Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program

  • What Our Scholars Have to Say

    The Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program offers an immersive research experience, pre-professional development, and social engagement

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    Emily Rivard

    "I worked on exciting research alongside scientists at the forefront of their field. It fostered my ambition to pursue a Ph.D"

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    Anne Berhe

    "In and out of the lab, I was constantly able to grow with a diverse community of incredibly bright scientists."

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    Nikko Jeffreys

    "The mentorship I received in the program proved invaluable in developing my skills for conducting independent research."

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    Julia Flores

     "The friends and mentors I gained that summer are still some of my biggest supporters. I continue to benefit from the network."

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    Madison H. McMinn

    "This program opened the door to my graduate school career, and I will be forever grateful for that."

Program Description

The Amgen Scholars Program at Harvard is a 10-week residential summer research program for undergraduates interested doing research in biotechnology and related biomedical sciences.

The dates for Summer 2024 are June 5, 2024 through August 10, 2024. 

Harvard Amgen Scholars conduct hands-on, innovative research in cutting-edge facilities of Harvard under the mentorship of faculty and direct project supervisors. Laboratory hosts are affiliated with a variety of divisions of the university - the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) departments:  Physics, Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB), Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB); as well as Harvard’s research institutes and professional schools: Wyss Institute, Broad Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI),School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), the Division of Medical Sciences (DMS) at Harvard Medical School (HMS).

Harvard Amgen Scholars participate in scholarly and pre-professional development sessions and cohort social activities and attend the North American Amgen Scholars Symposium. Examples of Harvard’s pre-professional development and scholarly training include workshops and panels on the topics such as science communication, research integrity, PhD and MD/PhD student experience, and graduate school funding opportunities. Additionally, the scholars have the opportunity to speak to program alumni as well as other graduate students, scientists and biotech and other industry professionals.

Scholar are expected to:

  • Participate fully for 10 weeks (early June through mid-August). Amgen Scholars cannot take courses and have another job.
  • Live on Harvard’s Cambridge campus in provided housing
  • Participate in the laboratory culture of their research group.
  • Attend all required seminars, workshops, weekly activities, and social events, including the Amgen Scholars Symposium in July and live provided housing for the duration on the symposium.
  • Present summer research project at final oral presentation.
  • Complete program surveys, assignments and readings.

Scholars receive:

  • A living stipend of $5,000
  • Housing and meals covered by the program
  • Travel allowance of $650 for  traveling to/from Boston, MA

 Note: Final decisions about accommodations and travel will be contingent upon institutional and government COVID19 safety mandates.

Eligibility

The Amgen Scholars Program at Harvard selects undergraduates with high academic success, research interests in the biotechnology fields, and commitment to the pursuit of a career in science.

Amgen Scholars applicants must meet the following criteria: 

  • U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents (students who have questions about eligibility should contact the program directly)
  • Undergraduate students enrolled in accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories
  • Sophomores (with four quarters or three semesters of college experience), juniors or non-graduating seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue undergraduate studies)

Applicants must also have:

  • A cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or above (on a 4.0 scale)
  • An interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.

All students who meet the above criteria may apply. The program especially encourages applications from individuals who come from groups traditionally underrepresented in the STEM fields – African American/Black, Chicano/Latino/Hispanic, Puerto Rican, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Pacific Islander, women, and those with disabilities – as well as individuals who come from underesourced areas and individuals whose backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives would bring diversity to the biotechnology fields.

Previous research experience is not a requirement for participation in the program.

How to Apply

THE DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS IS FEBRUARY 1, 2024, 11:59PM EASTERN TIME.

Step 1: Review program information and application materials thoroughly.  

Reach out to the program if you have any questions ahead of the application deadline. Read the biotechnology/biotechnology-related research descriptions of potential faculty hosts carefully and determine up to three different research groups that study what you would be interested in doing research for the summer. You will note who these faculty hosts on your application form.

Step 2: Generate a Harvard Key.

Non-Harvard applicants: Create a "HarvardKey" before beginning the application process.

Please create a HarvardKey here by entering your email address and name, and any additional required information. Your HarvardKey will be used to access CARAT, where you will submit your application. After you create your HarvardKey, it will take approximately one hour before CARAT will recognize your HarvardKey credentials.

Applicants from Harvard College: Submit applications to
CARAT using your Harvard key credentials.

Step 3: Request recommendation letters.

Download the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Recommender Instructions HERE RECOMMENDER INSTRUCTIONS

  • TWO (2) letters of recommendation are required. Letters should be from science professors, academic advisors, or previous/current research mentors.
  • Please enter your recommenders in CARAT before starting any other application materials. Send a recommendation request to your recommenders through CARAT. Give your recommenders plenty of time to write strong letters.
  • Send each of your two recommenders the instructions, which highlights the topics we would like addressed in letters of recommendation.
  • Letters are due on CARAT by February 1, 2024, 11:59PM EASTERN TIME.

Step 4: Prepare your materials.  Download 2024 Application and Essay Form  

In addition to letters of recommendation, a complete Harvard-Amgen Scholars application also includes

1. 2024 Application and Essay FormDownload 2024 Application and Essay Form  

 Complete the Application Form and Essays. All of your essays must be inputted into this form. Please allow time to transfer that information into the required form.

2. Transcript containing Fall 2023 grades.

 A .pdf copy of your unofficial transcript including Fall 2023 Grades and Course Titles. You may either scan the transcript or submit an unencrypted unofficial electronic version if offered by your institution. Transcripts must NOT be encrypted. An encrypted transcript will NOT be accepted and your application will be considered incomplete. Please note that upon admission to the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program, students will need to provide an official transcript

3. Two page resume.  

A recent copy of your resume saved in .pdf format. The resume should be maximum 2 pages in length, in 11 point font and should highlight relevant research or work experiences, skills learned that relate to research and additional relevant information. Any resume page beyond the 2 page limit will not be considered.

To download the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program 2024 APPLICATION AND ESSAY FORM, please click the button below. 
Step 5: Submit your application materials. 

The deadline for all materials is FEBRUARY 1, 2024, 11:59PM EASTERN TIME. 
Once you have completed the required application components, upload and submit your application materials in .pdf format. Please note that if you are not ready to submit your application materials immediately following your online registration, you may go back to the materials submission website at a later time before the deadline. 

Information for Recommenders

Please download the Recommender Instructions below. Once the applicant has entered your information into our Centralized Application for Research and Travel (CARAT) system, you will receive an email prompt from carat.app@fas.harvard.edu with a link to upload your letter of recommendation to CARAT. Please submit your letters of recommendation directly to CARAT. The deadline to submit letters of recommendation is February 1, 2024. Please contact us by email (amgenscholars@harvard.edu) or phone (617-496-6220) with any additional questions you may have.

Click here for instructions: RECOMMENDER INSTRUCTIONS

Faculty Profiles

The Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program collaborates with faculty across the university. Applicants should select up to three potential faculty hosts from the departments, institutes, and schools listed below.

Applicants should not reach out to faculty prior to being admitted to the program. Admitted students to the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program will be connected with potential faculty hosts by the Amgen Scholars Program staff. 

Please look carefully at the faculty profiles and links below to determine up to three potential faculty hosts with biotechnology-based or biomedical research projects that you are interested in participating in during the summer program.  Please also consider this sample of past host labs as another tool to start your lab search:  PAST HOST LABS

Wyss Institute
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Physics
Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Harvard Stem Cell Institute
Division of Medical Sciences at Harvard Medical School (Faculty trainers affiliated with 6 PhD programs of the Division.)
Broad Institute (must have Harvard faculty appointment)
 

If you have questions about faculty hosts or their Harvard appointments, please contact the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program (amgenscholars@harvard.edu).

Past Amgen Scholar Projects

Please click here to learn about past Amgen Scholar Projects and the labs that hosted them. 

FAQ

Application & Participation

FAQs

Can I apply to more than one Amgen Scholars Program site?

Yes. Eligible undergraduate students are welcome to apply to any or all of the Amgen Scholars Program sites. Be aware: Each Amgen Scholars Program site has its own application process and requirements.

I am an international student. Am I eligible?

No. You must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident undergraduate student currently enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university in the United States, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territory.

My Spring classes don’t end until after the program starts. Should I apply? Will I still be allowed to participate?

Students accepted into the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program are allowed to join us up to one week after the program has begun.

I am graduating this coming May. Am I eligible for the program?

No. In order to be eligible for the Summer 2024 Amgen Scholars Program, you must be returning to your four-year college or university in Fall 2024 to continue your studies as an undergraduate student.

I transferred from a community college. Can I apply?

Yes. If you are enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university at the time of your application submission, you are eligible for the Amgen Scholars Program.

Do I need previous research experience to apply?

No. Previous research experience is not required to participate in the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program. However, applicants should demonstrate a passionate interest in biotechnology research.

I just submitted the application. What happens next and when will I know whether or not I have been accepted?

After the deadline has passed and after an initial review of your application is performed, you will receive an email confirming your application has been received, is complete and is being reviewed. Applicants who are being strongly considered for the cohort will be conducted at the end of February through March 1. All applicants will be notified of the selection results after interviews are completed, starting the first week of March. Please do not contact our office requesting updates on the status of your application. 

When will I know if I am accepted?

Notifications will be issued starting March 1st.

Can I leave for vacation during the program?

No. You are required to participate for the entire 10 weeks unless you must arrive after our start date due to final exams. In cases where students are completing final exams during the first week of the program, students' time in the program is reduced to 9 weeks. 

Can I work or take a summer class during the program?

No. The Amgen Scholars Program provides an opportunity for you to dedicate 100% of your time to the program. Since outside commitments detract from your summer research experience, part-time jobs, volunteerships, and taking summer courses are not permitted.

 

Transcript

FAQs

Are unofficial transcripts accepted?

Yes, we will accept scanned .pdf copies of unofficial transcripts. Submitted transcripts must meet the following criteria:

  • Include Fall grades
  • Include Course Titles (course numbers not accepted)
  • Must NOT be encrypted
  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to find out if the electronic unofficial transcript is encrypted from their Registrar. An encrypted transcript (official or unofficial) will NOT be accepted and your application will be considered incomplete.

My GPA is on a 5.00 point scale. How do I convert these scores?

To convert a 5.0 GPA to a 4.0 GPA scale, divide your cumulative 5.0 GPA by 1.25.

I am transfer student. What transcripts am I required to submit?

Please submit your transcripts from the institution(s) you previously attended and from your current 4-year college or university (including Fall grades).

I studied abroad in the Fall semester. My transcript from that experience or the grades from those courses will not be available by the program’s application deadline. What should I do?

Please submit a scanned .pdf of your most recent unofficial transcript. However, be mindful that we cannot consider applications unless they are complete, which includes a transcript with the Fall semester. You should contact your study abroad program and your home institution to request a transcript with Fall grades whenever they are available. Please make sure to email our staff (amgenscholars@harvard.edu) to keep us updated on your situation.

Recommendation Letters

FAQs

Who should I ask to write letters? 

People who know you well and have experience working with you in an academic and/or research setting, which may include faculty, principal investigators, or professors. It is preferable not to have both of your letters of recommendation from the same lab. 

Do I need to wait for letter writers to submit their letters before I hit submit on my application? 

No. Supporting letters of recommendation can be submitted independently. Letter writers should upload their letters directly CARAT using the information they received when you requested their letter through CARAT.  Please be sure to follow up with your recommenders after submitting your application to confirm that they have submitted their letters. 

I transferred. Do you accept letters from my previous institution? 

Yes. We will accept letters of recommendation from your previous school, particularly for recent transfer applicants. 

 

Lab Selection

FAQs

What is a faculty host?

A faculty host is a Harvard-affiliated faculty member in whose lab you will be working for the duration of your 10 weeks in the Harvard-Amgen program. When choosing potential mentors, you should pick those whose lab work and research interests you, and that aligns with your own research interests and future plans.

How does the lab matching process work? Will I get to choose my host lab? 

Admitted Harvard Amgen Scholars will work with the Program staff to finalize a list of faculty, to whom the program will reach out. The program staff will make initial contact to potential faculty hosts to gauge availability to mentor a student. Scholars will then be interviewed by potential faculty lab hosts via Zoom about their specific interests and assess fit and match to the lab and its research goals. Ultimately, the match between the scholar and lab is determined by these conversations.

Should I contact potential faculty mentors ahead of the application?  

No. Applicants should not contact potential faculty hosts in advance of acceptance to the program. Likewise, admitted students should NOT contact potential lab hosts, as the Amgen Scholars program staff with manage the matching process and outreach to faculty.

I am a student doing research at Harvard. May I continue that research in the coming summer as an Amgen Scholar?

The Amgen Scholars Program supports faculty-student collaborations in biotechnology and biomedical fields. If your current research project is biotechnology-based, it is possible that you may be able to continue that research as an Amgen Scholar.  However, given the volume of applications we expect to receive, it is not a certainty that we will be able to accommodate your request based on this criterion alone. 

 

Accommodations

FAQs

 

Are travel costs to/from Boston for the program covered?

The program will cover up to $650.00 maximum of the Scholar’s travel expenses to and from the program - specifically, from home or school location to Boston, MA before the start of the program in June and expenses for the return from Boston, MA to home or school location in August). The program will provide specific guidance on making flight arrangements.

For participants who plan to drive, mileage is reimbursed at a federal mileage rate up to the cost of a roundtrip flight from your originating destination (whichever may be less). The travel allowance is only for the Amgen Scholar. 

 

What type of housing is offered?

Amgen Scholars will live in one of Harvard’s River Houses in single or double room accommodations, within suites or stand-alone rooms. Rooms contain ceiling fans (NO air conditioning). The program provides additional personal fans for each Amgen Scholar.

There are no kitchen facilities available to any undergraduate program participants over the summer months. Amgen Scholars will each receive a microfridge unit.

 

Will I have a room mate?

Possibly. Amgen Scholars may be assigned to single occupancy or double occupancy rooms, either as stand-alone rooms or within suite-style accommodations.

 

Harvard has many labs in different parts of Boston and Cambridge. How do students travel to labs?

Students travel to labs through a variety of ways. Typically, scholars who are in labs based on Harvard’s main campus in Cambridge, will walk from their residences to lab sites. Others will take Harvard’s shuttles for Harvard’s affiliated labs at Harvard’s medical school and Allston-based engineering campus. If a laboratory site is not accessible by Harvard’s shuttle system, the program will cover public transportation costs. For any accommodation and accessibility concerns, scholars should directly be in contact with the program well in advance of the start of the program.

 

Contact Us

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US at amgenscholars@fas.harvard.edu

Program Manager: Pamela Gaddi, PhD, Assistant Director, Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, Harvard College