Frequently Asked Questions about SRPG
Will students have responsibilities outside of the research experience?
Yes. Students are expected to fully engage in all research activities including group meetings and journal clubs with their mentor. In addition, students will participate in weekly activities such as faculty-led seminars, career development seminars, journal clubs, check-ins with program staff, a scientific communication course, GRE prep workshop and other social activities planned by the Diversity Initiative staff. Lastly, at the summer’s end students will participate in a poster symposium and present their research orally in a PowerPoint presentation and write a technical paper.
Where can students find information on previous projects or potential research areas?
Students can find information about former participants and their projects on the SRPG site by clicking on the links for previous years. They can also learn about all of the Broad research programs at on our Programs page. Please research these pages to learn more about the exciting research happening across the Broad's many research areas.
How are research projects assigned?
Research projects are assigned based on the research interests, skill sets, and level of experience of each student. Students will have the opportunity to describe their interests and goals in the SRPG application.
Who is eligible to apply?
The Broad's Summer Research Program in Genomics (SRPG) is a National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) funded research education program to support undergraduates who are underrepresented minority groups. These groupsa include American Indians or Alaska Natives, blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, and Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders; as well as individuals with disabilities. In addition, applicants must be enrolled in a four-year college with a graduation date of December 2013 or later; be a US citizen or permanent resident; be majoring in the physical, biological, or computer sciences, engineering or mathematics; have an interest in pursuing graduate school; and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale).
When does the program begin and end?
The program begins in early June and ends in early August.
Is housing provided for students?
Yes. Paid housing accommodations are provided and all participants are expected to live in arranged housing.
Do students receive compensation?
Yes. The Broad pays for round trip airfare to and from Cambridge as well as housing, and all students receive a stipend of $4,250.00.
How do I apply to the program?
You may apply using the online application. You will be required to complete the online portion of the application in one session. This online session will include completing a personal information form, uploading your resume and unofficial transcripts, and describing your previous research and summer program experience as well as your educational objectives. You will need to supply an unofficial transcript from all undergraduate colleges and/or universities.
Two letters of recommendation are also required. Each letter of recommendation will be uploaded by the recommender using the Submit a Recommendation form at http://broad.io/srpgrec.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for our SRPG 2013 cohort has now passed.
If you wish to receive a notification of the 2014 application availability, please complete the SRPG Inquiry Form and we will add you to our mailing list.
What materials are required for the application?
A complete application will consist of an application form providing personal information, a description of previous research experience, a summer program and educational objectives statement answering the following questions, an unofficial transcript from all undergraduate colleges and/or universities, an updated resume and two letters of recommendation.
You will answer the following questions in your summer program and educational objectives statement:
- What are your educational and career plans?
- What are your current scientific and research interests; and their overlap with the Broad’s research activities?
- What are your reasons for applying to SRPG?
- What will you contribute to the program?
- If you are a returning student, why is spending another summer at the Broad crucial to achieving your goals?
How will students know they’ve been accepted into the program?
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by email as decisions are made. All decisions will be made by the end of March.
