The Building Diversity in Biomedical Sciences (BDBS) Program offers a ten week, mentored research experience for students interested in pursuing future PhD or MD/PhD studies. The Program begins at the end of the first week of June and ends in the second week of August. Trainees also attend scientific seminars and workshops on academic and career guidance, participate in organized social activities, and have free time to explore the Boston area. Trainees receive a $4,000 stipend, travel expenses within the US, and are provided with on-campus housing.
Program Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in a four-year undergraduate program, have successfully completed at least one year of college and be US citizens or US permanent residents. The NIH and the Sackler School encourage applicants from members of groups that are under-represented in the biomedical sciences. The NIH has reported that groups under-represented in biomedical or behavioral research include African-American, Hispanic-American or Latino/a, American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Pacific Islander and members of economically disadvantaged families and disabled persons.
Deadline
All application materials must be received by the Sackler School by February 15. Applications for admission are reviewed as they are received; applicants are encouraged to submit all required materials as early as possible. Applications received after February 15 will be considered only if space is available. Applicants will be notified of a decision around May 1.
Apply Online
Go to Online Application Form. On question #1, select the “Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences” for the school to which you are applying. On question #6, select “Yes” that you are applying to the Sackler School Summer Research Program. The online application will direct you from there. Applicants may skip the “Testing Information” section on page two of the application, and “Reasons for Applying to More Than One Program” section on page five.
Once your application has been submitted you will receive notification from Embark, the online application system. The Tufts Application Management System (TAM system) will email the applicant once the Sackler Dean’s Office has accepted the application from Embark. The TAM system email will contain a username and password that will allow you to log on to view the status of your application at any time throughout the admissions process. Please wait up to 48 hours after receiving the email from the TAM system for your application materials to be updated.
Contact Information
Office of the Dean – Admissions
Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences
Suite 813
Tufts University School of Medicine
136 Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: (617) 636-6767
Email: 