Investigating Neurosciences, a Summer Program to Ignite Research and Education (INSPIRE) is an immersive research education program for early-stage undergraduate students to study alongside nationally and internationally recognized experts in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research at the Indiana University School of Medicine. The multi-week summer research education program, housed within the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, is intentionally designed to provide a unique and supportive training environment for undergraduate students to enhance their passion for research and be prepared with the skills and confidence to pursue research careers in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The program accepts freshman through senior undergraduate applicants.
undergraduate training
Learn from renowned researchers in Alzheimer's disease and dementia
Applications
The application window for the 2026 inaugural INSPIRE program is open. The deadline is Jan. 15, 2026. Early-stage undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for the summer program.
Training with leading experts at the nation's largest medical school
The IU School of Medicine leads a comprehensive program in Alzheimer's disease research spanning basic, translational and clinical research, that is focused on optimizing clinical care for patients with Alzheimer's disease. The school, which year over year ranks highly in the nation for National Institute of Aging research and receives tens of millions of grant dollars from the National Institutes of Health to fund Alzheimer's disease research. Students in the INSPIRE program will receive hands-on structured summer research experiences and mentorship opportunities from dozens of leading neuroscientists who specialize in Alzheimer's disease research at the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute.
- Through personalized mentorship, including training in experimental design, data analysis and scientific writing, along with workshops on laboratory techniques and ethical research practices, participants will enhance their critical thinking and motivation, boosting retention and success in their majors and encouraging further participation in research.
- Students will engage in weekly science talks, journal clubs on recent research and skill-specific workshops. These activities will help them master core scientific principles and acquire in-depth neuroscience knowledge, preparing them for their degrees and professional advancement. Sessions and workshops will focus on critical thinking, problem-solving and effective communication, fostering both academic and professional growth.
- Engagements include networking with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research professionals from a variety of careers and touring both academic and industry research facilities, such as pharmaceutical companies and biotech startups. This exposure will equip participants with the insights and connections needed to navigate and succeed.
Participant Benefits
- Competitive stipend
- Housing is provided for those living outside of the Indianapolis area
- Mentorship by graduate students, postdoctoral, and faculty
- Community building within the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, the Medical Neuroscience graduate program, and other IU School of Medicine programs
- Present poster of summer research project at the Stark Summer Science Symposium at the end of the program
- Applicants are expected to participate full-time during the program. Participants may not enroll in courses or have outside employment during the program. The program will recognize campus holidays (Juneteenth and the Fourth of July).
Eligibility Requirements
- Current undergraduate student (we cannot accept high school students)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Application deadline (with all supplemental materials) is Jan. 15 of each year. The application requires college transcripts, personal statement, resume/CV, and at least one letter of recommendation (from an academic setting).
Please direct all questions regarding the summer program to mneuro@iu.edu.