Program for Research in Science and Engineering (PRISE)

To be eligible for PRISE, students must:

• Be a continuing Harvard College undergraduate in good academic and disciplinary standing.
• No prior research experience is required—students at all levels are welcome.
• Be able to commit full-time for the entire 9–10 week program, including:
  • on-campus scientific research, and
  • all PRISE activities and evening programming.
• Be conducting significant research in the natural, physical, engineering, or applied sciences with a Harvard faculty mentor (FAS, HMS, SPH, affiliated hospitals or institutes, or other approved University units).
• Note: The following do not qualify as significant scientific research for PRISE:
  • archival research
  • clinical shadowing or clinical activities
  • routine technical or clerical lab assistance
• Not hold other jobs, internships, courses, or service commitments during the program; students may not receive both wages and a PRISE stipend for the same work.
• Not have participated in PRISE previously. Former Fellows may apply to serve as proctors or program assistants.
• Preference is given to students who have not yet participated in any Summer Undergraduate Research Village program.

The Program for Research in Science and Engineering (PRISE) is a summer community for Harvard undergraduates doing research in the life sciences, physical and natural sciences, engineering, and applied sciences. The program brings students together to support one another, exchange ideas, and expand their creativity as researchers. The program benefits include: 

• Residential Life. PRISE Fellows live together in a Harvard House for the full length of the program. A dedicated team—including program leadership, a resident dean, proctors, and program assistants—helps create a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Dining. Fellows receive a full meal plan and eat together in designated dining halls, making it easy to connect with peers and build community.
• Programming and Workshops. PRISE Fellows take part in a weekly Distinguished Speaker Series, featuring scientists, engineers, and innovators from Harvard and beyond. Fellows also participate in workshops on topics such as research ethics, writing abstracts and articles, creating posters, presenting research, and exploring post-graduate opportunities. Attendance and participation are expected as part of the PRISE experience.
• Social and Recreational Activities. Fellows have access to Harvard’s athletic facilities—including the MAC, Hemenway Gym, and Blodgett Pool—and a full calendar of social events. These may include outings in Boston, group excursions, Red Sox games, and activities organized by Fellows themselves.
• Stipend. In addition to room and board, PRISE Fellows are provided a nominal stipend as part of their award.

PRISE looks for students who will thrive in—and contribute to—a diverse residential community of undergraduate scientists. Reviewers consider the following:

We welcome:

• Students from all backgrounds who are motivated to pursue summer scientific research
• Both students new to research and those with prior experience
• Students in good academic standing with coursework or experience that prepares them for scientific inquiry

A strong application shows:

• Clear commitment to developing your scientific interests
• A verified research opportunity in a lab or active research setting (confirmation may come after the deadline)
• Enthusiasm for living and participating in a collaborative residential research community
• Relevant preparation, such as coursework with lab components or equivalent experience

How we evaluate applications:

• Quality of your essay responses
• Insight from letters of reference
• Evidence that you will benefit from—and contribute to—the PRISE community

The PRISE application has several parts, all submitted through the online application system. Complete the sections of the application in order. You will also request your evaluator form and, if needed, your lab confirmation through the same system.

Application Form:
Provide basic biographical information and answer a few questions about your research interests. If you do not have a confirmed mentor yet, list up to three possible mentors you have contacted or are considering. Be sure to complete the section entitled "Complete First Evaluator and Faculty Research Lab Host Information" first! This will inform the other application elements that are presented to you for completion.

Resume:
Upload a one-page resume that highlights your academic experiences, coursework, skills, and activities.

Unofficial Transcript:
Upload your unofficial Harvard transcript with fall grades and your spring course registrations.

Two Essays (500 words each, 12-point, Times New Roman font, double-space):
Submit two separate essays—one about your research interests and one about your approach to community. Please add in the header of each essay your name and indicate which essay it is, PRISE Research Essay or PRISE Community Essay.

For the Research Interests Essay, describe the scientific question or problem that interests you, what you hope to work on this summer, why it matters to you, what preparation you bring, and what you hope to learn.

• If you don’t yet have a confirmed research project, briefly describe the projects or labs you are exploring and what steps you’ve taken so far to confirm them. Why do these seem like a good fit for your ambition and skill?
• If you do have a confirmed project, describe the work you expect to do and with whom, in clear, accessible language.
• In both instances, be sure to reflect upon your specific interests and experiences, writing in your own voice, rather than simply rewording material from Wikipedia or a lab web page. This essay should convince a committee of scientists in different fields that you have thought carefully about both the science and your goals and can clearly communicate your unique set of interests. 

For the Community Essay, using specific examples from your time in your Harvard house or dorm, or from within other clubs, teams, or groups describe how you have supported others’ learning or contributed to community in the past, and explain how you plan to help build a supportive, collaborative environment in PRISE.

Academic Evaluation Form:
Instead of a traditional recommendation letter, PRISE uses an Academic Evaluation Form, requested through the application portal (Request section). Your evaluator should be someone in the Harvard academic or research community who knows your academic initiative. First-year students may use a high school academic or research mentor. If your evaluator is also your Harvard-affiliated faculty summer research host, they will confirm your lab placement through this form. Academic evaluation forms are due by February 1.

Faculty Research Host Confirmation Letter (if needed):
If your evaluator is not your faculty research host, you will need to request a separate research confirmation letter through the system (Request section). Your faculty research host must confirm your placement and provide basic details about the project and mentorship. All research hosts (see Eligibility) must be Harvard affiliated faculty members. Graduate students and postdocs are not members of the Harvard faculty.

• If you already have a confirmed placement, your faculty research host must submit confirmation by February 1.
• If you do not have a confirmed placement yet, submit your application with a placeholder request to URAF. Use the email address undergradresearch[at]fas.harvard.edu. Once you secure a faculty research host, replace the placeholder with a request to your actual faculty research host host, who must submit confirmation by March 1.
  • Note: If you complete your application without initiating a placeholder request, you will not be able to submit. Click "Request Section" and be sure both your evaluation and placeholder requests have been initiated.

You may submit your application before your academic evaluator or faculty research host submit their materials. All confirmations must be submitted through the online system.