Research Opportunities

Student in lab coat pipetting

As an MIT undergraduate, you will have the opportunity to participate in a large variety of research through subjects and department-sponsored programs. We’ll help you find the right fit whether you are entering MIT with lots of research experience or none at all. If you’re a non-MIT undergraduate, visit our Outreach section to learn about the Bernard S. and Sophie G. Gould MIT Summer Research Program in Biology (BSG-MSRP-Bio).

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) is a university-wide initiative that cultivates and supports research partnerships between MIT undergraduates and faculty. UROP provides experience in every phase of research and opportunities are available during the academic year and summer. Your first step is to identify a faculty supervisor whose research interests you. Almost all biology faculty members are interested in hosting UROP students; please reach out to them directly to inquire about UROP opportunities.

Click here to read Isabela Fuentes’ (Course 7 major, Biology DEI Council member) guide to finding a Biology UROP.

View UROP Application

Undergraduate Research Symposium

The annual Undergraduate Research Symposium takes place at the beginning of the spring semester.  A group of students selected by the Undergraduate Committee are invited to present their research to the MIT Biology community.

Any student in Courses 7, 5-7, or 6-7 who is participating in UROP or taking 7.18 is eligible. If you are interested in participating, your faculty supervisor and mentor must submit nomination letters to the Education Office during the fall semester.  Selected participants will be notified in December and provided with additional information about preparing an abstract and presentation.

Learn about past symposia: