T35 Short-Term Research Training Program
Introduction
The University of Illinois Short-Term Research Training Program (SRTP) provides first-year medical students with a two-month mentored research experience in the mission areas of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). These mission areas include kidney diseases, urological diseases, hematological diseases, digestive diseases, nutrition, diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolic diseases.
Program Overview
The SRTP program brings together an outstanding team of established and emerging mentors with expertise in basic/mechanistic, clinical/translational, and behavioral/community-based research, spanning the NIDDK mission areas. This program is based at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. It is open to all year one medical students (in the summer between years 1 and 2). Eligible applicants must not be enrolled in any other course work during the program period. Summer 2026 will take place during the dates of June 29, 2026 – August 21, 2026.
In addition to mentored research, students will meet in person, three times a week, to participate in an interactive structured curriculum focused on research methodology, responsible conduct of research, and career development. To learn the principles of rigor and reproducibility and develop presentation skills, students will co-lead with a research mentor, work-in-progress seminars, and journal club sessions. Though the program lasts two months, the SRTP will foster continued research involvement after the program ends.
Students must choose a research mentor from a list of faculty associated with the program that can be found via the following link: faculty mentor. A selection committee will review the applications and select the most qualified student applicants to fill 15 fellowship positions.
***External Applicants – You must provide a letter from your Dean/Advisor confirming you will not be enrolled in course work during the summer program period, BEFORE applying.