Prestigious Fellowships Available for Undergraduate Research!

The Iowa Sciences Academy is seeking current sophomores and juniors involved in research to join the UI-MARC program during the academic year of 2025 - 2026. The UI-MARC (Maximizing Access to Research Careers) is an NIH-funded program that supports students committed to pursuing a research-focused PhD or MD/PhD program in the biomedical sciences (not intended for clinical only careers). The fellowship is for June 1, 2025 - May 30, 2026, during a student's junior or senior year.

This fellowship provides a monthly stipend, up 60% of tuition and fees, conference travel funding, and professional development activities. 

Apply Now! The priority deadline is February 10, 2025.

Opportunities to learn more:

• Information Session (Zoom):       
  
  • December 11, 2024, 3:00 - 4:00 PM 
  • ZOOM Meeting Link     

• ISA Scholar Symposium 
  • Saturday, December 7, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm in Kollros Auditorium (101 BBE).
  • Learn more about research projects from current MARC students and talk to ISA program staff in person.

For more information, email ui-isa@uiowa.edu.

Keep scrolling down for much more program information!

Benefits for UI-MARC Scholars

By the time the UI-MARC trainees graduate, they are strong candidates for top graduate programs in the sciences. Those admitted to the UI-MARC program receive:

• Annual stipend of at least $14,340 for undergraduate research (paid monthly)
• Up to 60% tuition and fees covered.
• Preparation for a PhD education through hands-on research experience, seminars and conferences
• Financial support for travel to science conferences and professional meetings 
• Summer Research Support - on-campus room & board or funding for external research experience
• Inclusion in our close-knit community of students, faculty and staff 
• Career counseling

Who Should Apply?

• Current sophomores and juniors can apply for a fellowship during the junior or senior year (Graduating Spring 2026 or 2027)
• Enrolled in a supported major
• Currently hold a position in a research lab
• Committed to pursuing a research-focused PhD or MD/PhD in the Biomedical Sciences (not intended for clinical only careers)
• Hold at least a 3.0 GPA
• Be a United States citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• NIH definition of underrepresented - please note that race/ethnicity may not be used as eligibility criteria, but other criteria such as first generation, rural, and disadvantaged will be prioritized

Supported Majors

Students must declare at least one of the supported majors for their undergraduate studies in order to qualify for the UI-MARC program.

Iowa Sciences Academy is Accepting MARC applications NOW!

The deadline for priority consideration into the program is February 10, 2025. 

For more information see our ISA website or contact us at UI-ISA@uiowa.edu.