Cech Summer Research Experience

Gain Hands-on Experience in Research & Lab Work

The HHMI Cech Fellows Program is a 9-week, full-time, immersive research experience running from June 14, 2027 to August 12, 2027. Fellows:  

• conduct cutting-edge basic research in an HHMI lab for their own educational benefit  
• participate in professional development workshops   
• engage with a vibrant scientific community  
• build essential skills for future success in a scientific career   

Funding & Logistics 

As a Cech Fellow, students:  

• receive a $15,000 stipend if placed in an HHMI lab at a host institution, intended to cover travel, housing, meals, and incidentals. (Students are responsible for arranging their own housing.) 
• receive a $12,000 stipend if placed at HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus. (Students placed at Janelia have access to free, on-campus housing.)
• participate in an end-of-summer symposium at the Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA, from August 10–12, 2027, at which they present their research and meet other Cech Fellows from across the country. Food, lodging, and travel to and from the symposium are provided by HHMI. 
• are matched with a local contact from their host lab who will provide suggestions for local housing options. Students are expected to travel to arrive at their host institutions by June 14, 2027.  

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The program is open to undergraduate students who: 

• are rising juniors or seniors, defined as students who have completed at least two years of coursework by June 14, 2027, and will not have earned their bachelor’s degree by September 1, 2027. 
• have a strong interest in lab research — though no prior research experience is required.  
• are lawfully permitted to participate in the Program as a US citizen or national, as a legal permanent resident, or otherwise under the terms of their visa or other legal US immigration status, through at least August 12, 2027. Note that HHMI does not sponsor visas for this program or pay any fees associated with visas. 
• will be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States or US territory. 
• are currently in good academic standing at their undergraduate institution (not on academic probation or similar status). 
• will be 18 years of age or older by May 1, 2027. 
• are available to commit to full participation for the duration of the 9-week program (June 14, 2027 to August 12, 2027). 
• have not previously participated in HHMI’s 2026 Cech Fellows Program or the 2025 HHMI Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP).