry & Neural Interfaces
Cardiff University is offering a premier 3.5-year PhD studentship focused on the intersection of biomaterials and neuromodulation. This project, supervised by Dr. Andrea Folli, Dr. Daniela Duc, and Dr. Fabio Parmeggiani, aims to revolutionize how we interface with the human brain.
Research Focus: Energy-Efficient Neuromodulation
Current neural electrodes face significant challenges, including rigid material properties and high energy consumption. This PhD project focuses on the optimisation of peptide–nanocellulose neural-electrode interfaces. The objective is to create “smart” materials that are not only biocompatible but also capable of efficient charge injection and redox processes.
Candidate Requirements and Funding
- Funding Type: EPSRC-funded (Tuition fees + tax-free stipend of approximately £20,780/year).
- Research Grant: Access to a £4,000 Research Training Support Grant.
- Target Backgrounds: Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Biochemistry.
- Key Deadlines: Applications due by 9 January 2026.
- Interview Dates: 18–20 February 2026.
Why This Matters for 2026
Neurological disorders are now the second leading cause of death globally. By 2031, international goals set by the WHO require a massive influx of new technologies to manage these conditions. This PhD allows you to contribute directly to the next generation of medical devices through advanced EPR spectroscopy and electrochemistry.
Please contact our PGR office on chemistry-pgr@cardiff.ac.uk Any questions or requests you have will in no way effect your application.
2) Analytical & Structural Chemistry, CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR–IICT)
The Department of Analytical & Structural Chemistry, CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR–IICT) is organizing a Skill Development Course on Advanced Analytical Techniques, covering:
🔹 High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
🔹 Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS)
🔹 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
🔹 X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
This course offers a unique hands-on learning opportunity to gain in-depth theoretical understanding and practical exposure to state-of-the-art analytical tools widely used in Chemical & Bio-medial research, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and chemical industries.
If you’re an undergraduate interested in biomedical research, genomics, MD/PhD pathways, or a PhD, these programs can be career-defining. Many include stipends, housing, travel, and conference funding.
3. Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP) – Harvard & MIT
The Broad Institute, a collaboration between Harvard University and MIT, offers one of the most competitive 9-week immersive research experiences in the world.
Program Benefits
| Benefit Category | Details |
| Financial Stipend | $5,400 total |
| Housing | Free (partner university housing in Boston) |
| Travel | Round-trip airfare or ground travel included |
| Professional Development | Scientific communication courses & GRE/Grad school prep |
Eligibility Criteria
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Enrollment: Must be enrolled in a four-year U.S. college for Fall 2025.
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Graduation Date: December 2026 or later (non-graduating seniors).
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GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
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Research Experience: No prior experience is required, though interest in genomics is essential.
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Application Deadline: 11 January 2026.
🔗Link: https://www.broadinstitute.org/bsrp/broad-summer-research-program-bsrp
4. UM-SMART at the University of Michigan
For students specifically eyeing a career as a physician-scientist, the UM-SMART program provides a dedicated 10-week bridge toward MD/PhD pathways.
The Numbers Behind Success
The UM-SMART program has an incredible track record: 77% of alumni successfully matriculate into MD/PhD, PhD, or MD programs. This is a highly selective cohort, usually accepting around 8 fellows per summer.
Key Requirements
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Prerequisites: Completion of organic chemistry, biochemistry, or physiology (preferably with a lab).
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Experience: Applicants must have at least 100 hours of research lab experience by June 1, 2026.
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Stipend: $4,700 for the 10-week duration.
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Deadline: 23 January 2026.
🔗Link: https://medschool.umich.edu/programs-admissions/md-phd-program/um-smart-undergrad-summer-program
5) ☑️ UVA Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP)
• 10-week biomedical research experience
• Housing, travel reimbursement & generous stipend
• Strong mentorship + grad school preparation
📅 Deadline: Feb 1, 2026
📌Dates: May 24- July 31st
🔗 Link: https://med.virginia.edu/summer-research-internship-program/
6. JAX Summer Student Program (SSP)
The Jackson Laboratory offers a unique focus on genomics and independent research at two locations: Bar Harbor, Maine, and Farmington, Connecticut.
Financial Support and Outcomes
JAX offers one of the highest stipends in the summer research circuit: $7,000. Combined with free room and board, this makes it an accessible option for students regardless of socioeconomic status.
Review Criteria
The JAX committee prioritizes resilience and problem-solving. They look for students who can demonstrate “scientific curiosity” through their essays.
7. Stanford Summer Research Program (SSRP) – Amgen Scholars
Stanford University’s SSRP is an umbrella program that provides students with the opportunity to conduct high-impact research in over 200 faculty labs.
Program Highlights (June 20 – August 15, 2026)
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Stipend: $4,800.
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Additional Perks: Meals, housing, and travel are fully covered.
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Placement: Scholars are placed in labs within the basic sciences, spanning departments like Structural Biology, Neurobiology, and Genetics.
Selection and Diversity in STEM
Stanford actively encourages applications from students whose backgrounds are underrepresented in STEM. In recent years, statistics show a significant push toward increasing diversity in PhD-bound cohorts. According to national data, while ethnic minorities make up nearly 33% of the U.S. population, they only represent approximately 15% of the science and engineering workforce. Programs like SSRP are designed to close this gap by providing high-level mentorship.
8. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) URP
Located on the scenic North Shore of Long Island, CSHL is the site of some of the most famous discoveries in molecular biology.
The CSHL Experience
The Undergraduate Research Program (URP) brings approximately 20 students from around the world to work on projects in:
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Cancer Biology
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Neuroscience
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Plant Biology
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Quantitative Biology
Dates and International Eligibility
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Program Dates: 8 June – 8 August 2026.
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International Applicants: This program is open to international students, making it one of the few top-tier U.S. programs without citizenship restrictions.
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Application Deadline: 15 January 2026.
🔗 Link: https://www.cshl.edu/education/undergraduate-research-program/#applying
Deadlines (2026 Cycle)
| Program | Deadline | Location | Stipend |
| Cardiff PhD | 9 Jan 2026 | Cardiff, UK | ~£20,780/yr |
| Broad BSRP | 11 Jan 2026 | Boston, MA | $5,400 |
| CSHL URP | 15 Jan 2026 | Long Island, NY | Included |
| UM-SMART | 23 Jan 2026 | Ann Arbor, MI | $4,700 |
| JAX SSP | 26 Jan 2026 | ME / CT | $7,000 |
| Stanford SSRP | 1 Feb 2026 | Stanford, CA | $4,800 |
| UVA SRIP | 1 Feb 2026 | Charlottesville, VA | Varies |
