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2009 Summer Research Program

Note, starting spring 2009, PASTEUR will be asking mentors to contribute its half of the stipend paid to students participating in its summer program.   Details can be found in the Stipend section.  In addition, application procedures have been updated, see the Application Timeline below for details.

What It Is:
The PASTEUR Summer Research Program introduces Harvard medical students to patient-oriented research (POR). The students selected will utilize unique strategies and specialized methods in a mentored research setting, and receive a stipend for the eight weeek summer program. The program features three components:

  • Mentored Research Experience: emphasizing hands-on involvement, not observation.
  • Didactic Component: mandatory Weekly didactic sessions will ensure broad exposure to a variety of patient-oriented research areas.
  • Presentation of Project: PASTEUR students will present their project at the end of the program in August, discussing the goals, progress, and future direction for their research.

Who is Eligible:
First-year students from Harvard Medical School (including the Health & Sciences & Technology Society) are eligible to apply.

Pre-Register Now:
Pre-registration greatly assists planning of PASTEUR resources. To pre-register, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with your name, area of research interest, and prospective mentor(s).  Most students find it eases the planning process to meet with Mr. Sours at the beginning of the academic year.

Planning your Project/Selecting a Research Supervisor ("Mentor"):
PASTEUR emphasizes student-initiated selection of mentors and projects, although please note that This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Summer Program co-Directors, have final approval. Your Society's Research Fellow must also be consulted and approve of your project plan. You will be required to submit a formal proposal in order to apply to the Summer Program.

  • For advice on how to begin, see Finding the Right Project and Mentor.
  • PASTEUR has compiled a list of Representative Mentors and Projects. You may use this list to help you develop your project.  Other sources include a database of research opportunities available from the OEP site on MyCourses.
  • Inaugurated in 2009, the HMS January  "Intersession" courses assists students with the formulation of scientific hypothesis and discuss methodologic considerations.

Funding and Administration:
The PASTEUR Program and the Harvard Medical School Office of Enrichment Programs (OEP) jointly produce this program. The application tasks listed below include those required by the OEP as well as PASTEUR. Posters or manuscripts arising from this program should acknowledge both programs.

Stipend:
The usual stipend paid to HMS first year medical students conducting summer research is $4000.  The OEP pays $2000 of this, and expects mentors to pay the remaining $2000.  In the past, PASTEUR has paid this amount on behalf of mentors as a means of encouraging more mentors to offer spots to students.  However this policy is changed as of February 1, 2009.   We intend to ask prospective mentors to adopt the traditional HMS funding formula and provide $2000 to students working with them in the summer. 

Description of Application Tasks:

1. Pre-register by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it in the fall semester, as described above.

2. The co-Directors of the PASTEUR Summer Program,  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ,  can be contacted with questions about appropriateness of the clinical research orientation, mentorship, or feasibility of your research idea.

3. Confirm what forms the OEP will require for your application. Examples include a letter of commitment from your prospective mentor, mentor's NIH biosketch or CV, and all IRB information on your project. Instructions and forms are available on the OEP site on MyCourses or by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

4. Participate in the HMS January "Intersession" course on research.  This course will help you develop your ideas for a research project and mentor into a formal proposal, which you may submit to PASTEUR for review.  Be prepared to make required modifications to your proposal. 

5.  The proposal you submit to PASTEUR must be four pages and address the following: a) background, b) aims, c) hypothesis, d) precise methods - including statistical methods such as sample size/power calculations, selection process for subjects/controls, and the timeline for data collection & analysis, e) expected results and finally f) bibliography. The source of your proposed mentor's funding for this project must also be verified, please submit an NIH biosketch.  For additional assistance see Writing Your Proposal.  
Note: PASTEUR must approve your proposal before you can be admitted to its Summer Program.  Email your draft proposal to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Please include a copy of your prospective mentor's NIH Biosketch or CV.  Please be aware you may be required to modify your draft more than once.

6. Submit your finalized Project Proposal along with all required HMS application forms to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it of the OEP by the date listed on the Application Timeline below.

 

    Application Timeline:
  • Pre-register, obtain initial approval from PASTEUR by December 19, 2008
  • Meet with prospective mentor, PASTEUR, and Society Research Fellow to develop project plan during December and January, 2009
  • Participate in the January "Intersession" course on research and develop your research proposal for submission to PASTEUR.
  • Students in Castle, Cannon, Peabody, and Holmes submit research draft proposals to Kari Hannibal of the OEP by February 1, 2009. 
  • Submit draft proposals due to Clint Sours for PASTEUR approval: before Feb 6, 2009
  • Modify your draft as required by PASTEUR, the OEP and your society master: Feb 2009
  • Final proposals and completed application must be submitted to Kari Hannibal of the OEP by March 1, 2009.  (HST/London Society students should submit their proposals to Kari Hannibal by March 25, 2009.)
  • Submit any required IRB proposals to HMS Office of Research Subjects Protection: April 1, 2009
  • PASTEUR confirmation of acceptance expected by May 30, 2009
  • Expected Summer Program begin date: June 16, 2009
  • Expected Summer Program end date: August 7, 2009        

     


    Note: Attendance and participation in PASTEUR's supplemental curriculum sessions is required. Sessions begin after Harvard classes end in June. The course schedule is announced in early June. Please check this site for further information or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .