The James Scholar for Independent Study Program (JS/ISP) focuses on supporting and refining research skills among medical students as they develop into clinical physicians. The James Scholar Program is designed to support medical student researchers during their M2-M4 years, with research projects culminating in high-level activities, such as presentations at abstracted scientific conferences and academic meetings as well as publication of research papers.

Students interested in applying to be James Scholars should actively be engaged in research at the time of application as well as be in good academic standing. Research activities should be with academic faculty, having initiated these activities in the summer prior to their M2 year. Applicants should have an established relationship with the faculty member who can serve as a mentor over the course of program participation.

There is no formal application form, students submit documentation in PDF format satisfying the requirements listed in the information packet as their application. Applications will be reviewed by a James Scholar committee made up of UIC faculty. Select students may be invited for an in-person interview with those same committee members. Based on a review of the application and the personal interview, James Scholars will be selected.