NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research (SIP)
On this page:
- Purpose
- NIDDK Contact
- Application Process
- Find a Mentor
- Eligibility
- Length of Award
- Benefits and Services
- Federal Background Check
Purpose
The program provides a developmental training experience to promising high school (18+), undergraduate, and graduate students who have expressed a strong interest in or are studying disciplines related to biomedical sciences. Additional program details are available on the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education site and NIH summer handbook (PDF, 1.29 MB) .
NIDDK Contact
Contact the NIDDK Summer Internship Program Team before applying to the program.
Application Process
The application will open in mid-November. After mid-November, apply to the program by the deadline on the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education website. In your application, indicate that you are interested in a position in an NIDDK lab.
Find a Mentor
After you apply for a position, review NIDDK Labs and Branches and identify potential faculty whose research interests align with your goals. Consider contacting faculty directly to discuss your interest in a position at NIDDK. Read tips for finding the right mentor.
Eligibility
Applicants must be
- 18 years of age or older on June 1, 2025
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- in college (including community college), in graduate/professional school, in senior year of high school, or high school graduates that have been accepted into accredited college or university programs at the time of application
- able to pass a federal background check
Each NIH Institute or Center (IC) is responsible for establishing its own policy on the granting of fellowships to students who are relatives of IC employees. However, in no case may trainees receive a training assignment in a lab or branch where a relative has authority for resource allocation decisions.
Restrictions published by the Department of Labor must be followed regarding assignments that may be hazardous or detrimental to the health and well-being of students.
Length of Award
Short duration during the summer (May 13 through August 2)
Benefits and Services
Learn about numerous benefits and services available to trainees in this program.
Federal Background Check
To be approved for access to NIH facilities and systems, candidates must be able to pass a federal background check, using Standard Form-85 (read SF-85 (PDF, 204 KB) ). NOTE: Section 14 of the form asks, “In the last year, have you used, possessed, supplied, or manufactured illegal drugs?” The question pertains to the illegal use of drugs or controlled substances in accordance with Federal laws, even though potentially permissible under state laws.