Summer Research Scholar Program

The Summer Research Scholar Program at Hackensack Meridian Health's Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) is an unpaid, in-person lab research experience for high school and college students. CDI is in Nutley, New Jersey. Each year the program trains close to 40 students. Scholars work in labs that study infectious diseases, cancer, immunology, and neurocognitive and behavioral health. The program does not pay a stipend. The 2026 program began on June 1 or July 6 and ended August 14, 2026.

Students above age 16 can apply, and anyone under 18 needs consent from a parent or guardian. Participants must work at least 25 hours a week in person, since remote and hybrid setups are not allowed, and all participants must be cleared by the Hackensack Meridian Health Volunteer Office before starting. To apply, students submit an online application with a short statement of interest, and strong applicants are invited to interview for a lab placement. For 2026, applications opened December 10, 2025, and were due February 16, 2026.