15 Biology Research Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Apr 28
- 11 min read
Biology research programs can be a great option for middle school students looking to explore science in a hands-on, academic setting. These programs are typically structured to introduce younger students to more advanced topics without the pressure of grades or exams, while still building practical skills like critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific communication. Whether you're considering a future in STEM or simply curious about biology, research programs offer a guided, immersive experience that goes beyond the classroom. Many also integrate real-world exposure through lab visits, mentorship from researchers, and collaborative projects.
They also allow you to connect with like-minded peers, learn directly from professionals, and, in some cases, present your findings to real scientists. If you’re a middle schooler interested in biology, these programs can be a smart and meaningful way to explore your interest at a deeper level.
To help you decide where to start, we’ve narrowed down a list of top biology research programs for middle schoolers based on several key factors. Each program is known for its academic rigor, selective admissions, mentorship opportunities, or backing by a well-known organization or university. If you're ready to explore the world of biology research, these programs are worth considering.
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. The mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke and LSE.
During this program, spanning weeks 1 to 4, you will delve into four distinct topics within your selected track. In weeks 5 to 6, the focus intensifies as you embark on a deep dive into one specific topic area, and finally, weeks 7 to 8 are dedicated to project implementation, with participants receiving guidance and support from their mentors as they bring their projects to life. Final projects range from a research literature review, policy brief, to a business case analysis, or a 3-5 minute presentation. You can find the application form here.
Location: Online
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts available each year, deadlines vary accordingly
Cost: $2,400 (financial aid available)
Eligibility: Grades 6 - 8 (rising grade 9 is eligible for the summer cohort)
Deadline: Rolling deadlines for each cohort. If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts and deadlines, you can refer to this page!
The AI Trailblazers program teaches middle school students how to engage within the innovative field of AI and machine learning. Over 25 hours throughout the course of 10 weeks, you will learn Python coding as well as topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics.
The program is structured by lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio, where you can interact with other highly ambitious STEM-focused peers. You’ll be able to pursue a project that has real-world implications – past projects include detection of malaria and CIFAR-10 recognition. The program is a great introduction for students who are interested in pursuing a career in AI in the future.
Location: Online
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts available each year, deadlines vary accordingly
Cost: $1,990 (financial aid available)
Eligibility: Grades 6 - 8
Deadline: Rolling deadlines for each cohort. If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts and deadlines, you can refer to this page!
The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) at Columbia University is a free academic and college-prep program for middle and high school students who are interested in medicine, biology, or STEM careers. If you’re in 7th or 8th grade and curious about biology or the healthcare field, this program introduces you to subjects like anatomy, biochemistry, and cognitive science through structured enrichment courses. You’ll also receive guidance on academic planning, test prep (including PSAT and SAT), and college admissions. The summer session is held daily in July, while the academic year session runs on Saturdays from fall to spring. Admitted students may also become eligible for Columbia’s more advanced summer research programs like BRAINYAC and YES in THE HEIGHTS.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates:
Summer: July 7 – August 1
Academic Year: November 9 – May 17
Application Deadline:
Summer: April 15
Academic Year: September 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12; must maintain at least an 80% average, especially in math and science, and demonstrate interest in STEM
Cost: Free
Location: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
The Code of Life camp at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology introduces rising middle schoolers to the fundamentals of genetics and molecular biology through hands-on lab activities. You’ll start by extracting DNA from various organisms and move into more advanced tasks like using enzymes and creating genetically modified, glow-in-the-dark bacteria. Throughout the week, you’ll practice real lab techniques like micropipetting and centrifugation, and learn how DNA codes for traits and can be linked to genetic disorders. You also tour the HudsonAlpha research facilities and meet professionals working in biotech fields. This program is designed to build core skills that prepare you for more advanced research opportunities in later camps offered by HudsonAlpha.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective; registration-based (seats fill quickly)
Dates: June 2–6, June 9–13, June 23–27, July 7–11 (half-day sessions)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 6th through rising 8th graders
Cost: $200/student (financial aid available)
Location: HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL
The NYU College and Career Lab (CCL) is a multi-year, tuition-free program that introduces underserved New York City public school students to academic and career pathways, including a focused week on health sciences. If you’re a rising 8th or 9th grader, the summer portion of the program gives you hands-on exposure to health and science fields like medicine, nursing, neuroscience, and dentistry. During the health sciences module, you’ll visit NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, and the College of Dentistry, where faculty and professionals guide you through labs, simulations, and college-style lectures. Beyond the classroom, students join field trips across NYC, participate in mentorship activities, and engage in college readiness workshops.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not published
Dates: July 7 – August 1 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM)
Application Deadline: March 31 at 11:59 PM
Eligibility: Rising 8th and 9th graders enrolled in NYC public schools
Cost: Free
Location: New York University, New York, NY
The STARS Biology Camp at UT Southwestern offers rising 9th-grade students an immersive experience in biology to prepare them for high school-level coursework. Over the course of nine days, you’ll participate in lab experiments and classroom sessions focused on cellular biology, genetics, photosynthesis, and protein synthesis. You'll also explore topics like the structure and function of DNA, chemical reactions in cells, and the role of biomolecules. In the afternoons, students join team-building sessions, simulations, and anatomy lab tours. The program is hosted in-person on the UT Southwestern campus and is led by experienced science educators and faculty.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 30 students selected per camp
Dates: June 5 – June 13
Application Deadline: Not publicly listed; typically opens in spring
Eligibility: Current 8th graders entering 9th grade biology
Cost: Free; breakfast and lunch provided
Location: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Scientific Enrichment Month (SEM) is a free virtual summer program hosted by Columbia University's Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center. Open to middle schoolers who are interested, this month-long series explores cancer biology, public health, and health equity. Over the course of July, you’ll attend lectures on topics like cancer prevention, hypothesis development, and genetic counseling, while also building professional skills through sessions on resume writing, public speaking, and personal statements. You may also join public health working groups where you’ll collaborate on awareness campaigns related to cancer education, earning community service hours and sharing your findings in a final presentation open to families and peers. Those who regularly attend receive an official HICCC certificate of participation.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment (non-selective; first come, first served)
Dates: July 1 – July 31 (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, 4:00 – 5:30 PM EST)
Application Deadline: June 23 or until capacity is reached
Eligibility: Open to middle and high school students interested in science and health
Cost: Free
Location: Online (Zoom)
8. dynaMIT
dynaMIT is a free, week-long summer program hosted at MIT that introduces middle school students to hands-on STEM learning through daily experiments, group projects, and mentorship. If you're a rising 6th through 9th grader, you'll spend a week on the MIT campus working alongside undergraduate and graduate student mentors who design and lead all activities. Each day focuses on a new topic in science or engineering, and students are encouraged to explore creatively while building problem-solving and collaboration skills. The program is student-run and aims to increase access for students from underserved backgrounds, particularly those who may not have other STEM opportunities. The environment is collaborative and exploratory—not competitive—making it a great first experience with research-style thinking.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited number of students per week
Dates: Week 1 (Rising 6th–7th graders): August 11 – August 15Week 2 (Rising 8th–9th graders): August 18 – August 22
Application Deadline: Not listed; applications open in spring and close once filled
Eligibility: Rising 6th–9th grade students; priority given to students from low-income backgrounds
Cost: Free
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Expedition: Bio is a two-week immersive summer science program for rising 7th and 8th grade students hosted by the Whitehead Institute in Cambridge, MA. The program blends classroom learning with hands-on lab activities and fieldwork, covering biology topics through the lenses of ecology, genetics, chemistry, and bioengineering. You’ll explore questions that scientists are actively researching, use real lab equipment, and meet with professionals in the field. Each day is filled with experiments and team activities, making science interactive and collaborative. Morning snacks, lunch, and all lab materials are provided, and tuition assistance is available to students who qualify.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 24 students per session
Dates: Session I: July 7 – July 18 | Session II: August 11 – August 22
Application Deadline: May 2 or until capacity is reached
Eligibility: Rising 7th and 8th graders; parental consent required
Cost: $500 (financial aid available)
Location: Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA
The Body Systems and Biomedical Innovations program at UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science is a week-long summer experience that explores the anatomy, physiology, and biomedical technologies used in diagnosing and treating illness. If you’re entering grades 7–9, you’ll dive into interactive labs, dissect a sheep heart, simulate diagnostic testing for fictional patients, and explore how scientists and engineers address real-world medical problems. The program includes opportunities to meet healthcare professionals and researchers, tour labs, and engage in hands-on investigations of human body systems. Each day concludes with sessions on college and STEM career pathways.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; programs fill on a first-come, first-served basis
Dates: Session 1: June 23 – June 27 | Session 2: July 7 – July 11 | Session 4: July 21 – July 25
Application Deadline: June 16 for Session 1; June 29 for Sessions 2 & 4
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–9
Cost: $1,465 (financial aid available)
Location: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
This online medical research course from Georgetown University introduces students to the fundamentals of clinical trials and evidence-based medicine through self-paced learning and mentorship. You'll explore how research questions are developed, studies are designed, and how findings lead to new treatments—especially in areas like cancer. You’ll learn biostatistics basics, research ethics, and how to analyze scientific journal articles. The course ends with a capstone project where you’ll create a video presentation demonstrating your understanding of medical research using real academic sources. Students receive feedback from mentors and have flexible access to lectures and assignments.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; rolling admissions
Dates: May 4 – June 1 | May 18 – June 15 | May 18 – June 1 (2-week intensive)
Application Deadline: April 27 or May 11, depending on the session
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
Cost: $1,795 (financial aid available)
Location: Online
The Science Exploration Program at Stony Brook University is a lab-based summer enrichment course for rising 7th through 9th-grade students. Over two weeks, you’ll engage in a range of science investigations—from microbiology and genetics to ecology and biotechnology—tailored to your grade level. Each session emphasizes critical thinking, experimentation, and research skills. For example, 7th graders focus on foundational lab techniques, 8th graders explore case studies like cholera and genetic disorders, and 9th graders take on more independent research challenges. The program blends group projects, scientific writing, and computer research, and is designed for students who are curious and eager to push their science learning further.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First come, first served; 24 students per grade
Dates: June 30 – July 10
Application Deadline: Rolling until full; early registration recommended
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7, 8, or 9 in September
Cost: $675 (financial aid available)
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
The Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy is a national pre-med and health career readiness program designed to help middle school students explore careers in medicine through both academic and clinical learning experiences. You can choose to attend in-person at a partnering university campus or online. During this 1- or 2-week summer intensive, you’ll take foundational pre-med courses, earn health certifications (like CPR and First Aid), and participate in workshops on college and career readiness. Residential and extended commuter options are available, and students can also enroll in the year-round academic program. The curriculum includes hands-on labs, simulated clinical skills training, and exposure to health professionals and college campuses.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; seats filled on a rolling basis
Dates: Varies by campus; most sessions begin in June or July
Application Deadline: Rolling; accepted until seats are full
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8 (or current 5th graders entering middle school)
Cost: Starting from $1,148 (financial aid available – tuition waived for household income less than $85,000)
Location: Multiple U.S. locations; online option available
The Doctors Academy at UConn Health is a selective four-week summer program for rising 8th-grade students interested in medicine and the health sciences. As a participant, you’ll take part in academic enrichment in science, math, and language arts while also attending workshops focused on college preparation and healthcare careers. Classes are held on weekdays, and you'll be provided with meals and, if you’re a Hartford resident, transportation. In addition to the summer component, the program offers a 21-week Saturday Academy during the school year to continue developing your academic skills. Family engagement is emphasized through parent workshops and seminars. Qualified participants may also receive a stipend through HCOP support.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; size not published
Dates: June 23 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising 8th graders; must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a ‘B’ average or better, and submit an essay, recommendations, and test scores
Cost: Free; stipend and meals provided, transportation for Hartford residents
Location: UConn Health, Farmington, CT
The WASH Summer Research Institute is a free, six-week virtual program designed for motivated students in grades 6–11 who want to explore advanced STEM topics through project-based learning and mentorship. Meeting once a week, the institute offers three track options: Number Theory, Computational Neuroscience, and Deep Learning. Each course includes hands-on coding projects, interactive lectures, and weekly assignments. You’ll work toward a capstone project in your chosen field—whether that’s designing an encryption system, simulating a digital brain, or building a basic AI model. Prior experience isn’t required, just a willingness to engage and learn collaboratively.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited space per cohort
Dates: June 22 – July 27
Application Deadline: May 21
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–11
Cost: Free
Location: Online
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.
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