Cech Fellows Program
Cech Fellows Program supports undergraduates through summer laboratory research, mentorship, and professional development to advance understanding of biology and health and explore research careers.
This grant was recently updated
Stipends are now specified: $15,000 at host institutions or $12,000 at Janelia with free on-campus housing. Eligibility now requires age 18 by May 1, 2027, good academic standing, full-program availability, and no participation in the 2026 Cech Fellows or 2025 SURP programs; other eligibility and logistics details also changed.
Funder: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Due Dates: November 10, 2026 (Applications open) | December 17, 2026 (Application and recommendation deadline)
Funding Amounts: Nine weeks: $15,000 at host institutions, or $12,000 plus free housing at Janelia
Summary: Paid summer research, mentorship, and professional development for rising undergraduate juniors and seniors in HHMI laboratories.
Key Information: Full-time, in-person participation is required throughout the nine-week program; no remote option is available.
Description
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Cech Fellows Program offers undergraduates a nine-week summer research experience alongside HHMI scientists at universities and research institutions across the United States, including HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus near Washington, DC. Fellows contribute to fundamental research advancing understanding of biology and health while exploring careers in biological and biomedical research.
The program combines hands-on laboratory work with scientific mentorship, professional development, and connections with fellow students. Students with quantitative backgrounds—including computer science, electrical engineering, physics, and mathematics—are also encouraged to explore biomedical research opportunities. Relevant fields include biophysics, bioengineering, computational biology, and neuroscience. Fellows conclude the summer by presenting their research at a symposium at Janelia. The program is named for former HHMI President Thomas R. Cech and reflects his commitment to developing future scientists.
