The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE)


NOTICE: The application period for the 2010 program is open. Please check the Eligibility and application page for directions on how to apply.

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CURE is a mentored research experience augmented with lab experience, career advisement, presentation skills, and public displays of findings to a world-renowned scientific community.

Make important discoveries about cancer. . .

Make important discoveries about yourself.

The CURE program introduces high-school and college students from underrepresented populations to the world of cancer research by placing them in real research settings. We collaborate with local cancer research institutions to create opportunities for underrepresented students. Our goal is to encourage students to pursue future careers in the biosciences — particularly cancer research — giving practical meaning to academic course work. At the same time, students make a valuable contribution to the DF/HCC research mission. By participating in a program at DF/HCC — an NCI comprehensive cancer center with over 900 researchers at seven major Harvard institutions — students will learn from experts who are devoted to preventing, treating and curing cancer. Each year, a number of promising students are selected for this unique opportunity to expand and extend their interest in basic, clinical, or population science cancer research or nursing.

What will I gain from taking part in CURE?

You will work in a cancer research environment, getting hands-on experience you will not find in any classroom. You will spend time alongside scientists and use state-of-the-art technology. You will learn what a research career is really like, develop a wide range of skills, and take part in groundbreaking cancer discoveries that change the world, one experiment at a time.

In addition to receiving a stipend, you will also benefit from these educational opportunities:

  • Be assigned to your own mentor and advisors, who will oversee your work and offer guidance
  • Attend seminars with researchers and physicians
  • Develop your writing, speaking, and presentation skills
  • Learn about issues and ethics in the research field
  • Attend academic-year seminars and special programs
  • Get the chance to meet other students in the CURE program
  • Gain access to guidance and career counseling

CURE Summer program: June 21-August 20, 2010

The 2009 CURE Class

In addition to working in a mentored, research environment resulting in a project students can call their own by the end of the summer, CURE students will be taking part in activities such as these:

  • Seminar series on scientific research and professional development to familiarize students with relevant medical initiatives, new training technology, treatment and psychosocial issues of cancer patients, potential career paths, and other topics.
  • Comprehensive orientation program including 2 day training session on skills related to students’ research environment.
  • Session with a medical library on the use of biomedical research tools.
  • Journal club that will assist with navigating scientific papers.
  • Outings that highlight the relationships between academia and industry.
  • Networking and social activities.

Dual year program: June 21, 2010-May 20, 2012

The 2 year CURE program provides students with a full-time mentored research experience during the first summer, followed by a part-time continuum of activities throughout the academic year. Students return to a full-time mentored research experience the following summer and complete the 2 year program during the spring of the 2nd academic year.

During the academic year, students are required to participate in seminars on professional development and science research, as well as attend guest lectures. Continuing to work in the research environment is optional. Students will give presentations on any ongoing research and participate in various “Science in the News” discussions on innovations in science, medicine and health.

Sample schedule of events during an academic year program:

Development Seminars:
Scientific Presentation Requirements & Scientific Literature
Roles of Scientists in Our Society
Career Path Options
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Guest Lectures:
Information and Communication: Opportunities to Transform Public Health
From A Brand Name to a Generic Drug
Bioinformatics in Research
Cancer and Immunology

Science in the News (student-run sessions):
Disease vs. Disease: How one disease may ameliorate another
Survival of Prostrate Cancer by Income
New Target for Tumor Angiogenesis

Additional Internship Listings

For an extensive listing of internship opportunities and science-related programs at New England educational institutions and biomedical/biotechnology organizations, please visit the Biomedical Science Careers Program - The New England Resource Directory - http://www.bscp.org