ResearchDue February 2 · ~4 months

Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center CURE Program

Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center

A full-time, hands-on summer experience in a cancer research environment, with scientific and professional development seminars and journal clubs alongside working researchers.

Who should apply

A great fit for Massachusetts high school and early-college students (16+) interested in cancer research who can travel to Boston's Longwood Medical Area five days a week for a paid summer research internship.

Eligibility

High school sophomore, junior, or senior, or a college freshman, sophomore, or junior
At least 16 years old at the start of the program
Reside in and/or attend school in Massachusetts
Able to travel to the Longwood Medical Area in Boston five days a week

What you get

Full-time, paid summer research internship of 7–11 weeks
Hands-on cancer research with mentorship from leading scientists
Summer stipend (amount not specified)
Scientific skills training, seminars, and journal clubs
Research presentations, conference attendance, and networking events

What the application involves

Completed application form
Copy of transcript or report card from your most current school and year
Current résumé
Two letters of recommendation (max three; one must be from a science or mathematics teacher/professor)

Application tips

Secure your science/math recommendation early, at least one letter must come from that subject area.
Tailor your résumé to highlight science coursework, projects, or relevant activities.
Confirm you can travel to Longwood five days a week for the full 7–11 week program.
Submit a clean, current transcript and complete every component before the deadline.
Express specific interest in cancer research and what you hope to learn.

Good to know

CURE (Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences) is run by Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. 2026 applications were due February 6, 2026. Contact: iecd@partners.org.

Cancer researchPaidUnderrepresented

Not eligible for this one? These are open anywhere in the U.S.

Being in the wrong state rules out a lot of programs and almost none of the good ones. Here are three you can apply to from anywhere, soonest deadline first.

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