ResearcHStart
ResearcHStart is a multi‑institutional program for high school students that includes the University of Illinois Cancer Center, part of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), as one of its satellite research sites. The others are the University of Chicago, which administers the program, Rush University, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
At UIC in the Cancer Center, ResearcHStart students gain hands-on research experience, working in a faculty lab on an independent project.
At a Glance
- 2026 Program Dates: June 15 – August 7
- Program Length: 8 weeks, 35 – 40 hours per week
- Daily Schedule: See a sample summer schedule
- 2027 Application: Not yet available
If you want to be in ResearcHStart at UIC in the Cancer Center, you must rank UIC as your No. 1 choice on the application.
Eligibility
- High school students completing their junior or senior year
- Find more eligibility information on the ResearcHStart website
In addition to gaining lab experience, ResearcHStart students also attend workshops, lectures, and engage in other activities focused on building research, professional, and academic skills.
At the end of their summer lab experience at UIC in the Cancer Center, students present their work at the Cancer Center's annual student research symposium.
Questions?
Please email crtec@uic.edu.
