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Medical Student Research

At the IU School of Medicine, research is vital to your education and growth as a future physician. Whether drawn to the lab, the clinic, or the community, research empowers you to ask bold questions, think critically, and contribute to the science that shapes patient care.

In the process, you’ll sharpen your analytical skills, fuel your curiosity, and connect to a community of scholars and mentors who push the boundaries of what’s possible in health care.

Why is research important?

Research shows commitment. Participation in research sets you apart from other applicants because it shows you've put in the work to fully understand a topic. It strengthens your residency application through your demonstrated commitment to evidence-based medicine and lifelong learning. Residency programs increasingly value applicants who exhibit scholarly curiosity and a commitment to advancing medicine.

Whether you decide to follow a track with IU, or pursue programs somewhere else across the globe, research is a wonderful option to boost your skills in your area of interest. For more information, please explore the tabs below.

Check out the specialty prep guides for information about research in competitive specialties

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Internal Research Opportunities

View research that we offer at IU School of Medicine.

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Travel Grants and Funding

Look for options to help fund your research.

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External Research Opportunities

Find research outside IU School of Medicine. 

Research Resources

The Ruth Lilly Medical Library offers a wide range of free online resources to support Indiana University medical students in their research journey. From expert-curated databases and e-journals to personalized librarian support and virtual classes, the library is a powerful ally in advancing scholarly work. Whether you're just starting a project or diving into advanced research, these tools are designed to help you succeed.

You can also request a consultation with a librarian using their Ask A Librarian form. Common consultation topics include: searching your research question in PubMed, promoting your scholarly work, troubleshooting EndNote, etc.