University of Lausanne Summer Undergraduate Research Programme 2025

Few entering university students have had significant experience with research into the unknown. Initial university courses provide descriptions of fundamental processes that are well established, indeed “in the textbooks”. The first opportunity to do research at the edge of the unknown can be a life changing experience that is remembered for the rest of one’s life. The School of Biology of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) proposes the Summer Undergraduate Research (SUR) Programme for the uninitiated to obtain that first experience.

During 8 weeks in July and August, the SUR Programme hosts about 15 Bachelor (first university degree) students with both biological and medical studies background from around the world. Each participant will perform an individual research project in a different laboratory of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine. This programme aims to attract outstanding motivated students for a research experience that will remain with them for their lifetimes.

While most of the time is spent in the host lab, each week the students come together for shared academic activities, often with participants of the sister programme at the EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne). These activities include introductory student research presentations, lectures from faculty members on research topics and their career paths, and career guidance workshops in academia and beyond.

• Table of Content
• About University of Lausanne (UNIL)
• Summer Undergraduate Research Programme
• Aim and Benefits of Summer Undergraduate Research Programme
• Requirements for Summer Undergraduate Research Programme Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About University of Lausanne (UNIL)

The UNIL was born in 1537. It was then intended for the training of pastors. The only French-speaking Protestant theology school, it enjoyed great notoriety at that time. Over the centuries, the number of chairs has increased and teaching has diversified. In 1890, the Academy received the name and status of university. In 1970, she gradually left the center of Lausanne to settle in Dorigny. The end of the 20th century witnessed an important cooperation and development project between the universities of Lausanne, Geneva, Neuchâtel and EPFL. In 2003, two new Facu... continue reading

Summer Undergraduate Research Programme

Application Deadline	31 Jan 2025
Country to study	Switzerland
School to study	University Of Lausanne
Type	Undergraduate
Sponsor	University of Lausanne (UNIL)
Gender	Men and Women

Aim and Benefits of Summer Undergraduate Research Programme

• Free Accommodation
• Living Stipend: A generous stipend of CHF 1,500 will be provided to cover additional living expenses.
• Travel Allowance:
  • For Europeans: Up to CHF 500
  • For non-Europeans: Up to CHF 1,200.
• Visa Assistance: The program provides support to participants who require a visa to enter Switzerland.

Requirements for Summer Undergraduate Research Programme Qualification

• The UNIL Summer Program is open to students from all countries.
• Must be an Undergraduate student.
• The Program is open to students with a background in students in biology, medicine, or a related discipline with a strong focus on biological  sciences.
• Applicants will have completed two years of bachelor’s degree
• Having prior research experience is not necessary.

Application Deadline

January 31, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to University of Lausanne (UNIL) on courses.unil.ch to apply

To apply, complete the online application form available in this link and upload:

1. A document in PDF format providing information that will be used in the selection process. Please use the template available here (SUR Programme 2025 application questionnaire).
2. Academic transcripts in pdf format (if not in English or French, an authenticated translation should also be submitted as part of the same transcript pdf document).  If your university does not use a four-point scale, then include an explanation of your grading scale in the SUR Programme 2025 application questionnaire.
3. Two recommendation letters, which must be submitted by people familiar with your academic work (e.g., professors). During the application process, you will be asked to indicate the contact details of your referees. An automatic email will be sent to them asking to fill out the recommendation letter template available here.

You will find on our website the potential host laboratories list in the UNIL Faculty of Biology and Medicine. In your application, you must indicate two labs in which you would like to conduct research.

For more details,visit UNIL webpage