12 Biochemistry Research Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you’re a high school student interested in biochemistry, research programs can provide early exposure to how biological and chemical systems are studied in real laboratory settings. Many of these opportunities involve experiments, data analysis, and guided research projects that introduce concepts in molecular biology, protein chemistry, genetics, and biomedical science. Rather than only learning theory, you may work with lab equipment, interpret results, and observe how scientific questions are investigated through experimentation.
Why should I participate in a biochemistry research program in high school?
Biochemistry research programs are especially useful because they introduce students to the structure and pace of scientific research. You may learn how experiments are designed, how research teams organize projects, and how scientists revise methods when results do not go as expected. Many programs also emphasize interdisciplinary thinking by connecting chemistry, biology, medicine, and data analysis.
In this blog, we have compiled a list of 12 biochemistry research programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Remote - you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring; options range from 12 weeks to one year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Fremont, CA; students from outside of the Bay Area can work remotely
Cost/Stipend: $1,070; partial and full scholarships available for students from underrepresented backgrounds
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Based on available research positions; 31% acceptance rate in earlier summer cohort, 75% in earlier spring cohort (early admission applicants)
Program Dates: January 16 – May 30 (Spring) | June 1 – August 30 (Summer)
Application Deadline: November 15 (Spring) | April 15 (Summer); multiple priority deadlines may be available
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 9 – 12 around the Bay Area (undergraduates may also be accepted)
The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP) offers high school students opportunities to gain research experience in diverse disciplines, including biochemistry. You could pursue research with the Chemistry Department, which conducts research in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology, focusing on how molecules affect disease and developing innovative ways to target proteins/biologics for medical applications. You will gain opportunities to use lab equipment such as spectrometers, spectrophotometers, and more. You will also be encouraged to submit your research findings at symposiums where you can interact with guest speakers.
Location: The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Cost/Stipend: Free; financial aid available for meals, transportation, and other incidental expenses
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 500+ applications received in an earlier cohort; cohort size based on research project
Program Dates: June 1 – July 17
Application Deadline: December 18
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum of one year of Arizona residency; must be 16 years of age or older on the first day of the program; must be available for the full program duration
The University of Arizona's Keep Engaging Youth in Science (KEYS) program provides high school students with hands-on experience through a diverse range of research projects in bioscience, biomedicine, and data science, and helps them develop STEM skills. You will be paired with a UArizona researcher whose research interests match yours. Your internship in the researcher's lab will involve 35-40 hours per week after initial bioscience techniques training, including safety and lab sessions. Throughout, you can enhance your science literacy by learning to write lab reports, formulate and test hypotheses, and more. At the end of the program, you'll present your research at the Research Showcase. Additionally, there may be opportunities for ongoing work experience in a university research lab after the program concludes.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; ~$2,450 for residential option | Stipend provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective, with about <5% students admitted to the program
Program Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 5 (school nomination deadline – January 30)
Eligibility: High school students in grade 11 at the time of applying; should be nominated by their school; must be US citizens and/or permanent residents; must be at least 16 years of age by the start of the program
Stony Brook University's Simons Summer Research Program provides high school students with the chance to collaborate with university researchers on current projects in science, math, or engineering during the summer before their senior year. Participants begin with lab safety training and are then paired with a mentor aligned with their research interests. For example, you might pursue research in Dr. Benjamin Martin's biochemistry and biology lab to explore the 'maintenance and cell fate determination of stem cells during zebrafish embryonic development.' The program requires about 4 hours of research daily and includes attending faculty research talks and participating in weekend workshops and events. Students will write a research abstract, present a poster at the closing symposium, and receive a stipend award. Explore upcoming research projects and mentors here.
Location: University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
Cost/Stipend: $4,250 (housing and transportation options extra); $68 non-refundable application fee; full financial need-based scholarships and application fee waiver available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 3 – 5 interns/mentor
Program Dates: June 15 – 18 (online research week); June 22 – August 7 (SIP); August 8 (Presentation Day)
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: High school students ages 14 – 17; must commit to working full-time for the entire program
The UC Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (SIP) provides immersive learning opportunities in STEAM fields of interest, including biochemistry. Earlier research projects have included the synthesis of catalysts for water-splitting reactions, the conversion of wastewater into clean energy, and more. UCSC faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars will serve as your mentors in the research lab as you develop laboratory skills and learn how to read professional journals. At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to present your research findings at the UCSC symposium. With your mentor’s prior approval, you may also submit a paper derived from your SIP research to a high school competition and request a letter of recommendation for college applications.
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico (check locations here)/virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free with fellowship/stipend of $4,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Based on the project site and budget
Program Dates: Vary based on project, June – August (8 – 10 weeks)
Application Deadline: April 6
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores (junior or senior ) who are economically disadvantaged; must have completed at least one course of high school chemistry (check all criteria here)
The American Chemical Society's Project SEED provides economically disadvantaged high school students with research lab experience in the field of chemical science. You will be paired with a scientist to collaborate on a research project, applying your knowledge to real-world experiments. Depending on your project, you may go on field trips and campus tours, attend career pathway sessions, and take part in competitions. There will also be opportunities to earn scholarships for further education and sponsorships to present your research at local or national ACS meetings.
Location: West Virginia University (WVU), Health Sciences Campus, Morgantown, WV
Cost/Stipend: $2,000 with partial/full scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: maximum 12
Program Dates: July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: May 1 (admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis)
Eligibility: High school rising juniors/seniors; should have earned a B or better in science and math classes
The WVU Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine's Molecules to Medicine (M2M) Summer Camp is an overnight camp for high school students to gain insight into research on molecules and proteins. This camp will help you understand biological molecules, measure biological functions, and develop medical interventions to enhance human health. You will attend lectures and participate in lab activities focused on protein-ligand interactions, diagnostic testing, and related areas. The course offers immersive experiences in specialized labs, including those dedicated to RNA, protein structure, and microscopy. Additionally, you will engage in a case study workshop, attend career sessions, and join peers in evening social activities.
Location: St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY (non-residential, but on-campus housing options are available if required)
Cost/Stipend: $1,000 program fee to secure a seat; need-based scholarship available for students without sponsors
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 13 – 24
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: High school students completing their sophomore or junior year before summer
St. Bonaventure University's Summer Research Program for High School Students (SBU-SRPHS) offers high school students practical STEM research experience on campus, including biochemistry. Participants will collaborate with research faculty on ongoing projects, enhancing their analytical and scientific communication abilities. Professional development sessions will guide students on potential career paths. The program concludes with a poster presentation of the project findings.
Location: George Mason University, VA (specific campus based on research project)
Cost/Stipend: $1,299 + $25 application fee; need-based financial aid for tuition and fee waiver available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school students and undergraduates; must be 15 years or older by June 18 for in-person and remote internships; must be 16 or older by June 18 for wet lab in-person and hybrid internships
George Mason University's Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) provides high school students and undergraduates with opportunities to have hands-on research experience and earn three college course credits. You will be matched with a researcher in an area of interest. Research areas in biochemistry include protein design and biomaterials, antimicrobial peptides in plants, and more. You will interact with faculty and experts at discussion forums and meetings to explore career pathways in biochemistry and other STEM fields. The program wraps up with the ASSIP Research Symposium and Celebration.
Location: The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: $4,000 with limited need-based scholarships available, which include a stipend + free tuition to HSRA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies based on research mentor and lab requirements
Program Dates: June 8 – July 15
Application Deadline: March 22 (applications typically open in late January)
Eligibility: Rising sophomore, junior, or senior for the upcoming academic year; 15 years or older by June 1; must be a Texas resident
High school students keen to gain biochemistry research experience could consider the research projects in the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) labs at the UT Austin High School Research Academy (HSRA). During the five-week summer program, you will be matched with a research mentor and learn lab techniques and research practices. Some current biochemistry research includes investigating RNA-based tools for developing medical diagnostic tests, discovering new chemical compounds involved in infectious diseases, working on commercially viable biomaterials and biotherapeutics, and more. You will attend weekly seminars led by UT guest speakers and present a poster of your research work at the HSRA Research Symposium at the end of the program. You will also earn NSC309 UT extension course credit.
Location: UMass Amherst, Charles River Campus, Newton, MA
Cost/Stipend: $2,337 (commuter) | $4,119 (residential) | $45 application fee; partial, need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 28 – July 11
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students
This two-week program for high school students at UMass Amherst offers an inside look at current research in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Participants will work in a laboratory to gain hands-on experience with techniques such as agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR, DNA extraction, and other essential lab methods. You will learn to collect, interpret, and analyze data, and to operate lab equipment. The program includes tours of the conservatory, greenhouses, and additional campus facilities. Additionally, students will learn to create and deliver a professional research poster for the concluding symposium.
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S. (check campus locations here)
Cost/Stipend: Up to $11,800 (scaled to family’s affordability); no application fee; free for participants with a family income of $75,000 or less, and discounted fee for participants with a family income under approximately $140,000 (check details of financial aid here)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~36 students
Program Dates: Varies based on location, typically from June to August (~5 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 19 (domestic applications) | January 29 (international applications)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who have completed/in the process of completing any level of high school biology and chemistry by June for credit and a grade; must be at least 15 years old but not yet 19 during the duration of the program (check all criteria here)
SSP International's Summer Science Program in Biochemistry introduces high school students to biochemical research and to topics such as biostatistics, bioinformatics, and molecular modeling. Participants will learn about enzyme properties and, through collaboration, design a molecule intended to inhibit enzyme activity to prevent crop infections. The program also teaches lab techniques, including enzyme assays, gel electrophoresis, and affinity chromatography. Additionally, students will develop skills in formulating hypotheses, critically analyzing data, and writing reports. At the conclusion, students will submit a written report and present a poster detailing their findings.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.