The University of Lausanne Summer Undergraduate Research (SUR) Scholarship Programme 2022. SUR Scholarship Programme 2022.
Few entering university students have had significant experience with research into the unknown. Initial university courses provide descriptions of fundamental processes that are well established, indeed “in the textbooks”. The first opportunity to do research at the edge of the unknown can be a life-changing experience that is remembered for the rest of one’s life. The School of Biology of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) proposes the Summer Undergraduate Research (SUR) Programme for the uninitiated to obtain that first experience.
During 8 weeks in July and August, the SUR Programme hosts about 15 Bachelor (first university degree) students with both biological and medical studies backgrounds from around the world (including 1-2 from Lausanne). Each participant will perform an individual research project in a different laboratory of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine. This programme aims to attract outstanding motivated students from near and far for a research experience that will remain with them for their lifetimes.
While most of the time is spent in the host lab, each week the students come together for shared academic activities, often with participants of the sister programme at the EPFL. These activities include introductory student research presentations, lectures from faculty members on research topics and their career paths, and career guidance workshops in academia and beyond.
At the end of the summer, students present the results of their research on a poster during a joint UNIL/EPFL Symposium and write a final report.
Students also enjoy many social activities, including a hike in the Alps, barbecues, swimming in Lac Léman, and visits to other cities in Switzerland!
[tds_note]The SUR Programme committee and the School of Biology are pleased to announce the opening of the online application to candidates from all around the world for the 2022 edition from mid-December till January 31st, 2022 (midnight CET).[/tds_note]
[tds_warning]The SUR Programme 2022 will take place from July 4th till August 26th and will only take place if the health situation allows it, according to the recommendations of the FOPH (Federal Office of Public Health) and the Swiss Confederation.[/tds_warning]
Who is the SUR Programme for?
The programme is geared towards students who are currently mid-way through their bachelor’s degree.
We welcome students studying any field in the life sciences, as well as those pursuing medical studies. UNIL is unique in having a combined Faculty of Biology and Medicine, and we are keen to offer to medical students the possibility to perform research.
Students of any nationality, studying in any country, are welcome to apply but should have very good English language skills. While most students come from abroad, applications from local students from the UNIL or the EPFL (or elsewhere in Switzerland) are also welcome.
The University of Lausanne Summer Undergraduate Research (SUR) Scholarship Programme 2022 Accommodation, Travel and Visas
The program coordinator will arrange and pay for the housing. Students will be housed in a furnished apartment of one of the UNIL associations, in a single room with a shared kitchen and bathroom. The program coordinator will inform you when your housing assignment is made, how to contact them and where it is located.
The programme will also provide a scholarship of approximately CHF 1500 to cover other living expenses. It is advised to bring extra money for expenses above and beyond standard housing and living expenses (e.g., weekend travel).
Limited funds are available to cover the justified costs of travel to Lausanne. In general, up to CHF 500 for European travel and CHF 1200 for overseas travel is covered. Original receipts, proof of payment and boarding passes will be required for reimbursement.
Assistance will be provided to all students who require visas to come to Switzerland. The scholarship will not cover visa fees for accepted applicants.
Participants must be covered for health and accidents from their home country.
Lab Assignment
The final lab assignment will be given to selected participants once we get their confirmation of participation in the programme. We will use the stated lab preferences mentioned in the online application as a basis for the assignment.
Eligibility and Selection
The programme is aimed at students who are currently mid-way through their bachelor’s degree in any biological or medical field. Applicants who have completed only one year of an undergraduate degree or are currently in their last year are not eligible. Master-degree students are not eligible.
The programme is highly competitive and students are chosen based upon their academic record (typically GPA >3.75 or equivalent, and/or top 5% class ranking), personal statements, and letters of recommendation.
If your university does not use a 4-point scale, then include an explanation of your grading scale in the online application (under curriculum vitae B). Differences in grading scales will be taken into consideration, but you must be in the top 5 % of your class.
Students should have very good abilities in written and spoken English and must be present for the entire programme to participate. For organizational matters, we cannot change the programme’s date.
Selected participants will be informed via email about 4 weeks after the application deadline.
How to Aply for The University of Lausanne Summer Undergraduate Research (SUR) Scholarship Programme 2022
=> Before applying online, please carefully read the procedure below which will give you all the necessary indications, step by step.
Then, complete the online application form available at this link https://courses.unil.ch/cours/fbm and upload your CV in a PDF format. The CV should not exceed one single page and should include:
- A list, starting with the most recent, of the most relevant THREE academic prizes/fellowships that you have received (max. 100 words).
- A list, starting with the most recent, of the most important THREE occupations, other than as a student, in which you have engaged to any considerable extent, giving names and location of employers and dates of employment (e.g., military service or volunteer work experience) (max. 100 words)
- Any other relevant information about yourself (hobbies, skills, interests, etc) (max. 100 words).
- Personal statement
Please give your reasons for wishing to participate in the UNIL SUR Programme (e.g., your academic background, scientific interests, long-term professional goals, any previous research experience and what you hope to accomplish by attending the SUR Programme (max. 400 words).
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