The Carolina Medical Student Research Program is a combination of 4 main funding sources: NIDDK Short Term Research Training Grant (STRT), Research Training in Otolaryngology/ Head & Neck Surgery, UNC Medical Alumni Endowment Fund,and the UNC Medical Foundation Fund which grant stipends for over 40 students to engage in research each year. Most projects are short term (8 to 12 weeks) and typically are conducted in the summer after the first year of medical school. A few one-year projects and short-term school year projects are funded, as money is available.

Each student finds their own mentor and develops a research project to submit with their application. The application process has been designed to mimic the grant funding process of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). For students planning to apply for grants in the future, this program will provide an insight into the granting process.

Eligibility: Medical students who have completed one semester and are in good standing at their respective institutions. Most students (80%) participate the summer after their first year. Students are expected to work full-time on their projects. Students who are pursing a MD/PhD combined degree are not eligible for this program. Different funding sources have different eligibility requirements. The Office of Medical Student Research will work with students to confirm their eligibility before funds are awarded.

Requirements: Students are required to participant in a series of courses and informal meetings if these are held while they are doing their research. The Program may stipulate other alternative training sessions if research is being conducted from September-May. Check here for the calendar of events for Summer 2010. All students must have IRB/IACUC approvals BEFORE the start of the project, no exeptions. At the end of the research experience, students must submit a short paper (2-3 pgs) and abstract (250 words) describing their findings.

Stipend: The stipend amount awarded depends on the funding source and the length of the proposed research project. The average stipend amount for the NIDDK STRT grant and other funding sources was $4,800..Each stipend will be administered in two payments, the first being a month after you start your research and the second after you have fulfilled the requirements at the end of your project. They will be distributed by Direct Deposit

Application Process: Deadline for funding for the summer (May through August) of 2010 is 5:00pm on Monday, February 8, 2010. Students interested in funding for one-year projects must also submit their applications at this deadline. If you wish to pursue a research project between September-April, you may submit an application at any time.