13 Selective Neuroscience Research Opportunities for High School Students
Research opportunities are a fantastic way for high school students to gain practical skills, industry insights, and valuable connections—all without the hefty price tag of traditional programs. If you are intrigued by neuroscience, these programs offer a unique chance to explore your interests through hands-on projects, mentorship, and collaborations with professionals in the field.
Prestigious organizations and universities, and other global leaders, host many of these opportunities. They often boast highly selective admission rates, underscoring their value and impact. As a high schooler, for you to dive into neuroscience and related disciplines, these programs not only build your expertise but also position them well for future academic and professional success.
In this guide, we've prepared a list of 13 selective neuroscience research opportunities for high school students. These programs stand out for their rigor, impact, and exclusivity. Whether you're seeking to engage in advanced research or connect with leading scientists, this list provides the ultimate starting point.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Medical Track
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.3 out of 4. Prior knowledge in the selected field is optional.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Cost/Stipend:$2,800 (12 weeks) and $5,400 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid available.
Acceptance Rate: Selective admission.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Medical Track provides high school students with a unique opportunity to explore fields such as neuroscience and epidemiology through personalized mentorship. You will work 1-on-1 with Ph.D. scholars to design and execute an independent research project over 12 to 20 weeks. The program focuses on developing critical research skills, culminating in the creation of a publishable research paper.
Lumiere’s individualized approach allows you to deeply engage with your chosen topic while gaining insights from expert mentors. The program is ideal for you if you are seeking to build a strong foundation in medical research, publish your findings, and explore future career paths in science and medicine.
2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 9 - July 31
Cost/Stipend: Minimum $500 stipend for all participants; at least $1,500 for students from underrepresented groups
Acceptance Rate: 3%
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program offers high school students an unparalleled opportunity to delve into medical science under the guidance of Stanford’s expert mentors, including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. You can choose from eight specialized research areas: Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics, and Genetics and Genomics. Assignments are tailored to align with your interests and skill level.
With an acceptance rate of under 3%, SIMR is among the most selective programs in the country, admitting only about 50 students annually. Over two months, you will immerse yourselves in full-time lab research, attend cutting-edge lectures, and deepen their understanding of medical science. The program concludes with a professional research poster presentation, enabling you to share your findings and contributions with the broader scientific community.
3. Veritas AI + Medicine Deep Dive
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students interested in healthcare applications of AI. Must have completed the AI Scholars course or possess a coding background
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Program Dates: Rolling admissions; Winter cohorts application deadline is December 1
Cost/Stipend: $2,290, no stipend.
Acceptance Rate: Selective admission.
The Veritas AI + Medicine Deep Dive program explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in medicine. You will participate in hands-on learning, discovering how machine learning and AI frameworks are applied to medical research and diagnostics. The curriculum includes coding exercises, healthcare analytics software, and cutting-edge AI tools, preparing you to tackle complex healthcare challenges.
The program emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, culminating in a group project where you develop AI-driven solutions to real-world medical issues. The experience concludes with a group presentation to peers and PhD mentors, providing valuable feedback and insights. This program offers a unique combination of technical skills and healthcare expertise, setting the stage for future exploration in AI and medicine.
4. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD / Virtual
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors. In-person applicants must attend a high school in Baltimore.
Application Deadline: March 1 annually
Program Dates:
In-person: June–August (8 weeks)
Virtual: July–August (5 weeks)
Cost/Stipend: In-person interns receive hourly wages and transportation funds; virtual interns receive a fixed stipend of $500
Acceptance Rate: 5-6 students per cohort
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a highly selective program offering high school students an immersive experience in neuroscience research. Designed to foster inclusivity, JHIBS combines hands-on laboratory work with mentorship from leading researchers in the field. You will participate in guided research projects, professional development sessions, and educational seminars, gaining a foundational understanding of neuroscience while enhancing their scientific skills.
The program offers both in-person and virtual options, with each format emphasizing collaborative learning, scientific discussions, and personal growth. With a small cohort of only 5–6 students, JHIBS ensures personalized mentorship and a supportive environment. At the end of the program, you will present your findings through oral or poster presentations, showcasing your contributions to the field and your growth as future neuroscientists.
5. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Jupiter, FL
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, aged 16 or older, residing in Palm Beach or Martin County with U.S. work authorization
Application Deadline: January 7
Program Dates: June 17–July 26 (6 weeks)
Stipend: $14 per hour
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship provides a unique opportunity for high school students to explore the intricacies of brain structure, function, and development. Over six weeks, you will engage in immersive, hands-on research and are introduced to state-of-the-art imaging techniques and neuroscience technologies. You can choose from three specialized tracks—neuroscience, scientific programming, or mechanical engineering—ensuring a tailored and focused learning experience.
This full-time internship demands a 40-hour weekly commitment, fostering professional growth and technical skill development. The program concludes with the creation of a scientific abstract and a final presentation, allowing you to showcase your findings to peers and mentors. Alongside valuable experience in cutting-edge research, you will receive competitive hourly compensation, making this a rewarding and enriching opportunity.
Location: Phoenix, AZ or Flagstaff, AZ
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors in Arizona who are about to enter college in the fall, aged 16 or older, with U.S. work authorization
Application Deadline: February 5
Program Dates: June 9–August 1 (8 weeks)
Stipend: $14.35 per hour
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
The Helios Scholars at TGen program offers high school seniors a full-time, immersive internship experience in cutting-edge research. You will collaborate with TGen scientists on projects in areas such as laboratory research, computational biology, bioinformatics, mathematics and statistics, and research administration. Research topics often include genetic factors behind diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders, as well as public health and infectious pathogens.
Beyond hands-on lab work, the program includes seminars and activities aimed at skill development, career exploration, and scientific writing. The internship culminates with a research symposium where you will present your findings and deliver an oral presentation, showcasing your contributions to ongoing scientific advancements. The competitive stipend and dynamic learning environment make this program a highly rewarding opportunity.
7. Massachusetts General Hospital’s Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: In-person internship with work locations varying based on lab assignments, including Massachusetts General Hospital Main Campus, Somerville, or other labs in Boston, Cambridge, or Somerville, MA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent graduates residing or studying in Massachusetts (must provide a Massachusetts address)
Application Deadline: January 31
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid internship (stipend details not disclosed)
Acceptance Rate: Moderate intake
The Youth Neurology Education and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)—Harvard Medical School’s largest teaching hospital—offers high school students an exceptional opportunity to explore neurology through research and mentorship. The program begins with a comprehensive boot camp featuring research and clinical training, interactive lab skills sessions, and networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
You are paired with an undergraduate student and an MGH Neurology faculty mentor for personalized guidance. Over six weeks, you will dedicate 40 hours per week to hands-on lab work, contributing to active research projects. The program also includes expert-led seminars by top neurologists and concludes with a final presentation where you will showcase your work to peers, mentors, and family. The program not only builds foundational knowledge in neurology but also supports alumni with ongoing career advice, funding opportunities, and application guidance, paving the way for their future academic and professional success.
8. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) at Stanford University
Location: Virtual & In-person at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 14–18
Application Deadline: March (typically)
Program Dates:
CNV-X (Virtual via Zoom) June 16 – June 27
CNI-X Session 1 (In-person on campus) July 7 – July 18
CNI-X Session 2 (In-person on campus): July 21 – August 1
Cost/Stipend:CNV-X : $1,595: CNI-X Session 1: $$2,895 and CNI-X Session 2: $2,895
Acceptance Rate: Moderate intake.
The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) at Stanford University is a 10-day program designed to immerse high school students in the fields of neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology. This experience offers a deep dive into cutting-edge research from the Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.During the program, you will participate in engaging seminars and lectures led by Stanford faculty and researchers. Topics will include neuroscience, clinical neuropsychiatry, psychiatric epidemiology, neuroscience research, and social and behavioral sciences.
Working in small teams (8–10 students), you’ll collaborate on a capstone project aimed at finding innovative solutions to real-world issues at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry. You’ll present your ideas at the program’s final capstone session to your peers, families, and faculty. In addition to academic enrichment, the program offers valuable insight into career opportunities in medicine and science, helping you explore the possibilities in these exciting fields.
9. Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship Program at Ohio State University
Location: Ohio State University’s College of Medicine, Columbus, OH. Interns are responsible for transportation, but paid parking is provided.
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors. Students from underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline: March 7
Program Dates: June 23 – August 8
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend is provided, though the amount is unspecified.
Acceptance Rate: Moderate intake
The Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship Program at Ohio State University is a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded opportunity designed to give high school students hands-on experience in the fields of neuroscience, neurological injury, and neurodegeneration. Over the course of this seven-week program, you will work closely with mentors, lab technicians, and graduate students in cutting-edge research labs.
You’ll gain insight into the research process through lab meetings, group journal clubs, and formal training in reading and presenting primary literature. As the program concludes, you will present your research findings, giving you valuable experience in communicating complex scientific concepts. This immersive experience will also help you explore neuroscience as a potential college major and career path.
10. Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE)
Location: Duke University West Campus, Durham, NC.
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 15 years old by the start of the program and live in North Carolina within commuting distance of Duke University’s West Campus.
Application Deadline: February 9
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8
Cost/Stipend: No cost. This is a paid internship, though the stipend amount is unspecified.
Acceptance Rate: Moderate intake
The Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE) is an eight-week paid internship offering high school students the opportunity to engage in full-time, hands-on neuroscience research. You will be paired with a neuroscience lab at Duke University, where you will work on a research project under the mentorship of a professional scientist.
While the majority of your time will be spent conducting research (40 hours per week), you will also attend professional development workshops that provide guidance on college applications and help you explore career opportunities in academia, medicine, and industry. At the conclusion of the program, you will present your research findings at a poster session for peers, family, and Duke faculty, gaining valuable experience in scientific communication.
11. University of California, San Francisco SEP’s High School Intern Program
Location: University of California, San Francisco Campus.
Eligibility: High school juniors attending SFUSD schools, SF charter schools, or participating in College Track San Francisco, particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds in the sciences.
Application Deadline: February
Program Dates: 8-week program, typically from June to August
Cost/Stipend: No cost.
Part-time (25 hours/week): $3,200 upon completion
Full-time (35 hours/week): $4,500 upon completion
Acceptance Rate: Low; 50 students are shortlisted for interview for 25 available positions.
The UCSF Science and Health Education Partnership (SEP) High School Intern Program offers an incredible opportunity for students interested in biomedical research. During this 8-week program, you will work alongside a UCSF scientist mentor on cutting-edge research projects in fields such as neuroscience, infectious disease, molecular biology, immunology, cancer, stem cell research, and developmental biology. The program typically hosts a cohort of 25 students each summer.
In addition to the research experience, the program includes valuable college preparation resources. You’ll participate in resume writing workshops, meet with college counselors, learn about financial aid opportunities, and even go on college tours. This is a great chance to gain hands-on research experience while also receiving support for your academic future.
12. Zuckerman Institute Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia University (BRAINYAC)
Location: New York, NY
Eligibility: Open to students in 10th or 11th grade, nominated by a partner organization such as S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, or BioBus.
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: June 29 – August 8
Cost/Stipend: Approximately $6,000, with need-based financial aid available (100% funded by external sources).
Acceptance Rate: Low
The BRAINYAC program at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute offers high school students the opportunity to immerse themselves in hands-on neuroscience research. This prestigious program provides a rare chance to develop laboratory skills, engage with cutting-edge science, and build a strong foundation for future STEM careers.
During the program, you will work in university labs, gaining practical experience in scientific research while connecting with professional scientists. You’ll learn advanced research techniques and explore groundbreaking advancements in neuroscience. BRAINYAC emphasizes building essential skills for working in a research environment and becoming part of the Columbia University community.
13. Barrow Neurological Institute Summer High School Internship Program
Location:Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply.
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: May 30 – July 3
Cost/Stipend: No information available.
Acceptance Rate: Moderate
The Barrow Neurological Institute Summer High School Internship Program is a five-week opportunity for students interested in neurology and neuroscience. This program provides a comprehensive introduction to the biological principles underlying neurological diseases and their treatments.
Throughout the internship, you will evaluate scientific literature, develop your communication skills, and learn advanced scientific techniques. You’ll also work on research projects, explore scientific questions, and understand the critical role of non-laboratory departments that support research efforts. This hands-on experience will deepen your understanding of the complexities of neurology and neuroscience while preparing you for future academic and career paths in these fields.
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