What does everyday life in a research lab look like? How does a research group function? And which questions occupy scientists as they drive their projects forward? Each summer, 12 to 15 carefully selected Bachelor students have the chance to explore these questions at first hand at the Biozentrum, University of Basel.
Involving students early in real research has a long tradition at the Biozentrum. With the Biozentrum Research Summer, the program committee has created an additional opportunity for highly motivated undergraduates to experience what it really means to be a researcher: from planning experiments and analyzing data to discussing results with experienced scientists. "With the Biozentrum Research Summer, we wanted to create a further opportunity for motivated students to experience first-hand what it means to be a researcher, and what an exhilarating experience doing science really is”, says Prof. Flavio Donato, head of the program.
The internship is aimed not only at students of biology, but also at Bachelor students in nanosciences, chemistry, physics, computational sciences and related fields from all over Europe. Over the course of seven to nine weeks between mid-July and mid-September, they work full-time on an original research project in one of the Biozentrum’s research groups.
During this time, participants sharpen their scientific thinking and learn how to document and present their findings, while becoming familiar with diverse questions in the life sciences. At the bench and the computer, they acquire a variety of experimental and analytical techniques. The projects cover a broad spectrum, from structural, computational and cell biology to developmental biology, microbiology and neurobiology.
For 2025 participant Lia Biscafé-Park, the Research Summer marks a decisive step in her studies: “I was very happy to see mathematics applied to biology and real-world problems, rather than just being used to solve exercises in math classes”, she says.
Alongside lab work, students take part in an attractive scientific and social program. Informal meetings with group leaders and other scientists, joint events and activities in and around Basel help the participants grow into a community and builds connections beyond the program.
Applications for the Biozentrum Research Summer 2026 can be submitted online from January 2 to February 25, 2026 (12.00 noon CET). Find out more about the program and apply here.