US-Sweden Clinical Bioinformatics Research Training Program
University of San Diego
Department of Integrated Engineering

Application Deadline Friday, February 4
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Applications will be available on Wednesday, December 1 for the 2022 Program.
Applications will be due on Friday, February 4 and decisions sent to applicants by Tuesday, March 1.

General Info

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The University of San Diego hosts and coordinates an international research experience for students (IRES) summer program in Bioinformatics at the Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab) in Stockholm, Sweden. SciLifeLab is a consortium of researchers from Sweden's top universities: the Karolinska Institute (KI), Stockholm University, The Royal Institute of Technology, and Uppsala University, with the goal of addressing the greatest challenges in the life sciences. SciLifeLab has put an emphasis on developing next-generation sequencing techniques, positioning the institute as a global leader in using 'omics' data and bioinformatics to advance human health. As an integrated member of a research group at SciLifeLab, you will perform 10 weeks of supervised research related to a common theme of advanced computational bioinformatics. You will be mentored by some of the world's leading bioinformaticians, which will prepare you for a career in bioinformatics, bioengineering, or related fields. Research projects include using bioinformatics techniques to understand cancer, aneurysms, nuclear biology, and exercise physiology.

Key Program Dates:
Virtual Training Series (90-minute session on Zoom/week): April 11, 2022 to May 27, 2022
Pre-departure Symposium (at the University of San Diego): June 6, 2022 to June 9, 2022
Group Travels to Stockholm together from San Diego: June 10, 2022
Research Program: June 13, 2022 to August 19, 2022

2022 Program Mentors:
Adil Mardinoglu: https://www.scilifelab.se/researchers/adil-mardinoglu/
Magda Bienko: https://www.scilifelab.se/researchers/magda-bienko/
Carsten Daub: https://www.scilifelab.se/researchers/carsten-daub/
Claudia Kutter: https://www.scilifelab.se/researchers/claudia-kutter/
Lars Maegdefessel: https://ki.se/en/meds/lars-maegdefessel-group
Lukas Käll: https://www.scilifelab.se/researchers/lukas-kall/

2021 Program Website & Blog:
Read about last year's program here: https://sites.google.com/sandiego.edu/nsf-ires-us-sweden/home/

Program Highlights

  • $6000 stipend.
  • 7-week virtual training series (one 90-minute meeting/week) to prepare for your research visit (4/11/2022-5/27/2022).
  • 4-day pre-departure symposium at the University of San Diego to prepare for your research visit (6/6/2022-6/9/2022).
  • Free on-campus housing at the University of San Diego during the pre-departure symposium.
  • Round-trip travel to Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Perform cutting-edge bioinformatics research with program mentors from 6/13/2022-8/19/2022.
  • Free housing in dorms associated with the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm during the summer program.
  • Professional development workshops.
  • Round-trip travel to the annual Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) National Meeting (October 2022; San Antonio, TX).
  • An opportunity to present at the annual BMES meeting.
  • Social outings in Stockholm.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Full-time undergraduate student at a primarily undergraduate institution in Southern California.
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Successful completion of a bioinformatics (or related) course.
  • Applicants must be fully availability during all program dates.
  • Students that will be rising juniors/seniors in summer 2022 majoring in bioinformatics, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, computer science or related fields are especially encouraged to apply.
  • Women, Black, Latinx, Native American, and LGBTQ+ students are especially encouraged to apply.
  • Participants must be 18 years of age by the start of the program and have completed at least 1 year of college coursework.

Application Information

  • Components of the online application include: personal and academic information, a personal statement, a copy of your unofficial transcript (PDF), a syllabus from a bioinformatics course you’ve completed, and contact information for a reference.
  • The person writing your letter of recommendation will be contacted via e-mail and will submit their letter online.
  • Once you begin an application, you can check its status by logging into this website.
  • All components of the application must be submitted before the deadline to be considered complete.
  • Only complete applications will be reviewed.
  • Submit your application once it is completed - your letter does not need to be received in order for you to submit the application.
  • Contact BioinformaticsIRES@sandiego.edu if you have any questions about the application/program.

Acknowledgment Of Funding Sources

National Science Foundation