Biology research programs for high school students

Compare laboratory research, genomics projects, and health-data research. A coding project and a wet-lab placement require different preparation.

Sources checked Nov 10, 2026

Compare the programs

This is a selected list, not a ranking. Fees and eligibility come from the linked program sources. Check current dates before applying.

Scroll across the table to compare eligibility, costs, and project work.

Biology research programs for high school students
Program and sources	Who can apply	Costs to check	What you will work on
Simons Summer Research Program Research on campus Program details on SciTeens Program source 1 Program source 2	Grade 11; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; age 16 by the program start. A school nomination is required.	No tuition. Application fee: US$75, with need-based waivers. Students pay housing, meals, transport, and personal expenses as applicable.	Six weeks in a Stony Brook research group. Biology-related placements depend on the available mentors; students present a research poster.
Rockefeller Summer Science Research Program Research on campus Program details on SciTeens Program source 1	Current high school juniors and seniors; age 16 or older by the start. Full-time attendance in New York City is required.	The reviewed program overview does not specify fees, housing, or travel support. Ask the provider before making a budget.	Team-based laboratory research, followed by data analysis and a poster. The provider lists about 35 hours per week.
Summer Science Program (SSP) Residential research Program details on SciTeens Program source 1 Program source 2 Program source 3	Current high school juniors, age 15–18 during the program, with the required science and mathematics courses. International applicants are eligible.	Paid program with need-based aid, including for international students. The 2027 fee is not yet published; aid can include travel.	Residential team research in astrophysics, biochemistry, bacterial genomics, or cell biology. Each track has its own course prerequisites.
Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship Remote mentored research Program details on SciTeens Program source 1	For 2027: entering grades 9–12, older than 14 at the start, with strong independent programming skills. International applicants are welcome.	2027 tuition: US$3,000. Need-based aid is available to eligible U.S. residents; do not assume international aid is available.	Two weeks of virtual team research using health data and AI. Live sessions follow Pacific time, with additional independent project work.

How this list was selected

This list includes programs with biological research or health-data projects described by the provider. A particular lab or research topic is not guaranteed.

Before you apply

Read the prerequisites for your chosen track. Ask whether your work involves lab experiments, existing data, or literature, and who supervises it.

SciTeens does not run these programs or decide admissions. A listing does not mean applications are currently open.

Prepare for your project

Browse by student need

Browse all opportunities