The Intensive Summer Education Program in Translation Research for Undergraduate Students (INSPIRE-US program) at Case Western Reserve University aims to expose and recruit students to the Clinical and Translational Science (CTS) workforce. The program achieves this by introducing undergraduates to various activities designed to increase their awareness of CTS careers and pathways, boost their self-efficacy, and provide them with a learning community where they feel valued and motivated to pursue a future career in CTS.
The INSPIRE-US program is a 10-week summer program that offers mentored research experiences, career coaching and planning, journal clubs, social networking, and classroom instruction on the fundamentals of CTS.
Participants in the program will be assigned to one of three thematic areas: the biological basis of health and illness, clinical and public health research, and health technology and innovation. Throughout the program, participants will receive guidance and support from a career coach and their research mentors as they gain hands-on research experience and develop their skills in CTS.
What is Clinical and Translational Science (CTS)?
The National Institutes of Health defines clinical and translational science as converting observations made in the laboratory, clinic, and community into interventions that enhance the health of individuals and the public at large. This includes everything from diagnostics and therapeutics to medical procedures and behavioral changes.
Summer 2026 Program Dates:
The program will be split into two parts: a virtual period and an 8-week in-person period.
| Virtual Period | In-Person Period |
|---|---|
| The virtual period of the program will involve virtual/Zoom meetings starting in the late spring. Exact dates are TBD and dependent on student availability. | The in-person component of the program will run from June 2 - July 24, 2026. During the in-person component, the students will spend most of their time working in their lab. |
Eligible Program Participants
To be eligible to apply for the program, you must:
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Have an interest in a career related to clinical and translational science
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Proof of current undergraduate enrollment status (e.g., transcript, letter from advisor, or registrar) indicating good standing at college or university. Students enrolled at a community college are encouraged to apply.
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Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident
Compensation
As part of the program, participants will receive a stipend of $800 per week, amounting to a pre-tax total of $8,000 over the 10-week duration. Along with this, they will also be provided up to $1,000 to aid with housing expenses, up to $500 to assist with travel expenses, and an additional $1,000 to cover expenses related to research. Case Western Reserve student/guest housing is available for participants.
*Please note: The cost of CWRU housing for 8-weeks exceeds the $1,000 housing stipend provided by the program. Participating students are expected to pay the difference of housing cost after the stipend is applied.