Applications are open for the 2026 summer lab internships offered through Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University (SIU). Paid positions will be awarded on a competitive basis to undergraduate students who plan to pursue careers in medicine or research with a focus on cancer. Applications will be accepted through February 16.

Established in 2009, the internship program gives college students hands-on experience working alongside researchers in active cancer research labs. The program is supported by Denim and Diamonds, the cancer institute’s annual gala that benefits cancer research, patient programs and the needs of SCI’s patient community.

Internships will be based out of the School of Medicine with sites at the Springfield campus and at the Carbondale campus. Housing is not provided. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. The anticipated dates for the nine-week program are June 1 to July 31, 2026.

“Our summer internship gives future scientists and clinicians their first exposure to real research,” said Dr. Aziz Khan, executive director of Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU. “Most participants have continued on to medical school, graduate school or careers in research.” To date, 68 students have completed the program.

Eligibility and application details

Qualified applicants must have completed their first year of college by June 2026 and be entering their sophomore, junior or senior year in fall 2026. Students who previously participated in an SCI internship are not eligible.

The application can be found at the following website: https://www.siumed.edu/cancer/sci-summer-internship 

At the end of the internship, students present a brief summary of their research to SIU faculty, peers, families and supporters of the institute.