Application Process

Program Dates

Our program is year-round, with new enrollment cycles beginning at the start of every semester.

  • Summer | May → August
  • Fall | September → December
  • Spring | February → April

To stay informed on the latest news and deadlines, please be sure to follow our social media pages for the most recent updates.

Application Process

Eligibility and Requirements

Eligibility & Requirements

To be eligible to apply for the Student Research Experience (SRE) Program, students MUST be:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Registered at an academic campus / INBRE partner
  • Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA
  • Have completed at least (1) semester of their freshman year of a 4-year degree in biomedical-related or bio-behavioral sciences, OR Community College student who has completed at least (1) semester of their program of study

See PDF of INBRE Eligibility and Requirements

Know Your Student Category

Student Structure

Interns are new participants joining for the first time, while returning students advance to Associates. On the other hand,  Scholars are students who have been with INBRE for 3+ semesters they serve as experienced role models for their peers. Scholars also require additional documentation and INBRE leadership evaluation. 

Awards & Compensation

  • Interns: Certificate of Completion
  • Associates: Certificate of Completion and award payment of up to $1,500 per semester.
  • Scholars: Certificate of Completion and award payment of up to $2,000 per semester.

*Award is contingent on 1) Availability of funds, 2) Productivity, and/or 3) No Budgetary Overlap for the research project – If the student accepts funding from another source after the student is awarded INBRE SRE Associate/Scholar status, INBRE SRE student type will be modified to Associate (Unfunded).

See PDF of INBRE Overview

Program Requirements

This is a year-round program and include 10-weeks of research

  1. Complete a Lab Supervisor Acknowledgement (LSA) form with identified host laboratory
  2. Obtain the necessary Laboratory Safety Training to perform identified research duties
  3. Attend Student Orientation 
  4. Meet regularly with your lab mentor to assess progress and properly accomplish the goals of the research project
  5. Complete Individual Development Plan (IDP) within 60 days
  6. Participate in INBRE Biomedical Symposium (Spring Semester) 

NOTE: SRE Associates and Scholars are required to attend and present their poster. Interns are not required to present; however, we encourage interns to present a poster and/or attend as an invaluable research experience.

Before you begin your application

Please follow these steps on how to start your INBRE student research experience (SRE) application. For questions please email inbre@hawaii.edu.

STEP 1. Finding a Prospective Lab Mentor

Interested applicants MUST find a prospective lab supervisor & meet to discuss a research project prior to submitting an application. We recommend students reach out to prospective lab supervisors prior to the application open date. If students are unsure where to start, please reach out to your designated INBRE Campus Coordinator(s).

Also see ‘Lab Supervisor Guidelines & Expectations‘

For students who have NOT previously participated in the INBRE Program, interested applicants must submit a Pre-Application. Here is the link to the pre-application: [link]

Please assure that the Lab Supervisor Acknowledgement (LSA) Form is completed before submitting your Pre-Application.

Once complete, pre-applications will be routed to the INBRE Campus Coordinator and – if approved – students will receive a link to complete the Student Profile and Full Application.

For the Full-Application, students are required to upload the following:

For students who HAVE previously participated in the INBRE Program, please email inbre@hawaii.edu requesting for a continuing application link.

Students who are interested in applying as an INBRE Scholar must proceed with the following:

  • Contact respective INBRE Campus Coordinator to discuss interest in scholar application [Link to campus coordinators]
  • INBRE Campus Coordinator must email inbre@hawaii.edu requesting for a scholar code
  • In the LSA Form, student must attach a Letter of Support from their intended lab mentor

All scholar applications are reviewed by the INBRE Leadership Committee and will be processed accordingly.

Semester Cycle: What to Expect

Students who are accepted into the program will receive an email containing their INBRE Student Award Letter, which outlines the details of their award, laboratory supplies and additional program requirements. Beyond their research activities, students are strongly encouraged to engage in supplementary INBRE-sponsored activities designed to enhance their professional development. Please see the various activities that occur each semester:

Summer Semester:

  • INBRE Summer Bioinformatics Course
  • RAIN Summer Student Exchange Program
  • Professional Development Series
  • Genome on the Go Workshops

Fall Semester:

  • Professional Development Series
  • Genome on the Go Workshops

Spring Semester:

Interested in Applying? See the application link below!

Application Link