November 19, 2025 – Community
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CURE - Summer Only
The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Program is a full-time, paid, rigorous 7-11 week summer research internship for students interested in pursuing a career in scientific research. Through engagement in mentored summer cancer research projects, scientific and professional skills training, and networking and social events, students will acquire scientific knowledge and technical skills and increase their understanding of how to conduct biomedical research.
CURE (Summer Only) Applications are due February 6th, 2026.
Click HERE to apply!
Program Features
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Eligibility and Application
TO BE ELIGIBLE YOU MUST:
- Be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior or a college freshman, sophomore, or junior
- Be 16 years old at the start of the program
- Reside in and/or attend school in Massachusetts and be able to travel to the Longwood Medical Area in Boston five days a week in the summer
REQUIRED APPLICATION COMPONENTS INCLUDE:
- Completion of an application form
- Copy of transcript or report card from most current school and year
- Current résumé
- TWO Letter(s) of Recommendation (maximum of three; one of these letters must be from a science or mathematics teacher/professor)
Training Program News and Highlights
November 13, 2025 – Community
On Sunday, October 5th, 2025, the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center'sContinuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Program came together to celebrate the legacy of the CURE Program at the Jimmy Fund Walk.
September 09, 2025 – Community
At the recent final presentations August 5-7th, 76 students wrapped up either a 2-month paid summer research placement (the CURE program), a 2.5-year training initiative (the YES for CURE Program), or a paid, full-time…
July 15, 2025 – Announcements
CURE is fundraising with the Jimmy Fund Walk on October 5, 2025. Your support for the CURE Program helps the next generation of cancer researchers access high quality training and mentorship opportunities.
Program Highlights
Research Experience
Each student is paired with a research mentor for a full-time, hands on, authentic research experience. In addition to learning new scientific knowledge and acquiring technical skills, students also experience first hand the process of scientific discovery and observe in real time real world applications of advancements in scientific knowledge. At the end of the summer, students write up their newfound knowledge and scientific work in an abstract and present at our final presentation event.
Professional Development
The CURE program provides a comprehensive orientation program to prepare students for success in professional environments, particularly in the realm of scientific research at our academic hospitals. The summer is also filled with opportunities for social engagement, professional networking, resume building, career exploration, and personal development.
Scientific Knowledge and Skills Training
CURE students have access to a plethora of scientific knowledge and skills training opportunities, including scientific seminars, responsible conduct of research training, and journal clubs to learn to dissect scientific literature.
Networking and Community
Opportunities to expand personal and professional networks are plentiful throughout the summer. Students participate in organized career networking roundtables, conduct informational interviews to explore their personalized academic and career interests, and meet a wide variety of scientific professionals. They are also encouraged to build connections with their peers in the program to develop community through social events and team building days such as our annual visit to Hale Reservation. They are also connected with our extensive alumni network!