CNIO Summer Research Training is a prestigious programme offered by the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) in Madrid, Spain. It provides undergraduate students from around the world with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Biomedicine, Life Sciences, and related fields. Participants will work in top research groups, guided by experienced scientists, and engage in cutting-edge cancer research. This programme is ideal for students looking to enhance their research skills and explore a future career in biomedical sciences.

For summer 2025, CNIO will select up to six students for an eight-week training programme, running from June 23 to August 14, 2025. During this period, students will participate in laboratory work, attend scientific seminars, and receive mentorship from leading researchers. CNIO will provide financial support, covering travel expenses, meals, and insurance, ensuring students can fully focus on their research experience.

Training Benefits

Students selected for the CNIO Summer Research Training will receive several benefits, including:

• Fully funded travel: CNIO will cover the cost of a round-trip ticket from the student’s home city to Madrid, Spain.
• Hands-on research experience: Participants will work closely with experienced researchers in a leading biomedical research centre.
• Supervised training: Each student will be assigned to a research group and guided by a supervisor throughout the programme.
• Scientific seminars: Students will attend weekly lectures by CNIO researchers to learn about the latest advancements in cancer research and life sciences.
• Presentation opportunity: At the end of the programme, students will present their research findings in a special session.
• Free meals: CNIO will subsidize breakfast and lunch at the centre’s cafeteria during the programme.
• Health and accident insurance: Students will be covered by a personal accident insurance policy. Those from non-European Health Card (EHC) countries will also receive private health and repatriation insurance unless they have their own valid coverage.
• Certificate of completion: After successfully completing the programme, students will receive a certificate stating their area of training.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the CNIO Summer Research Training, you must meet the following requirements:

• Academic progress: You must have completed at least two-thirds of your undergraduate degree in Biomedicine, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• Student status: You must remain an undergraduate student for the entire programme duration (June 23 – August 14, 2025).
• Academic performance: You must have an excellent academic record with a GPA of at least 0.75 (your GPA divided by the highest possible GPA).
• English proficiency: You must have a good command of English, as it is the programme’s working language.
• Full availability: You must be available to participate for the full 8 weeks from June 23 to August 14, 2025. Students who cannot attend for the entire period will not be eligible.

Application Process

To apply for the CNIO Summer Research Training, follow these steps:

1. Complete the online application form: Fill in all required fields with accurate information.
2. Provide personal details, including:
   • Full name
   • Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
   • Nationality
   • Gender
   • Email address
   • Home address, including city, province/state, postal code, and country
   • Contact phone number
3. Enter academic details, including:
   • Level of English proficiency
   • Degree programme (Biomedicine, Life Sciences, or related field)
   • University name
   • Normal duration of the degree (in years)
   • Current GPA and maximum possible GPA
   • Total credits required for the degree and credits completed
   • Other degrees, awards, or achievements (optional, max. 1000 characters)
4. Select three research groups or units in order of preference.
5. Provide additional information, including:
   • Laboratory experience outside of your degree (max. 1000 characters)
   • A short explanation of why you are interested in this programme (max. 1000 characters)
   • Any other relevant information (optional, max. 1000 characters)
6. Upload your CV in PDF, DOC, DOCX, or RTF format, with a maximum file size of 1 MB.
7. Confirm your application by agreeing to CNIO’s Data Protection Policy.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Completed application form: Fill in all required fields with accurate personal and academic details.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Upload in PDF, DOC, DOCX, or RTF format, with a maximum file size of 1 MB.
• Two recommendation letters: These should be from professors or researchers who can assess your academic and research abilities.
• Official academic transcript: This should show completed courses, total credits earned, and GPA.
• Copy of passport or national ID: A valid identification document is required.
• Proof of health insurance: Applicants must provide proof of valid health coverage for the entire summer programme. Students from countries that issue the European Health Card (EHC) must submit this document.

Selection Process

The CNIO Summer Research Training follows a competitive selection process based on academic excellence and motivation. The steps are as follows:

1. Application Review: All submitted applications will be reviewed to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and include the required documents.
2. Shortlisting of Candidates: Applicants with strong academic records and a clear interest in research will be shortlisted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
3. Evaluation Criteria: Selection is based on:
   • Academic performance (GPA and completed credits)
   • Motivation letter (clarity, research interest, and enthusiasm)
   • Recommendation letters (endorsement from professors or researchers)
   • Relevant research experience (if applicable)
4. Preference for Final-Year Students: If two candidates have similar qualifications, priority will be given to those in their final year of study.
5. Final Selection and Notification: Successful candidates will be notified via email, and the list of selected students will be published on the CNIO website.

Training Duration

The CNIO Summer Research Training will run for eight weeks, from June 23 to August 14, 2025.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the CNIO Summer Research Training is March 31, 2025

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