About

The Wistar Institute High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research is a four-week summer research internship at one of the country's oldest and most respected independent biomedical research institutes. Founded in 1894 and located in West Philadelphia's University City district — steps from the University of Pennsylvania — Wistar has been running this high school program since 1994, giving it one of the longest track records of any biomedical summer fellowship in the region. The program is free of charge and awards a $1,500 stipend upon completion, placing it among the more financially accessible research opportunities available to Philadelphia-area students.

The program admits 15 students each summer. No acceptance rate is published, but the cohort is small and the application requires transcripts, recommendations, and essays; students must be at least 16 and currently enrolled in a science course. Priority is given to students enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia but students outside this region are also eligible to apply. No prior research experience is required or expected.

Over four weeks (July 6–30, 2026, Monday through Thursday), students work in Wistar's state-of-the-art Training Lab, learning foundational biomedical techniques while contributing to active institute science projects in areas including cancer biology, vaccine development, and infectious disease. The curriculum also covers scientific literature reading, career exploration across the life sciences, and a final research presentation. SEPTA passes are provided to cover transportation. A select subset of participants is invited to continue for an additional three weeks (August 3–21) in individually mentored cancer research labs — a meaningful second tier for students who distinguish themselves during the core program.

For Philadelphia-area students with genuine interest in biomedical research, the Wistar Fellowship offers an unusually direct path into a working research institute, with no cost barrier and a stipend that makes participation practical. The extended research track, available to standout participants, brings the experience closer to the individually mentored lab work found at more nationally competitive programs.