InSPIRE Innovative Summer Program of Intensive Research Education
Innovative Summer Program of Intensive Research Education (InSPIRE)
2026 INTERNSHIP
The Hormel Institute’s Innovative Summer Program of Intensive Research Education (HI-InSPIRE) offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to immerse themselves in a 10-week, hands-on research experience. This program, supported by the American Heart Association, is designed to provide exposure to cutting-edge biomedical and translational research in areas related to cardiovascular diseases. To learn more about InSPIRE please visit https://hi.umn.edu/hi-inspire
Throughout the summer, participants will work alongside program faculty members, contributing to real-world research projects while developing a deeper understanding of the scientific process. Interns will take part in a series of professional development sessions, research skill-building workshops, career exploration events, and faculty-led seminars.
Low cost housing is available on a limited basis.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Students entering their Junior or Senior year of undergraduate studies, or planning to graduate in May of 2026 at the time of application.
- 3.0 minimum GPA.
- Previous coursework or lab experiences in Chemistry and/or Biology.
- Community involvement & leadership experience
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & BENEFITS
- Program dates: May 27, 2026 - August 7, 2026 (10 weeks/40 hours per week)
- $6,000 stipend and $3,000 travel allowance to attend a national conference
- Laboratory-based biomedical research experience under the guidance of The Hormel Institute researchers.
- Apply foundational coursework knowledge into practice in a real- world research laboratory setting.
- Weekly intern focused professional development engagements.
- Cardiovascular focused professional development seminars
- Bolster scientific communication skills by developing a research poster and presenting results at The Hormel Institute Symposium.
- Students must be able to attend the full, 10-week summer research program.
SELECTION
The position will remain open until January 19, 2026.
Incomplete applications may not be considered. Please ensure you have uploaded all requested materials listed in google form. We highly recommend providing your references with enough time to write a letter, prior to the deadline.
Please ensure that the email you provide in the application is one that you intend to use frequently for program communications. Application status and other communication will happen via the email address you have supplied. It is imperative that you have reliable access to email.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be submitted via the google form found here
Apply by submitting:
- Current resume or CV
- Undergraduate school transcripts- please upload in pdf or unofficial format
- 2 letters of recommendation from college professors, mentors or supervisors
- Recommenders should submit letters to hi-education@umn.edu by January 19, 2026.
- 1 Page personal essay describing the following:
- Academic and career goals
- Interest in cardiovascular or health/medical research
- How you will benefit from the InSPIRE program
- What you want to learn or accomplish from this program
- Past research experience
- If applicable, and any personal challenges you have faced that have influenced your life and/or academic career.
ABOUT THE HORMEL INSTITUTE
The Hormel Institute is an independent biomedical research department within the University of
Minnesota’s Office of the Vice President for Research. Established in 1942, The Hormel Institute celebrates over 80 years of innovative research and today’s vision is “We inspire discoveries that improve and extend human life.” The Hormel Institute’s biomedical research is primarily focused on cancer research and the center is cutting edge, after tripling in size in 2008 and again doubling in size in 2016. The Hormel Institute is continuing to grow and expand to broaden our impact through innovative, world class research. Our scientists have complete access to the most cutting-edge technologies. The Hormel Institute is located in Austin, MN, conveniently located 35 miles from Rochester, MN, and 100 miles (1.5 hours) south of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The Hormel Institute offers a collaborative, innovative, supportive work environment where you will contribute to our vision of “inspiring discoveries that improve and extend human life.