Program Description
The ENGAGE summer research training program supports undergraduate, master's, or medical students interested in stem cell and regenerative medicine research. Students are provided opportunities for scientific growth by working with our renowned scientific investigators.
Applications for the summer 2025 program are open!
Financial Award
The National Center for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) funds undergraduate, master's, or medical student research training projects. Each award provides $4,000 as a trainee summer stipend. An additional $500 is given to the hosting laboratory for research materials and supplies.
Mentors are expected to match this award with a commitment of at least $500 for research supplies and materials for the trainee summer project.
Expectations
Mentor Expectations
The mentor(s) should be well-established and have:
- Mentoring experience with former trainees who have productive scientific careers
- Expertise in the proposed area of research
- Expertise in research methodology
The mentor(s) must commit the necessary time to provide both specific and general research training for the trainee, supervise the trainee’s research project, and provide the necessary equipment and resources to carry out the research project.
Trainee Expectations
The research and training expectations are that trainees will:
- Meet with their mentor or designee on a weekly basis
- Design or participate in one or more investigation projects
- Submit two progress reports to their mentor outlining the work being performed over the eight-week program (5th week and 8th week)
- Complete responsible conduct of research and safety modules, preferably prior to the start of the research period
- Attend department seminars to further develop an understanding of the field
- Acknowledge the support of the training grant in all posters and presentations that come out of the work in this program with “Supported by a ENGAGE Summer Training research grant from the National Center of Regenerative Medicine"
Training Site Expectations
The training site should conduct research related to stem cells and regenerative medicine and have an established research program as indicated by the following criteria:
- Successful extra- and or intramural competitive grant funding
- Current IRB-approved clinical, or laboratory investigations
- Research presentations at national or international meetings
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Dedicated funds, space, and support personnel available to ensure the completion of projects in which the applicant will participate
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in an accredited college or university and/or enrolled in medical school at Case Western Reserve University of Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
- Enrolled in school during fall/spring semesters preceding the summer term
- Select a mentor on the faculty of Case Western Reserve University; mentor must agree to the expectations noted above
- Be in good program academic standing
- Acceptance of Award
- Participate in End of Summer Symposium
- Submit Research Project Final Report to ncrm-training@case.edu
Application
Applications for the summer 2025 program are open!
Please submit the following in the upload section of the application form:
- Current curriculum vitae and/or Resume
- Brief (one page) personal statement of applicant’s interest in stem cell research and/or regenerative medicine, how you selected your mentor, and worked with your mentor to generate the proposal, along with your career goals
- Project Outline (one page) including:
- Project Title
- Project Overview
- Background/Rationale
- Hypothesis
- No more than two specific aims
- Letter of support from proposed project mentor
- Email from applicant's medical school confirming status as a current student in good standing
Review Criteria
- Scientific merit of the project
- Mentor responsibility to meet expectations for training as outlined above
- Quality of the research project summary
- Evidence of commitment by the trainee
Submission Deadline
The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. EDT, January 30, 2025.
Contact
Please contact ncrm-training@case.edu for more information.