Introduction

The U21 Health Sciences Group International Development Group (U21HSG IDG) is committed to fostering international collaboration and promoting research excellence across the health sciences field. Piloted in 2025, we are pleased to introduce a Student Research Opportunities program, which offers undergraduate students (and postgraduate students in the future) the chance to participate in innovative research projects hosted by leading universities worldwide. This program aims to enhance the students' academic and professional development while building global research networks.

Objectives:

• Global Research Experience: Students will engage in interdisciplinary research within health sciences, gaining exposure to international methodologies and practices.

• Collaborative Learning: By collaborating with peers and mentors from partner institutions, students will broaden their perspectives on global health issues.

• Professional Development: The program provides a platform for developing practical skills, including critical thinking, project management, and scientific communication.

Program Details:

• Eligibility: Open to undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and postgraduate (Master’s, not PhD) in health sciences-related fields from all U21HSG member universities.

• Duration: 8-16 weeks

• Location: Students will have the opportunity to conduct research at any of the partner institutions listed above.

• Funding: Specific funding might be available from your home institution to support travel, accommodation, and living expenses during the research placement. Students are encouraged to check with their institution's international or research offices for available grants and scholarships.

• Fees: Students will bear the travel and accommodation costs. Please note that most of these research projects are unpaid opportunities.

Outcomes:

Participants will gain:

• Hands-on experience in research methodologies.

• Insights into global health challenges and solutions.

• Networking opportunities with international scholars and professionals.

2026 Opportunities

In 2026, the program offer opportunities to students looking for research opportunities in U21 HSG network. Please note the different deadlines for each institution.

Participating Universities:

Application Deadline and Enquiry Contacts:

Please note that application deadlines are institute-specific. Please reach out to the corresponding contact at your institute listed below for questions.

• Lund University:

  • Application Deadline: 28 Feb 2026

  • Contact: Teresa Svarvell <teresa.svarvell@med.lu.se>

• McMaster University:

  • Application Deadline: 27 Mar 2026

  • Contact: Laura Harrington <harrinl@mcmaster.ca>

• Tec de Monterrey:

  • Stay Tuned for Projects

  • Contact: Verónica Fernández Castro <vfernandez@tec.mx> or <Internacional_EMCS@servicios.tecsalud.mx>

• University College Dublin:

  • Stay Tuned for Projects

  • Contact: international.medicine@ucd.ie

Project List (Updated as of 2 Mar 2026; stay tuned for more):

How to Apply:

Enquiries

U21 HSG Secretariat Office, u21health@gmail.com