Research in science and engineering program begun

Harvard College has created the Program for Research in Science and Engineering (PRISE) to establish a stimulating, collegial, and diverse residential community for Harvard undergraduates engaged in summer research in life science, physical science, applied science, mathematics, and engineering.

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“Scientific research is becoming more and more collaborative and interdisciplinary,” says PRISE Director Gregory Llacer. “PRISE offers a unique opportunity to cultivate the compelling academic and social purposes of developing a diverse, vibrant, and collegial community of young investigators. In addition, PRISE serves the practical purpose of providing a place to live at Harvard for 10 weeks in the summer. The goal of the program is to ignite the enthusiasm of PRISE fellows through activities that enrich and complement their work with Harvard faculty, and to help pave the way for the next generation of the world’s great scientists.”

PRISE will be a 10-week program for students working with Harvard faculty in relevant academic departments and research centers in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, as well as program directors and principal investigators in the Harvard Medical School, the School of Public Health, affiliated research institutes and hospitals, and other academic and administrative units throughout the University.

Summer 2006 will be the pilot year for this new and innovative high-profile program, which has been designed to stimulate community and creativity among a cohort of motivated Harvard undergraduates. The program is being created at the recommendation of the Task Force on Women in Science and Engineering.

Participation in the program will include housing in one of the Harvard College residences, partial board, free shuttle service for those working in the Longwood Medical Area, and evening programming and workshops on such topics as fundamentals in laboratory training; tips on preparing a lecture or poster session for a scientific meeting; how to select and apply to graduate schools; how to apply for National Science Foundation, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and other fellowships; the history of science; ethical issues in research; and professional opportunities available to those with degrees in the sciences and mathematics.

To be eligible for PRISE, a student must secure a position to conduct research in mathematics, natural science, applied science, or engineering with a member of the Harvard faculty in one of the University’s academic departments, affiliated research facilities or hospitals. Students who have not yet secured research funding will be encouraged to submit PRISE applications concurrently with applications for research funding. Acceptance to PRISE will be contingent upon securing a research position. Supplemental funds for those students with a summer savings requirement will be available.